(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging people to watch out for rabid bats and other animals this summer. Four rabid bats have been reported in Illinois since May 15th. They were found in Champaign, Jackson, Macon and Will Counties, says State Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey…

 

 

State Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey. Public health officials say while there is a preventive treatment for rabies, it’s one of the deadliest diseases. If you have been bitten by any animal, it’s advised to seek medical care immediately.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus have been confirmed in Illinois for 2022. The DuPage County Health Department collected a positive mosquito batch on May 24, from Roselle in DuPage. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. People older than 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.

 

(Springfield-jm) – New state laws will further protect consumers when it comes to health insurance coverage. The laws give the Illinois Department of Insurance additional authority to help people surprised with huge medical bills and requires health insurance cards to include more information such as deductibles, out of pocket maximums and contact numbers. These will help with several issues, says Agency Director Dana Popish Severinghaus…

 

 

Illinois Department of Insurance Director Dana Popish Severinghaus. Another law sets up a study into health insurance access and affordability among a variety of demographics.

 

(Undated-jm) – According to new U.S. Census data released Thursday, cities and towns in Illinois lost more than 104,000 people in the 12 months up to July 1, 2021. Nearly half of Illinois’ loss was from Chicago. There were big winners in Illinois, but even bigger losers. By total population, the top three gains in Illinois were Yorkville, Montgomery and Champaign, which all gained less than 1,000 people. The top three cities with the greatest losses were Chicago, which lost over 45,000, Cicero and Arlington Heights.

 

(Gilman -tr) – The Iroquois West School District held their Graduation Ceremony this past Saturday. Iroquois West Superintendent Angelo Lekkas shared some thoughtful words about the graduating class and their accomplishments…

 

 

Iroquois West Superintendent Angelo Lekkas.

 

(Urbana-jm) – A man is dead after he was hit by a car Wednesday night. It happened near Park Street and Cunningham Avenue shortly before 9 p.m.

Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup said 50-year-old Christopher Bowen was crossing the street at the time. Bowen was pronounced dead at the hospital. According to police officers, the driver of the vehicle involved, a 27-year-old, Urbana woman was cited for operation of an uninsured motor vehicle for failing to provide valid insurance at the time of the crash. She submitted to chemical testing and was released.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Firefighters responded to a house engulfed in flames overnight on Thursday. This happened between Stonebridge Street and Ironwood Lane. Fire officials were called to the scene around 2:00 a.m. They reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the home.

 

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary Thursday explained new proposals designed to benefit poultry producers in the marketplace. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – The unemployment rate was down and jobs were up in most Illinois metro areas last month. The jobless rate fell from year ago levels in all of the state’s 14 metro areas, says Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Kristin Richards…

 

 

Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Kristin Richards. Over the year job gains were seen in all metro areas except Danville. The largest increases were in Chicago and the suburbs as well as Rockford, Bloomington, Springfield and the Quad Cities.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Fifteen counties in Illinois are now listed as having high COVID-19 community level, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last week that number was 8. Ford, Champaign and McLean Counties remain at high risk. Iroquois and Vermilion Counties remain at low risk. The CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health encourage people in high risk areas to wear a mask indoors.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is signing three new laws to combat carjacking in Illinois. The first measure was sponsored by Chicago Representative Omar Aquino. At a press conference, he said it’s meant to help a person who has had their car stolen…

 

 

State Representative Omar Aquino of Chicago. Another law better funds police efforts to prevent and investigate carjackings while the third updates state law to address the latest in vehicle theft technology.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Thousands of Illinois families who are struggling to pay for the rising cost of utility bills will be getting an economic boost from the state. More than 250,000 families who are in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program will receive $200 to help with energy costs. All LIHEAP recipients are eligible to receive the one-time payment and no additional action is needed. The $200 will be paid directly to utility companies and will be marked as a LIHEAP credit on the bill in July. Recipients will also receive a letter. For those who aren't a part of LIHEAP, the deadline to apply for utility assistance is May 31, 2022.

 

(Rantoul-tr) – The village of Rantoul will be marking their village streets and parking lots across town.. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says a few state roads are exempt to this project…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

 

(Undated-jm) – The 21st Judicial circuit has a new judge starting in July. Marlow Jones has been appointed to fill the vacancy when Judge Adrienne Albrecht retires July 5th. Jones has served as assistant state’s attorney in Kankakee County. The 21st Judicial Circuit covers Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Center Partnership invites the public to explore Campustown this summer during the return of 13 Thursdays. The annual 13-week promotion features deals and discounts at participating Campustown businesses every Thursday starting yesterday.

 

(Washington-jm) – Funding for lending programs for meat and poultry processors is one of the latest announced efforts to expand production capacity. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

Danville Area Community College will host their annual car show on Saturday. Registration is from 9-11. Trophies will be handed out at 3.

 

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Rainbow Girls on Saturday from 10-2.