(Paxton-jm) – Paxton first responders were called to a car versus semi accident on I-57 Tuesday night. Crews were called to the accident on I-57 northbound about 2 and a half miles north of Paxton just before 10 pm. No word on if there were any injuries.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker says despite the reported Supreme Court opinion on Roe v Wade, abortions will remain legal in Illinois. The Governor signed a law a few years ago in anticipation of such a move, establishing a fundamental right to reproductive healthcare. That includes abortions…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor says Illinois will continue to be open to women from other states seeking an abortion. According to the most recent data in 2019, more than 75 hundred out of state residents traveled to Illinois for the procedure.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J.B. Pritzker has extended the COVID-19 disaster in Illinois for another 30 days. He said the virus continues to infect and claim the lives of too many Illinoisans each day. In the latest proclamation, Pritzker said the situation remains fluid as a new omicron variant has caused surges in cases, hospitalizations and deaths in other parts of the world and is now leading to an increase in cases in Illinois.
(Gibson City-tr) – The GCMS Highschool FFA program is currently preparing for their annual scholarship auction May 7th. GCMS FFA President Xander Weir (We’re) details a few key items featured on this year's auction…
GCMS FFA President Xander Weir.
(Paxton-jm) – A Paxton business is receiving some money from the city as part of a redevelopment agreement. Ruby Jewel will receive $25,000 from the city for facade improvements.
(Mahomet-jm) – The Mahomet Seymour school board rejected bids to renovate the matroom in the junior high and instead opted to approve portable classrooms. The district budgeted $200,000 to renovate the matroom into 5 spaces, 2 classrooms and 2 offices. However the bids came in over budget and had a 19 week timeline. The district will spend $83,500 to set up the portable classrooms then pay $65,000 over 3 years for the portable classrooms.
(Springfield-jm) – Republican lawmakers continue to be critical of the historic $45 billion state budget passed during the spring session. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington says it does little to solve the state’s issues and may create problems in the future…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.
(Urbana-jm) – A Champaign man has been sentenced to prison and probation for sexual assault. Joshua Jacobs was sentenced to 75 days in prison and 4 years probation after pleading guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse back in December 2019.
(Springfield-jm) – Willie Nelson is coming to perform at the Illinois State Fair. Willie Nelson & Family will headline the Illinois Lottery Grandstand on Tuesday, August 16. Tickets go on sale May 7.
(Springfield-jm) – One state lawmaker says more can be done to ensure Illinois is a safe haven for reproductive rights. While abortions will continue to be legal in Illinois regardless of the potential overturning of Roe v Wade, Representative Kelly Cassidy of Chicago says additional legislation may prove beneficial. That includes a measure passed by the House this spring but still awaits a vote in the Senate…
State Representative Kelly Cassidy of Chicago. Cassidy says the state can also offer more resources to out of state women looking to get a legal abortion in Illinois.
(Springfield-jm) – Governors from eight Midwest states, including Illinois, asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a permanent waiver that will allow each state to continue selling ethanol-blended gas year-round without restriction. The EPA's decision to suspend restrictions of summer sales of the lower-carbon, lower-cost E15 gasoline is temporary and only applies to the 2022 summer driving season. E15 is usually prohibited between June 1 and Sept. 15 because of concerns that it adds to smog in high temperatures.
(Ford County-tr) – The Ford County Public Health Department is offering support to local caregivers. FCPHD Caregiver Advisor Becky Beck says that family caregivers serve as a critical component to the life and well being of older adults…
FCPHD Caregiver Advisor Becky Beck. If you'd like more information about the program, call the Ford County Public Health Department and ask for Becky Beck at 217-379-9281.
(Iroquois County-jm) – Three people were sent to the hospital after a DUI crash, on Saturday. According to police on April 30, officers investigated a two-vehicle accident in the 700 block of W. Seminary in Onarga. Police reports indicate a vehicle driven by Ernesto A. Espinoza, 24, of Thawville was traveling westbound on W. Seminary when he began to veer into the eastbound lane of traffic and collided with an eastbound traveler. Authorities say Nicholas Munoz, 29, of Onarga was the eastbound traveler and he and an additional passenger were transported to Riverside Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries sustained from the crash. Espinoza was transported to St. Mary's Hospital, also with non-life-threatening injuries. Police say Espinoza showed signs of alcohol impairment and charged him for driving under the influence and for driving on the wrong side of the roadway.
(Champaign-jm) – Carle will be offering a pop-up booster community clinic at both the Carle Champaign on Curtis clinic and the Carle Urbana on Windsor clinic the first two weekends in May. Anyone who is eligible for a first or second dose COVID-19 booster can schedule time at either clinic location Saturday, May 7 and the weekend of May 14-15. Community members can schedule their booster appointment by calling the Carle COVID-19 hotline, (217) 902-6100.
