(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is bracing for a possible measles outbreak in the state. Nationwide, nearly 300 cases have been reported, far ahead of last years’ pace. Measles is considered to be one of the most infectious diseases. Officials with IDPH said the best prevention method for measles is getting vaccinated, and that Vitamin A does not prevent measles.

 

(Illinois–dm)-Don’t count on a four leaf clover to keep you safe this St. Patrick’s day.  WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story.

   

(Springfield-jm) – Some Illinois lawmakers are proposing legislation that would ban third-party service companies from selling restaurant reservations online. State Representative Margaret Croke, one of the sponsors of the bill, said she has been working with the Illinois Restaurant Association, which drafted the ordinance. The measure wouldn’t impact Resy and Open Table but third-party vendors who are using bots.

 

(Paxton–dm)-It’s the time of year that school districts are planning their summer projects.  Paxton Buckley-Loda School Superintendent Travis Duly tells us about upgrades going on in the PBL high school gym.

   

Paxton Buckley-Loda School Superintendent Travis Duly

 

(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul Police Department is celebrating the retirement of one of their own. Deputy Chief Justin Bouse retired Friday after 25 years.

 

(Undated-jm) – Strong storms Friday into Saturday morning caused some damage in rural Champaign County. A possible tornado touched down damaging a farm near Flatville before moving northeast flipping horse trailers at Gordyville and damaging a house north of Gifford. Tornadoes were also reported down in Neoga and Paris.

 

(USDA–-dm)-: Additional details about the schedule sign-up for USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program include sign-up deadline, and tools available to assist eligible producers in the sign-up process.  Rod Bain has the story.

   

OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that weather permitting, one lane in each direction of Interstate 57 at the Buckley interchange in Iroquois County will be closed beginning today. The closure is necessary to complete construction of the Iroquois County Highway 9 bridge over I-57. The work is part of a $4.1 million project to replace the deck of the CH 9 bridge over I-57. Other work includes milling and resurfacing the bridge approaches and lighting replacement. CH 9 will be open to one lane in each direction on the south half of the bridge and controlled by temporary traffic signals. The project is expected to be completed by July.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Military veterans gathered at state capitols across the nation to protest President Donald Trump’s executive order to make cuts to the Department of Veteran Affairs. More than 100 people, including veterans, stood on the steps of the Illinois State Capitol to protest and they all agreed enough is enough. The Trump administration has vowed to cut 80,000 jobs in the Department of Veterans Affairs. More than 530,000 veterans live in the state of Illinois, with nearly 7% living in poverty.

 

(Springfield-dg)-Some Conservatives in the Illinois State government are pushing several measures in Springfield to lower property taxes for all Illinoisans. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet,  says tax reform for citizens of Illinois is a serious issue…

 

 

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet. 56th District State Senator Erica Harris, Republican from Glen Carbon,  says senate bill 2093 will try to put money back in the people’s pockets…

 

 

56th District State Senator Erica Harris, Republican from Glen Carbon

 

(Rantoul-jm) – The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is moving from Urbana to Rantoul this year.  Since 2017, this parade has taken place every St. Patrick’s Day in Urbana. But this year, it’s moving to Downtown Rantoul. The party starts at 4 p.m. this afternoon, but the parade itself doesn’t start until 5:45 p.m. and lasts less than five minutes, with festivities ending at 6 p.m. Prior to the parade, there will be a pre-party from 4-5 p.m. The Shamrock Academy of Irish Dance will also be performing around 5 p.m.

 

(Urbana-jm) – A man accused of killing two women in a fatal Urbana hit-and-run was back in court after a grand jury reviewed his case. 29-year-old Julio Bol appeared on Zoom Friday wearing an orange jumpsuit. After reviewing Bol’s case, a grand jury indicted him on all counts, meaning they found probable cause that he committed the crimes he’s accused of. He is accused of killing 20-year-old Katie Abraham and 21-year-old Chloe Polzin after rear-ending their car at an Urbana intersection back in January.

 

(Paxton–dm)-If you are going to be planting grass seed, now is the time to get started. Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has more information.

 

 

Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen.  You can hear more from Scott Saturday mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success

 

(Springfield–dm)-A Democratic plan in the Illinois House could require more venues to add baby changing tables to their restrooms.The legislation would mandate that all hotels, schools, movie theatres, healthcare facilities and public parks install a baby changing station in their restroom Opponents said it would be extra costs for private companies. The proposal passed along party lines and will now go to the House floor for consideration.