(Springfield-jm) – Private insurance companies in Illinois can currently limit patients to four rounds of IVF treatment. Although, a bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could expand private insurance coverage for all forms of fertility treatment. State lawmakers removed the cap on infertility coverage for state employees last year. However, this plan could ensure all insurance companies are allowing patients to have more cycles covered. Live birth success rate jumps to 65% for women who complete six cycles of IVF treatment. Sponsors and advocates have frequently stressed that donor eggs and associated fees can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $60,000.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation that was an initiative of a drug treatment provider in Coles County, noting the difficulty of getting people to court and to court ordered drug treatment, has been approved in the Illinois House. According to the bill’s House sponsor, State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland the bill amends the Counties Code to permit counties to apply transportation funds to assist persons attending problem solving courts.  It also provides that a county may use funds designated by law or ordinance for transportation purposes to fund rides for persons to attend problem-solving courts.  SB3405 also allows a county to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with another unit of local government for this purpose…

State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland. The bill was given unanimous approval in both the House and Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk for his approval.

(Champaign-jm) – A semi fire on I-57 near Champaign caused travel problems yesterday evening. The northbound lanes had to be diverted onto I-72 westbound while crews put out the fire.

(Paxton–-dm)The School year is just about over, and what can you do when the kids say they’re bored?  The Paxton Library has a lot of activities to help keep your kids busy.  Paxton Library Head Librarian, Deb Mason has some suggestions.

Paxton Library Head Librarian, Deb Mason.  Deb also tells us you can go to the Paxton Library Facebook page to get more information on upcoming events.

(Champaign-jm) – Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help as they search for the suspect in a Champaign retail theft. On April 28 near 6:49 p.m., a man took several tools and a roll of copper wire, then hid them in a stolen extreme tool backpack from the Menards. The items were worth more than $600 total. The suspect was captured on security video, and seemed to be a white 30 to 40-year-old man wearing a tan baseball cap, a black and tan hooded sweatshirt, gray khaki pants, and boots.

(Washington-jm) – Planting continues across the Midwest. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey has a look at corn planting progress…

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate passed a proposal to require school districts to develop cardiac emergency response plans. This comes as the state saw 109 cardiac events involving students under 18 during 2022 alone. The legislation could require school districts to work with local paramedics to create an evidence-based plan to use AEDs in case of a cardiac event. Sponsors believe the response plan should be available on every school website and in paper from throughout school property. Schools would be required to identify where AEDs are located on the property and include guidance for how to use the equipment properly. Coaches, assistant coaches and other school staff could also be trained on using AEDs.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republican lawmakers are calling out Chicago Teachers Union members for coming to the state capitol asking for more money. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Ford County-jm) – Parts of Ford and Livingston Counties lost power last evening after strong storms moved through. Five power poles came down due to the strong winds near LaHogue. The storms also brought heavy rain. More storms are expected today, some of which could be severe.

(Paxton–dm)It’s National Nursing home week and Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living has had several activities to celebrate. Activity Director Jordan Duffin tells us what the residents can expect, to round out the week.

Accolade Healthcare of Paxton Senior Living Activity Director, Jordan Duffin 

(Undated-jm) – More Catholic parishes in the west and south suburbs could be closed or consolidated. The Diocese of Joliet, which oversees Catholic parishes in Will, DuPage, Kankakee, Kendall, Grundy, Ford and Iroquois counties, is considering whether to close or merge 19 parishes. Officials said there are several reasons for the restructuring, including budgetary issues, lower mass attendance, and a lack of priests. In the wake of an announcement by the Joliet Catholic Diocese closing parishes, the Catholic Diocese of Peoria is reorganizing a number of parishes, citing fewer people, priests and resources. Officials said they will consolidate its current 156 parishes into 75. They note that there are nearly 50% fewer people in the parishes over the last decade. The Catholic Diocese of Peoria covers more than 20 counties in Illinois, including Champaign and Vermilion Counties.

(Washington-jm) – Planting continues across the Midwest. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey has a look at soybean planting progress…

WPXN News Notes…

The City of Paxton will hold brush pickup going until all streets and alleys have been taken care of.