Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 Today’s headlines: Illinois lawmakers have increased funding to the state’s child welfare budget for the last few years, but those on the ground say that money hasn’t helped a system in crisis. A University of Illinois lab is turning modified sugar cane into fuel. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm,…
Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 Today’s Headlines: A federal judge this week upheld a new Illinois law banning county jails from detaining immigrants for profit. The pandemic threw a wrench in expanded gambling plans, which are just now getting back on track. Those projects are largely funding the state’s large infrastructure bill. Republican Congressman Rodney Davis…
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 Today’s headlines: The state’s Department of Public Health says Illinois has confirmed its first case of COVID’s Omicron variant. The news comes as Illinois has seen a more-than 160 percent increase in the number of new COVID patients entering hospitals each day over the past six weeks. The balance of political power…
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 Today’s headlines: A three-judge panel in Chicago is set to hear arguments Tuesday over whether the court should change the legislative maps crafted by Democrats who control the General Assembly. Urbana officials say roadside cameras that track the license plates of passing cars are off the table as a solution to gun…
Monday, Dec. 6, 2021 Today’s headlines: An Illinois prisoner who lost his leg after getting inadequate treatment for a yearlong infection will get $400,000 from the Illinois Department of Corrections. University of Illinois scientists recently confirmed dicamba-resistant waterhemp plants in a central Illinois soybean field — meaning that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for farmers to control weeds…
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…