Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 Today’s headlines: The Illinois Department of Public Health on Thursday reported the highest number of new positive COVID tests since December first of last year. High vaccination rates and strategic testing have been the University of Illinois’ answers to staying safe as the end of the COVID-19 pandemic remains out of…
Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 Today’s headlines: Governor JB Pritzker Wednesday announced $94 million dollars will be used to fund 96 airport projects statewide, many of which won’t be eligible for federal infrastructure money. The state’s economy continues to grow at a good pace, according to the monthly Flash Index from the University of Illinois. The dancers of…
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 Today’s headlines: Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike says there’s still not a lot known about the omicron variant of COVID-19 and is urging Illinois residents to remain calm. With the help of the Champaign County Board, C-U at Home is looking to create new shelters for the homeless. This holiday season,…
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 Today’s headlines: Republican Congressman Rodney Davis is set to officially announce his re-election bid Tuesday, ending months of speculation about a potential run for governor. The shorthanded Fighting Illini men’s basketball team beat Notre Dame Monday night in the ACC-Big Ten challenge 82-72. Wild turkey populations in Missouri and other states have taken…
Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 Today’s headlines: A little-known program has been providing food, income assistance or help with housing to Illinoisans quarantining due to COVID-19 for the last seven months. Thousands gathered in downtown Champaign on Saturday to see the first parade of lights since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen lit a…
Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 Today’s headlines: Governor J.B. Pritzker signed off on a new congressional map Tuesday designed to give Democrats a partisan advantage for the next 10 years. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is releasing his annual Holiday Safe Shopping Guide highlighting recalled toys and other products. One museum in Illinois is making a…
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021 Today’s headlines: Governor J.B. Pritzker wants to increase Medicaid reimbursements to nursing homes in Illinois for the fourth time in recent years —something the state’s long-term care facility industry has been begging for. But, Illinois’ largest nursing home trade group has big objections to the plan. Secretary of State and State Librarian…
Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 Today’s headlines: Democrats in the U.S. Senate are trying for an end-of-year deadline to pass the so called “Build Back Better” bill in that chamber. Among disagreements over the size and scope of the $1.75 trillion social spending package is whether to repeal a Trump-era tax policy. Most things on Thanksgiving shopping lists…
Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 Today’s headlines: Illinois hasn’t officially authorized COVID vaccine booster doses for the general population, but nearly 1.5 million Illinoisans have already gotten theirs. Illinois residents are quitting their jobs at a high rate during the pandemic. That’s leaving workforce shortages across a number of sectors that community colleges are trying to…
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 Today’s headlines: Governor J.B. Pritzker says Illinois emergency management coordinators are working with cities and towns — especially Chicago and suburbs that border Wisconsin — to prepare for possible unrest following a verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse case. Republican State Representative Dan Brady has formally announced he’s running for Secretary of…
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021 Today’s headlines: Illinois’ elections oversight board has cleared the state’s top fiscal watchdog in a long-running case over his campaign finance violations. Illinois football coach Bret Bielema has tested positive for COVID-19. The Urbana School Board has appointed its first student representatives. In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear the third and final…
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021 Today’s headlines: Governor JB Pritzker has signed into law a ban on so-called dark money in judicial elections in Illinois. Students and faculty at the University of Illinois and the University of Waterloo in Canada launched a satellite into orbit last month called CAPSat. Illinois Public Media’s first News Brews and…
Monday, Nov. 15, 2021 Today’s headlines: Governor JB Pritzker will be in Washington D.C. Monday for the signing of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Congress finished passing earlier this month. State Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike this week told a congressional panel that young people, communities of color and rural Illinoisans are still the…
Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 Today’s headlines: Veterans Day events around the state Thursday both celebrated Illinois veterans’ service and highlighted the challenges faced by many former military members. One in five Illinois students missed at least 10% of the school year last year. Beginning next week, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of…
Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 Today’s headlines: Attorneys for a woman who alleges she was raped by a Lyft driver in Chicago are asking the Illinois Supreme Court to overturn a state law that shields ride share companies from liability. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is trying to find the owners of 11 unclaimed Purple Hearts….