Several central Illinois counties are at an elevated level for COVID-19

Several central Illinois counties are at an elevated level for COVID-19

Health officials remain concerned that too few are getting the new COVID booster shots. The shots have been available since September. In Illinois, just over 16% of the eligible population have received the booster dose. Compare that to 70% who have completed their primary series of vaccines. The concern comes as the holiday season is…

Flu cases, hospitalizations are on the rise

Flu cases, hospitalizations are on the rise

It’s turning out to be a bad flu season. Memorial Health reports it is seeing a dramatic increase at its five area hospitals, following national trends. “This year’s strains of influenza are proving to be highly contagious,” said Raj Govindaiah, MD, Memorial Health senior vice president and chief physician executive. “We don’t like to see…

Tax credits, prison reform pass in veto session
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Tax credits, prison reform pass in veto session

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers last week passed significant legislation dealing with electric vehicle manufacturing incentives and the availability of hygiene products for prisoners in the state’s correctional system. But some weightier issues, including a possible assault weapons ban, will wait until a lame duck session scheduled for early January. Last week, lawmakers wrapped up a…

217 Today: End of Roe v. Wade increases out-of-state abortion patients in Illinois

217 Today: End of Roe v. Wade increases out-of-state abortion patients in Illinois

Wednesday, December 7, 2022 Today’s headlines: On Tuesday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed changes to the SAFE-T Act into law. The Urbana school board has decided not to merge its two Spanish dual-language programs into one school. The University of Illinois’ McKinley Health Center is partnering with Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to combat opioid overdose deaths…

Why Warnock’s seat means so much to Senate Democrats

Why Warnock’s seat means so much to Senate Democrats

WASHINGTON — Incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock’s win in the Georgia Senate runoff could have far-reaching consequences legislatively and politically for Democrats. “The truth is it’s not a 1% difference,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said earlier this week. “It’s a world of difference.” Warnock’s victory over former NFL and University of Georgia…