(Springfield-jm) – The Department of Children and Family Services is already facing a shortage of proper foster homes, some kids are even forced to stay in offices. Now, lawmakers are concerned that some kids are being blocked from proper placements because of false behavior reports. A new bill filed in the Illinois House would create a review commission to help sort out the truth and get more kids into proper care. The commission would be made up of nine people who have experience with the foster care system, appointed by the governor.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is urging communities to put their own COVID-19 restrictions in place if necessary. With some areas running out of ICU beds, the Governor says local leaders may want to crack down even further than the state’s current indoor mask mandate. He points to a new vaccine requirement for entering certain businesses taking effect in the Chicago area next week…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Every county in Illinois is currently rated at high risk for transmission of the virus. Tuesday the state reported 20,804 new cases and 96 additional deaths. The seven day positivity rate rose to 12.4 percent. Locally, Champaign County reported 641 new cases and 3 additional deaths. Vermilion County reported 115 new cases and 3 additional deaths. Ford and Iroquois Counties did not have a report Tuesday.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Labor is reminding the public about some new laws taking effect in the new year. One new law expands what’s called the VESSA Act to cover more than just victims of domestic violence says Labor Assistant Director Jason Keller…

 

 

Illinois Department of Labor Assistant Director Jason Keller. Another law makes trampoline courts subject to inspection by the state, just as amusement park rides must be checked before they can start operating.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A homeless man awaiting trial on 3 separate theft cases is facing more charges for allegedly stealing from two more stores. Sean Cox is charged with burglary for allegedly stealing 9 tools from Menards valued at over $1,500 and a speaker from Best Buy valued at $800. Cox is currently also charged with stealing on three different days in July. If convicted he faces 3-14 years in prison. 

 

(Washington-jm) – This past year's hikes in food prices have been bigger than average, but smaller than in some years. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois travelers have the chance to make their voices heard. The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking for feedback on the state's transportation system through its annual survey. The Illinois Traveler Opinion Survey seeks feedback on topics such as road conditions, ice and snow removal, commuting habits, and driving behaviors. Participants will also be asked about the cleanliness of roads, electronic message boards, traffic signal timing, whether their travel habits changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which area they think is the most critical for Illinois to invest in, and more.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new state law taking effect January 1st will ensure kids can pursue the long-standing tradition of setting up a lemonade stand. 12 year old Hayli Martinez of Kankakee inspired the measure after her stand was shut down by local public health officials. She testified before a Senate committee back in March…

 

 

Hayli Martinez of Kankakee. Under the law, state and local public health departments cannot require a permit or regulate the sale of lemonade and other non-alcoholic drinks by kids under 16.

 

(Penfield-jm) – An Indiana construction company has been awarded the contract to upgrade a pond at Middlefork Forest Preserve near Penfield. White Construction submitted a bid of $603,000 to remove silt build up, increase the depth of the pond, remove the island and improve the beach area. Crews hope to start work soon and have the majority of the project done by the time camping season, begins in May.

 

(Washington-jm) – After two straight years of above average food price increases, what's in store for food shoppers in the new year? Gary Crawford reports…