(Springfield-jm) -- The State of Illinois announced on Thursday that face coverings are now required in all state facilities for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The announcement comes as data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the majority of counties across Illinois are experiencing substantial or high COVID-19 transmission. State employees, regardless of their vaccination status, must one wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth while in a workplace or performing work duties in indoor settings outside of their residence.
(Springfield-jm) -- State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet has filed a resolution for a full and complete audit of the state’s fraud-plagued unemployment system. A financial audit of the Illinois Department of Employment Security was released earlier this week. The audit uncovered several issues.
(Springfield--jc) -- Unemployment fraud has been rampant over the last year with the pandemic. Leaders in Springfield have released some numbers on the issue, We have reaction from 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson city
(Cissna Park--jc) The 20-21 Old Settlers Reunion is set for next month in Cissna Park. The annual 3 day celebration takes place on August 19th through the 21st in the park in Cissna Park. Entertainment schedule includes a talent show on the 19th at 7-30, the Dixie Flyer Band on the 20th at 7-30 and Mike Porter and Marsha Banning on Saturday the 21st at 8pm. The annual parade steps off at noon on the 21st. WPXN will be broadcasting the parade live as part of our Summer Fun Tour 2021.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,651 new coronavirus cases and 12 additional deaths Thursday. Champaign County reported 69 new cases and 1 additional death bringing their total number of cases to 21,687 and deaths to 159. Vermilion County reported 15 new cases bringing their total to 10,250. Ford and Iroquois Counties did not have a report Thursday. Tonight on the news at 4 and 5 we will look at case numbers in various communities.
(Urbana-jm) -- Gates open at 10 am for the second to last day of the Champaign County Fair. The carnival starts at 5, demo derby is at 7 and 3 Gun Whiskey performs at 9. Tomorrow is the final day of the fair. It’s first responder day. Gates open at 8 am, ITPA tractor pulls are at noon, from noon to 5 its $25 unlimited ride bracelets at 5 its the IPA truck and tractor pulls.
(Paxton-jm) -- The Ford County Public Health Department is asking for the public's help collecting dead birds. The department collects and tests dead birds as part of its West Nile virus surveillance program. If you find a dead bird in Ford County, call 217-379-9281.
(Washington-jm) -- USDA food price analysts are sticking with their previous forecast for overall food price hikes this year, but they have increased their forecasts for meat prices. Gary Crawford reports…
(Paxton--jc) An open house for Dawn Good-Adwell is set for 1pm to 3pm today at the Farmers Merchants Bank of Illinois in Paxton. Dawn has been at the local bank since 1978.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting their Freedom Fridays Live Music with Lisa and Dave tonight from 6 to 9 pm.
The Rantoul Family Sports Complex will hold a Movie at the Park tonight starting at 7:30 showing the movie Sing.
The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk tomorrow from 9 to 3.
Paxton IGA will be hosting their cookout benefiting the 1st Lutheran Church Youth Group tomorrow from 10 to 2.
(Springfield-jm) -- For months many have asked the Illinois Department of Employment Security why their unemployment offices are not open and consistently get the same response. "There have been credible threats," they say. Now, IDES has finally confirmed what those threats are: Arson, bombs and vandalism.
(Springfield-jm) -- With the school year approaching, Illinois lawmakers are working to make sure children get on and off the bus safely. Previously, speed zones around schools became active at 7 a.m., but now under a new Illinois law, they will start at 6:30 a.m. on school days. The bill is effective immediately and aims to protect kids coming off the school bus by making sure drivers aren't speeding past early in the morning.
(Springfield--jc) -- Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker is signing what he calls landmark legislation to increase affordable housing opportunities for Illinois residents. The new laws direct 75 million dollars in covid relief money towards building and rehabbing housing in areas of the state hit hardest by the pandemic, says the governor…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Additionally, the state’s affordable housing tax credit will be extended through 20-26 and another provision expands access to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,651 new coronavirus cases and 12 additional deaths Thursday. Champaign County reported 69 new cases and an additional death. Vermilion County reported 15 new cases. Tonight at 4 and 5, we’ll look at outbreaks at area long term care facilities.
(Gilman--jc) -- Gilman Super Saturday is back this year. The day long event takes place on Saturday September 11th. The day starts with an opening ceremony and a salute to first responders at 8am. A “Slow Boys” antique tractor show, car and motorcycle show, flea market, porkburger cookout, bags tournament , pet parade and live music hilite the day in Gilman.
(Urbana-jm) -- The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is reinstating its mask policy. Following the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Tuesday, whether you are vaccinated or not, you'll be asked to wear a mask on campus. All faculty, staff, students, and visitors are to wear a face covering inside university facilities starting today.
(Washington-jm) -- Will food shoppers finally see prices go down in 2022? Gary Crawford…
