Pritzker Extends Stay-at-Home Order Amid COVID-19 Spread SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois governor has extended his stay-at-home order through May 30 as the highly contagious COVID-19 continues its rounds. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s decree had been scheduled to expire April 30. Pritzker said Thursday that he understands how much everyone wants their normal lives back, but that
Criteria for COVID-19 testing in Champaign County have expanded to include anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with the disease. Awais Vaid, epidemiologist at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, says previously, the county had limited testing to people with symptoms who met other criteria set by the state’s department of public health and the U.S. Centers for
Both Champaign and Macon counties received a less-than-perfect grade for air pollution in a new report from the American Lung Association. The group released its 2020 State of the Air report Tuesday, which ranks cities and counties based on their levels of air pollution. The report found that between 2016 and 2018, more U.S. cities
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,585 new cases of COVID-19 statewide on Saturday, and an additional 125 deaths. The total number of cases across Illinois stands at 29,160 cases with 1,259 deaths across 93 of the state’s 102 counties. Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced during a news conference Saturday that the state has yet
CHICAGO – On Sunday, Illinois surpassed the 20,000 mark in total COVID-19 cases. The death toll now stands at 720 since the pandemic began. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Sunday’s death count of 43 is the lowest in six days. Sunday’s announcement showed 7,956 tests given, higher than what the state has been averaging. As more
Illinois COVID-19 Cases Top 15,000 URBANA – The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,529 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the state Wednesday, including 82 additional deaths. Those deaths included Macon County’s first fatality: the resident of a Decatur long-term care facility. Stark County reported its first confirmed COVID-19 case, becoming the 78th of
URBANA – Champaign-Urbana’s annual Fourth of July festival will not be held this year. The organizers of the Champaign County Freedom Celebration posted the announcement on their website Tuesday. The Freedom Celebration events, including a parade and fireworks, take place on the University of Illinois campus. But the U of I has announced the cancellation
1,006 New COVID-19 Cases, 33 New Deaths Reported In Illinois CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,006 new cases of COVID-19 in Illinois on Monday, including 33 deaths. Monday’s state report did not include the death of a COVID-19 patient in Champaign County, reported Monday by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. A
Health Chief: ‘Be Strong And Courageous’ In Facing COVID-19 SPRINGFIELD — The state public health director has issued a somber warning that Illinois residents can expect mounting numbers of illness and death in the new month from the vicious spread of the coronavirus. The 6,980 cases of COVID-19 reported Wednesday by Dr. Ngoze Ezike are
Pritzker Extends Stay-At-Home Order To April 30 SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ governor has extended his statewide stay-at-home order for three weeks as the nation struggles to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday set a new deadline of April 30 for keeping people inside except for essential needs and jobs. So far,
Updated: Sunday 3:20 p.m. Tornado Damages Homes, Uproots Trees In Northern Illinois OREGON — Weather officials have confirmed a tornado touched down in northern Illinois damaging homes and uprooting trees. The tornado touched down in Ogle County just outside Oregon around 9 p.m. on Saturday. National Weather Service meteorologist Gino Izzi says it was on
UPDATE on Wednesday, March 25, 2020: Carle says it can now provide sewing materials thanks to a generous donation. Email makeamask@carle.com with questions, or to arrange pickup of masks. CHAMPAIGN – Champaign county now has four confirmed cases of COVID-19, with the latest case announced today. Local health officials are saying everyone should consider themselves at
Illinois COVID-19 Cases Top 1,000 URBANA – The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 296 new cases of coronavirus disease in Illinois. The number of cases now stands at 1,049 in 30 counties. There are also three new deaths: a Cook County man in his 80s, a Chicago man in his 80s and a woman
CHAMPAIGN – The state of Illinois reported dozens of new COVID-19 cases, including two more in Champaign County and the first involving members of the University of Illinois System. On Saturday, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 168 new cases of coronavirus. The total in the state stands at 753 cases, including people who
URBANA – Here’s a roundup of some of the more contested races from the 2020 Illinois Primary. US SENATE CHICAGO — A former Chicago-area sheriff has emerged from a crowded Illinois Republican primary field to mount a long-shot challenge to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Mark Curran, Lake County’s former sheriff who had perhaps the most