(Springfield-jm) -- Gambling on college sports in Illinois could soon become legal after the General Assembly passed a comprehensive gaming package during the fall veto session. The amendment to House Bill 3136 passed easily through both chambers with bipartisan support. The amendment allows all sportsbooks to take wagers on Illinois college teams, something that was restricted when the original gaming bill passed in 2019. When betting on Illinois colleges within the state line, you must place wagers in person at the sportsbook, not on apps or online. Also, only tier one wager can be made on in-state teams – so only on the outcome of the game. The program has a sunset provision or a trial run until July 1, 2023, unless the General Assembly chooses to extend it.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health released updated guidance to help Illinoisans celebrate the holidays safely as the pandemic continues. Among the new guidance is a recommendation for residents to wait until they are fully vaccinated to travel. IDPH also says indoor holiday gatherings should be small and seating should be spaced to all for social distancing.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois State Board of Education is releasing the latest school report card, with a look at how the pandemic has affected Illinois schools. More than seven billion dollars in federal funding has gone to schools to help address challenges presented by the virus. This has let districts hire more staff, says State Board of Education Research Officer Brenda Dixon…
State Board of Education Research Officer Brenda Dixon. The data also shows that student enrollment has dropped over the year, especially among younger children, says State Schools Superintendent Carmen Ayala…
State Schools Superintendent Carmen Ayala. Ayala says participation in advanced placement and dual credit courses is up, but there’s been a drop in the number of students meeting learning standards, particularly in language arts and math. She says they plan to launch a tutoring initiative early next year to help struggling kids get caught up.
(Springfield-jm) -- More than half of all Illinoians are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Friday. The Illinois Department of Public Health also reports 69% of Illinois residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Friday, Illinois reported 2,649 new cases and 22 additional deaths. As for local case numbers Friday, Champaign County reported 58 new cases. Vermilion County reported 23 new cases and 3 additional deaths bringing their total deaths to 200. Ford County reported 31 new cases. Iroquois County did not have a report.
(Gilman-jm) -- The railroad crossing at Route 45 in Gilman will be closed starting today. T-P-and-W Railway will be replacing the crossing. The closure is expected to last seven days and a detour will be set up.
(Paxton-tr)-- Ruby Jewels Antiques and Gifts in Paxton will be having an Open House November 5th and 6th. The Open House will showcase new fall items and holiday decor that can only be found at Ruby Jewels in Paxton. Ruby Jewels Spokesperson Melody Heneger has more…
Ruby Jewels Operator Melody Heneger.
(Washington-jm) -- Mexico's planned ban on growing genetically modified corn for human food is getting some reaction from the scientific world. Gary Crawford reports…
***News nws3082gm corn***
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois is on the verge of becoming the 36th state to legalize the practice of midwifery. Midwives provide care to clients throughout a low-risk pregnancy and even help with recovery and newborn care. The practice has been illegal in Illinois since 1992, but that all changed during the veto session. The passage of House Bill 3401 will provide licensure for certified professional midwives in Illinois and an Illinois Midwifery Board.
(Springfield-jm) -- Very few Illinoisans are signing up to get a digital copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card. Since the original launch on August 11, the Illinois Department of Public Health says only 141,889 people have signed up for Vax Verify, an online portal that provides public access to the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs is asking the public to reach out to residents of state veterans homes. The Operation Rising Spirit campaign aims to do just that says Department of Veterans Affairs Acting Director Terry Prince…
Prince goes on to say it can really brighten someone’s day…
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Acting Director Terry Prince. You can send cards and letters to the Veterans’ Affairs office in Springfield to be forwarded to one of the state’s five vets homes or send an electronic message via the website: veterans dot illinois dot gov.
(Mahomet-jm) -- One person is dead after two semi’s collided near Mahomet Saturday afternoon. Illinois State Police say a semi was merging onto I-74 when a second semi couldn’t move over and struck the rear of the other semi. That driver died at the scene. The driver of the semi merging onto the interstate was cited for failure to yield to traffic while merging.
(Rantoul-jm) -- The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County has been serving the needs of families in Rantoul, Thomasboro, Ludlow, Gifford and Fisher since 1971. Director Andy Kulczycki says they are always in need of help…
Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County Director Andy Kulczycki.
(Washington-jm) -- Producers, as a whole, received slightly less in prices for their commodities in September compared to the previous month. Rod Bain reports…
