(Springfield-jm) -- Day care workers in Illinois will now be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing under a new executive order. In a release about the executive order, Governor Pritzker's office states that testing for COVID-19 may increase from just once a week. The mandate applies to more than 55,000 day care center staff among the 2,872 licensed day care centers in Illinois. Licensed day care center staff have until Dec. 3, 2021, to receive their first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose COVID-19 vaccine.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois General Assembly is back for the final week of the fall veto session. One of the topics that could be brought up is the repeal of the Parental Notification Act, says 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington…

 

 

That’s not the only controversial topic that could be brought up, says Senator Barickman…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- A man was shot during an apparent road rage incident in northern Champaign Sunday afternoon, according to Champaign police. Officers responded to the area of Town Center Boulevard and Prospect Avenue at approximately 1:13 p.m. following reports of a shooting. At that location, they found a crashed car with a 24-year-old man inside. The man had a life-threatening gunshot wound to the head and was transported to a local hospital. 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- There was a violence prevention task force announced recently. 106th District State Representative Tom Benentt of Gibson City talks about the task force…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton’s Tax Increment Financing District saw its biggest growth yet last fiscal year in the district's 9 year history. The TIF fund grew to $130,651. Leaders expect growth to continue.

 

(Champaign County-jm) -- The Champaign Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless said the community has an unfilled gap when it comes to housing people experiencing homelessness. The gap has left single individuals with what is called 'low-barrier' housing, which is housing that is meant to be accessible to everyone and a safe space for people suffering from addiction or mental illness. 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 15,131 newly confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 within the past week. There have also been 183 additional deaths. Locally Vermilion County reported 37 new cases Friday. Ford County reported 37 new cases. Champaign County reported 30 new cases and 2 additional deaths.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The fall veto session wraps up this week in Springfield. There could be some hot topic issues, says 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

Representative Bennett also talks about something he would like to see discussed and passed during the session…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- A Champaign man who shot and killed his former friend was found guilty of first degree murder by a jury Friday.  Calvin Williams shot Gerryontae Brown, at his home on East Eureka Street in Champaign, on November 12, 2020. Williams testified in his own defense that he believed Brown had a gun in his hand and that he shot first because he believed his life was in imminent danger. Sentencing is set for December 8. Williams can face 45 years to life in prison. 

 

(Rantoul-tr)-- A Halloween event put on by the Parks and Recreation Department in Rantoul will be held October 29th from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex. Rantoul’s Park and Recreation Director Luke Humphery shares the details… 

 

 

Rantoul’s Park and Recreation Director Luke Humphery.

 

(Bourbonnais-jm) -- A Gilman man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly tried to pass fake money in Kankakee County. 54 year old Brian Collins was arrested by Bourbonnais Police after he allegedly tried to pass counterfeit money at a business. Police discovered a loaded revolver under his seat when he was stopped. Collins is charged with forgery and aggravated unlawful use of a loaded weapon.

 

 

(Gibson City-jm) -- The Moyer District Library in Gibson City is going fine free. The library is removing fines on items returned late. Books will still have due dates.