(Springfield-jm) -- The State Department of Public Health is joining the FDA in recommending COVID-19 booster shots for all adults. Most of the state remains at a high risk for transmission of the virus, and new cases increased 25 percent over the past week in Illinois. Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike says with that in mind, it’s a good idea to get the extra protection…

 

 

State Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike. Ezike says the booster should be given six months after the Pfizer or Moderna shot and two months after the Johnson and Johnson version. To find a vaccine booster location near you, visit: vaccines dot gov.

 

 

(Ashkum-jm) -- District 21 Illinois State Police will be conducting Distracted Driving Enforcement Patrols tomorrow. WPXN’s Jason Madden has the details…

 

 

 

(Rural Rankin-jm) -- A Hoopeston woman is dead following a crash on Route 49 south of Rankin. Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden pronounced 70 year old Brenda McVicker dead at the scene. Illinois State Police say McVicker was in a vehicle that slowed behind a semi because of a school bus that had its lights activated. Another semi hit McVicker’s vehicle causing it to strike the semi in front and catch fire. 

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois is making it easier for students to apply to in state colleges. The state is using the Common App which allows students to use the same application at more than one in state school. One of the biggest challenges facing students is getting financial aid. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about resources available for students when it comes to financial aid…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- The University of Illinois Board of Trustees announced that it approved a plan to allocate more money to help students and faculty at all three U of I campuses in the state. The board approved a request for more than $683 million in operating funds for the fiscal year 2023, which is 10 percent higher than the current year’s budget. The request is the first step in the annual budget process and will be submitted for consideration by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the governor and the Illinois General Assembly.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The statewide unemployment rate was down and jobs were up last month in Illinois. The jobless rate for October is six percent, down from the adjusted September rate of six point two percent. Some more positive signs, State Department of Employment Security Acting Director Kristin Richards says more than 41 thousand jobs were added last month…

 

 

State Department of Employment Security Acting Director Kristin Richards. These numbers are a big change over last year at this time, when the October unemployment rate was over eight percent.

 

 

(Champaign-Vermillion County-tr) -- Christmas bags are being prepared by Faith in Action at OSF Healthcare in Champaign for seniors who may be lonely in Champaign and Vermilion County. Christmas Bag Spokesperson Nicole Dowling gives a list of acceptable donation items…

 

 

Christmas Bag Spokesperson Nicole Dowling. Donations are being accepted until December 3rd.

 

 

(Champaign County-jm) -- The two Champaign County jails will soon be consolidated into one facility. The vote on the $20 million proposal came after about two hours of heated debate at the Champaign County Board meeting.  The plan is to close the downtown jail and add two new pods onto the satellite jail. One will be a designated special needs pod, allowing for separation of rival offenders and preventing COVID-19 spread, among other purposes.

 

(Champaign-tr)-- With the Covid-19 response pushing the Champaign Parade of lights to go virtual last year, Parade of lights Spokesperson Xander Hazel says that with the 21st annual parade being on and in-person this year, Xander Hopes the parade can help bring the community together… 

 

 

Champaign Parade of Lights Spokesperson Xander Hazel.

 

 

(Farmer City-jm) -- The Farmer City Heritage Days planning committee is excited to announce the headliners for the 2022 Heritage Days Festival in Farmer City, Illinois. On Friday, June 3, 2022, a country music artist with multiple Top 10 hits, 3 of those being Number 1’s, Tyler Farr, will be headlining the night. Then, on Saturday, June 4, 2022, the rock group Black Stone Cherry will be taking the stage. Several support bands will be announced soon! General admission to the concerts is free to the public. Party pit tickets, which is the section closest to the stage, are available each night and on sale now at farmercityheritagedays.com. Party Pit tickets are $20, and you can Buy One / Get One Free until January 1, 2022.