(Springfield-jm) – Despite increasing awareness of the importance of broadband, many residents of rural areas, federally subsidized public and multifamily housing have no access to high-speed internet service. According to research by Pew Charitable Trusts, an internet access survey found that only 34% of public housing households had high-speed internet access, 35% were underconnected, and 31% had no access at all. In downstate Illinois, residents from rural areas are sometimes forced to go to common areas to get reliable internet service. The Federal Communications Commission announced it is authorizing around $800 million for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund for six providers to expand broadband in 19 states, including Illinois, which will receive the largest amount at $212 million.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health says COVID-19 treatments have kept thousands of people out of the hospital. There were nearly 20 thousand new cases of COVID reported over the past week, not counting those that tested positive at home. But the good news is that therapies like Paxlovid are working says Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey…
Illinois Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey. Claffey says they strongly recommend everyone consider the new bivalent booster shot that helps protect against the original strain of COVID and the Omicron variant. That includes those that have been double boosted at least two months ago.
(Gibson City-jm) – The entire city of Gibson City is under a boil water order until further notice. This comes after a series of water main breaks including a major break Friday.
(St. Joseph-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff's Office is looking for two people suspected of burglarizing a vehicle. They say it happened overnight on September 7 in St. Joseph, Illinois. The suspects stole electronics as well as the victim's credit card. The credit card was later used at several stores in Urbana. Anyone with information is asked to call Champaign County Crimestoppers.
(Springfield-jm) – Those interested in the construction and building trades can get financial help. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett explains…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett.
(Rantoul-jm) – An Urbana man was taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries following a truck vs train accident in Rantoul. Rantoul Police say the accident happened around 9 am at the crossing at Liberty Avenue and Chandler Road. The accident remains under investigation.
(Vermilion County-jm) – Vermilion County is the latest county to report West Nile Virus cases. A batch of mosquitos in Danville has tested positive. Cases have been reported in Ford, Iroquois, Champaign, McLean, Livingston and Kankakee Counties. One person in the state of Illinois has contracted West Nile this year. That person passed away from it.
(Washington-jm) – This year poses a huge challenge to analysts trying to forecast demand and prices for U.S. crops. Gary Crawford reports…
(Undated-jm) – Illinois' 4th District Appellate Court has affirmed a Sangamon County court's decision from June that blocks a petition that tried to remove Amendment 1 from the November ballot. Amendment 1 would create a state constitutional right for employees to organize and bargain collectively through representatives of their choosing to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions and to protect their economic welfare and safety at work. The case, Sarah Sachen v. Illinois State Board of Elections, was brought by parents and teachers from Chicago Public Schools and claimed the proposed amendment would unconstitutionally enshrine union powers in the Illinois Constitution. The ruling means the amendment will be on the November ballot. If approved by voters in November, the amendment would prohibit laws that interfere with, negate, or diminish collective bargaining agreements, including agreements that require union membership as a condition of employment, according to the measure's language.
(Springfield-jm) – Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding drivers to follow the state’s move over law. The law, also known as “Scott’s Law”, requires drivers to reduce speed and change lanes if they are approaching a vehicle on the side of the road with emergency lights or flashers on. Violators face tough consequences, says Secretary White…
Secretary of State Jesse White. At least 18 Illinois State Police squad cars have been struck by those not following Scott’s Law so far this year.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign police say the woman that was reported missing earlier this week is safe. 25 year old Sierra Dittmar was reported missing Wednesday after her family hadn’t heard from her in 2 weeks. Police say the report of a missing person in this case was determined to be unfounded, and the individual is reported to be safe.
(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man has been sentenced to 30 months probation after pleading guilty to aggravated battery of his pregnant ex girlfriend. Kenneth Williams received the sentence in Champaign County court in connection to the June 10th incident at her home in Champaign.
(Paxton-jm) – With the streetscape project on-going, the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce continues to invite people to shop in Paxton. Chamber President Austin Curtis says Paxton has a lot to offer…
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis. The chamber, city and residents invite all to the upcoming Swine and Dine day in Paxton this Saturday.
(Paxton-jm) – The Ford County Public Health Department will be hosting two child vaccination clinics coming up. The first is on September 20th while the second will be on October 4th. Both will be from 9-6. Appointments are required by calling the health department at 217-379-9281.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 bivalent vaccination clinics to those aged 50 and older. Clinics will be held beginning this week, Monday through Thursday, 8:30am-4:00pm. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available. Starting Wednesday, eligibility will open to everyone aged 12 and older.
(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary discussed USDA and White House efforts to improve school nutrition during a visit at a Washington DC elementary school Friday. Rod Bain reports…
