All regions of Gov. JB Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan have met the requirements to move into Phase 4 by June 26. In a press release, the Pritzker administration cited significant progress in reducing new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, with the average 7-day statewide case positivity rate falling to just […]
Tag: JB Pritzker
Rural Mahomet residents still impacted by Peoples Gas leak could get clean water soon
Clean water should be coming soon for residents north of Mahomet that were affected by a natural gas leak nearly four years ago. Senator Chapin Rose announced last week that $3.8 million in State funds have been approved through the capital appropriations bill and are awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker to […]
Mahomet Parks receives grant for playground equipment at Barber Park
The Mahomet Parks and Recreation Department has received a grant to help pay for playground equipment at Barber Park. The grant will account for 50-percent of the retail price of playground equipment that will be located near the parking lot and picnic tables at the facility known for soccer fields. […]
Pritzker expands vote by mail, makes election day a state holiday
By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinoisjnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Anyone who cast a ballot in the last three years or who registered to vote or changed addresses after the March primary will be sent an application to vote by mail after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill expanding the program Tuesday. In […]
Local restaurants make decisions on outdoor seating, deal with price increases
BY DANI TIETZdani@mahometnews.com When Friday May 29, 2020 arrives, it will have been 74 days since people could gather for a sit-down meal at their favorite restaurant in Illinois. Still, as Illinois moves into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan, dining out will take on a different atmosphere. Indoor […]
Despite budget approval, much is in limbo after session
By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News Illinoisjnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers approved a state operating budget shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday, but despite the passage of the document, nothing about the next fiscal year is black and white. The state is depending on a broad package providing federal monetary aid to states […]
Lawmakers pass budget package to close out special session
By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The Senate on early Sunday morning passed a budget package authorizing $42.8 billion in general revenue spending next year, although much of that remains tentative depending on the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic and potential congressional action that could send more financial aid […]
Illinois unemployment rate climbs to record 16.4% in April
New jobless claims in May appear to level out By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois unemployment rate in Illinois reached a staggering 16.4 percent in April, the highest rate recorded since the modern system of tracking joblessness began in 1976, the Illinois Department of Employment Security said […]
IDES confirms data breach in online unemployment system
‘Glitch’ allowed access to personal data in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance system By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security has confirmed that a new online portal that processes claims for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance briefly allowed public access to applicants’ personal information including Social Security […]
Illinois businesses that move ahead of Restore Illinois plan could face misdemeanor charges
Opening too soon could now have consequences for Illinois’ restaurant, bar, gym and salon owners, according to a new penalty that was filed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday. Owners could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine between $75 and $2,500. Less than a year […]