(Springfield-jm) – Once again, schools will be able to take advantage of free COVID-19 tests from the University of Illinois’ Shield Program. About 258 districts throughout the state plus many private schools worked with Shield Illinois during this most recent academic year, utilizing the speedy saliva tests, says the Program’s Beth Heller…
Shield Illinois Program Director Beth Heller. Heller says this PCR test is especially helpful in early detection of the virus. The free testing for the upcoming school year will be paid for with federal funds. Districts are urged to sign up by July 15th at: shield illinois dot com.
(Undated-jm) – Caterpillar is moving its global headquarters out of Illinois. The formerly Peoria-based company announced the company's existing officers in Irving, Texas will become its new headquarters from the current location of Deerfield, Illinois.
(Melvin-tr) – The Ford County Fair is underway in Melvin. One staple at the fair for nearly 2 decades is Becks Concessions. Owner, Jay Beck, talks about his journey at the fair…
Ford County Fair Vendor Jay Beck of Becks Concessions
(Paxton-jm) – After three years, the Paxton Pool is officially open again. They opened Tuesday at noon for the first time since August of 2019. The pool is open Monday through Sunday with adult swim 12-1 and open swim 1-5.
(Watseka-jm) – Early voting is already underway ahead of the primary. The primary is set for June 28th. Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver talks about early voting as well as grace period voting…
Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver.
(Gifford-jm) – A Rantoul man is dead following a weekend crash near Gifford. Illinois State Police say 34 year old Scott Boyne was traveling on U-S 136 near county road 2400 when he left the road, struck an embankment and telephone pole and overturned, ejecting the driver.
(Champaign-jm) – Heat stroke and dehydration are common whenever the mercury rises and people without a home have fewer options to avoid the heat. That’s why CU at Home is extending hours for its Phoenix Center to offer a cooling station for people who need a break from the heat. They want to provide a safe place to make sure people don’t overheat. Often, when people think about shelters, it’s during the winter so people can stay warm. But the summer is just as important when central Illinois has high temperatures. When the heat index gets up to triple digits, the shelter opens up for extra cooling hours.
(Washington-jm) – What is USDA's latest outlook for corn and soybean production in Ukraine this year, based on information from that nation's ag ministry? Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is offering tips to stay safe during the heatwave. Extreme heat is hitting many parts of Illinois, and it’s important to use a little extra caution says IEMA Spokesperson Kevin Sur…
IEMA Spokesperson Kevin Sur. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, Sur says it’s important to stay hydrated with water, electrolyte drinks and diluted juices, and stay away from carbonated beverages and alcohol when it’s this hot. Loose, light-colored clothing is best, with long sleeves and pants to avoid sunburn. Also, please check on elderly neighbors and those who live alone, to make sure they are doing OK with the heat
(Washington-jm) – U.S. Representatives Rodney Davis of Illinois and Jake LaTurner of Kansas have introduced two pieces of legislation to implement work requirements for unemployed, able-bodied childless adults who are participating in Medicaid or the Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program. The legislation requires those people to work or volunteer no less than 20 hours per week to remain eligible for the federal social welfare programs. H.R. 8004, the America Works Act of 2022 reinstates work requirements for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents requiring childless adults, unless exempted, to work or participate in work-related training or education, for at least 20 hours per week in order to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Davis is the lead sponsor of this legislation. H.R. 8014, the Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act would impose a Medicaid work requirement directing all able-bodied adults to work or volunteer for no less than 20 hours per week. LaTurner is the lead sponsor of this legislation.
(Melvin-tr) – The Ford County Fair is underway in Melvin and we were able to speak with the new Ford County Fair Queen Gracelyn Greenburg. Gracelyn took time to share a little about herself and her family…
2022 Ford County Fair Queen Gracelyn Greenburg
(Melvin-jm) – Last night was the Little Mister and Miss Pageant and the Talent Show. Fair President Steve Meenan talks about what's happening tonight…
Ford County Fair Board President Steve Meenan.
(Gibson City-jm) – The former Bayern Stube restaurant in Gibson City has new owners. Gibson City resident Sam Horsch wants to bring a farm to table German restaurant to the building, called Horsch Radish.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County coroner identified a man killed in a crash last week. In a news release, Coroner Duane Northrup said the single-vehicle crash happened around 1:30 a.m. near Kirby and Mattis avenues on June 9. The vehicle was westbound on Kirby when it approached the intersection, veered to the north and hit a utility pole. It is unknown what caused the vehicle to veer. Northrup stated 32-year-old Marcus J. Thomas was pronounced dead at the hospital. Preliminary autopsy results indicate Thomas died from blunt force trauma to the chest. Toxicology results are pending. The crash continues to be investigated by the Champaign Police Department and the coroner’s office.
(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois among institutions receiving a total of $5M in research grants. U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth announced $5,063,700 will go to institutions to invest in groundbreaking research, improved care, and efforts to treat illnesses and diseases. The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign will receive $150,000.
(Washington-jm) – The U.S. may harvest a slightly bigger winter wheat crop than was expected a month ago. Gary Crawford reports…
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Watseka American Legion today from 9-3.
