Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 Today’s headlines: The Illinois Department of Public Health reported a new record number of COVID cases for 2021 on Monday. The University of Illinois announced Monday that it will delay the start of in-person spring classes on its Urbana campus by one week. Public health officials are pleading with the community…
Monday, Dec. 20, 2021 Today’s headlines: State public health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike says people need to continue to follow COVID-19 prevention protocols, including getting vaccinated. Beginning Jan. 1, Ameren Illinois customers will see an increase in their electric bill of around $2.50 per month. Some of the money will go toward ongoing upgrades to…
December 17, 2021 Today’s headlines: Despite increasing cases of COVID-19, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said he’s not planning to implement new restrictions on gatherings or businesses. The new year will bring higher Ameren bills because of a rate hike recently approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Two bus stops are getting upgrades as part of a settlement…
Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 Today’s headlines: After nearly 20 years of attempts, the state of Illinois will finally sell the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. Champaign’s new plan to reduce gun violence divides $3.2 million in pandemic relief among local agencies. None of that new money would go to the Champaign Police Department. Residents…
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 Today’s headlines: Illinois stopped licensing traditional midwives in the mid-1960s, and made the practice illegal in 1992. But on Tuesday, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a law once again sanctioning midwifery outside of hospitals beginning next fall. The Champaign City Council unanimously approved a blueprint on Tuesday for a plan which infuses $3.2…
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 Today’s headlines: Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation Monday for 28 Illinois counties hit by Friday’s severe storms. The proclamation gives the state and its emergency management agency the authority to provide resources to help storm victims. Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey is the first in the GOP field…
Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 Today’s headlines: The search for more victims and cleanup efforts will continue Monday at the Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville after being struck by an EF-3 tornado Friday night. Officials have confirmed that six employees died, one is in the hospital with serious injuries, and 45 were rescued and reunited with family. Meteorologists…
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,…