(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Supreme Court has announced changes to who has access to eviction court files in hopes of expediting rental assistance. The new order gives the Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Housing Development Authority access to sealed eviction files. This will help more quickly verify if rental assistance applicants are facing eviction.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois General Assembly passed a change to the state school code on Thursday that would allow educators to be able to take time off for reasons related to COVID-19, without using any of their accrued sick time. Two amendments to HB2778 require all school districts, community colleges, and public universities to give their employees paid administrative leave “as required to abide by such public health guidance, mandates, and requirements issued by the Department of Public Health.” The amendments also provide for paid leave for the educator if they have a child that must isolate due to virus exposure. The change would also mandate full pay and benefits for employees that must physically work on campus, like custodians and bus drivers, if the school must temporarily switch to remote instruction. Finally, school districts and higher education institutions would have to return sick days that educators used during the 2021-2022 academic year to follow COVID-19 public health guidelines. It now goes to Governor Pritzker for approval.
(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton first responders were called to a two vehicle head on accident Thursday evening. The accident occurred on Ottawa Street near the Napa Autoparts store. No word on if there were any injuries.
(Rantoul-tr)-- Economic Development in Rantoul has been increasing travel to the Rantoul Area. With additional traffic using the I-57 mile marker 250 exit, Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith has put in a request to IDOT about a new speed limit in the area….
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.
(Loda-jm) -- The village of Loda is one step closer to getting a new water tower. The village board approved the $975,160 bid in September. The board approved allowing the village president to sign documents related to the $1.28 million project. Work is expected to begin in the spring.
(Springfield-jm) -- People with certain health conditions that make them moderately or severely immunocompromised may get a fourth COVID-19 shot according to updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The shot is available to those six months after getting their booster shot. Health departments recommend talking to your doctor to see if you qualify for the fourth shot.
(Springfield-jm) -- A new report shows Illinoisans are dealing with the highest wireless taxes in the nation. The report from the Tax Foundation shows Illinois charges combined federal, state and local tax rates of 34.56%. Idaho, which has the lowest taxes in the nation, charges 14.63%. The average across the nation is 23.94%, according to the report.
(Charleston-jm) -- Tuition and fees are being eliminated for some local students at Eastern Illinois University. The financial aid package is available to qualified incoming first-year freshmen. Students who may be eligible if their family’s annual adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less and if they are from one of the following counties: Champaign, DeWitt, Piatt and Vermilion Counties.
(Rantoul-tr)-- A Halloween event put on by the Parks and Recreation Department in Rantoul will be held tonight 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
(Paxton-jm) -- The Paxton Civic Center will be getting a new HVAC system. The board approved the $5,200 bid from Magers Repair of Paxton for the project.
