(Springfield-jm) -- A House committee is voting to fine tune a state law so it doesn't apply to COVID-19 mandates. The Health Care Right of Conscience Act was designed to protect health care workers who are unwilling to perform a procedure or provide a service because it goes against their religious beliefs. But some people have been using this to fight vaccines and testing mandates. That’s become a problem, says Ashley Wright with the Illinois Attorney General’s office…
Illinois Attorney General's Office Ashley Wright. Opponents want to protect a person’s right to choose and are concerned the act could be further amended to cover other vaccines. The change will now face a vote in the House. Since it would take effect immediately, it will take a super majority to pass the measure.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 2,213 new and probable COVID-19 cases and 34 additional deaths. The seven day positivity rate is 2.2 percent. Locally Champaign County reported 33 new cases bringing their total to 27,268. Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion Counties did not have a report Tuesday.
(Ford County-tr)-- The Ford County Health Department is partnering with Jerimiah 33:6 to provide food to families in need. Ford County Health Department Spokesperson Megan Reutter shares what the partnership means...
Ford County Health Department Spokesperson Megan Reutter. The drive thru food pantry is today from 3:30-5:30 pm.
(Urbana-jm) -- In updating our story from yesterday, the University of Illinois Police Department believes they have found the person who inappropriately touched a student on Saturday on the Quad. Richard Endsley, 65, of Champaign, was issued a state of Illinois notice to appear in court for aggravated battery. Endsley reportedly touched the buttocks of a U. of I. student. The student recognized him as the man responsible when she saw him Monday night and called police.
(Paxton-tr) -- Paxton received a clean audit this year from the Kemper CPA Group, Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold has more…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.
(Elliott-jm) -- The Ford County village of Elliott will spend $19,500 for alley work. The village approved a bid from Lee Excavating of Paxton to apply gravel to all the alleys in the village in the spring.
(Undated-jm) -- Fall harvesting continues as we hear in the weekly crop report. Temperatures were about two degrees above normal and rainfall slightly above average this past week, leaving almost five days suitable for fieldwork, says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 67 percent of winter wheat has been planted and 48 percent emerged. Average statewide topsoil moisture is rated at two percent very short, eight percent short, 65 percent adequate and 25 percent surplus.
(Springfield-jm) -- An amendment repealing the state’s Parental Notification Law cleared a Senate committee Tuesday night. The measure removes the requirement that a minor’s parents be notified before she gets an abortion. Supporters say teenage girls should be able to make decisions for themselves about their pregnancies. Senator Jil Tracy of Quincy questions why teens are mature enough to seek an abortion on their own, but not do other things under current law…
State Senator Jil Tracy of Quincy. Opponents also argue that parents should be a part of such a big decision and point out that teens in abusive situations can already go to court to get around the notification requirement. The bill now moves to the full Senate.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 2,213 new and probable COVID-19 cases and 34 additional deaths. The seven day positivity rate is 2.2 percent. Locally Champaign County reported 33 new cases bringing their total to 27,268. Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion Counties did not have a report Tuesday.
(Paxton-tr)-- The Paxton Buckley Loda School district received a clean audit from Russell Leigh & Associates at the board's last meeting. PBL Schools Superintendent Cliff McClure has the details..
PBL Superintendent Cliff McClure.
(Champaign County-jm) -- COVID-19 Pfizer booster vaccination clinics will be wrapping up in Champaign County today, health officials announced. Vaccinations will take place today at the iHotel in Champaign from 9-4 no appointment is needed.
(Rantoul-tr)-- The village of Rantoul has set its sights on expanding its C-Cart service, Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith has some details on what the village would like to do…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.
(Undated-jm) -- The average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline spiked 13 cents over the past two weeks, to $3.44 per gallon. The price at the pump is $1.22 higher than a year ago. The Lundberg Survey says the rise comes as the cost of crude oil surges. Locally prices range from $3.30 to $3.59 a gallon.
(Springfield-jm) -- Fall harvesting continues as we hear in the weekly crop report. 78 percent of corn has now been harvested, on par with last year and a little ahead of the five year average. 68 percent of soybeans have been harvested, which is behind the usual pace. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener looks at other crops...
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Pastures improved to 48 percent in good to excellent condition and average statewide topsoil moisture came in at two percent very short, 8 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 25 percent surplus.
