State News

More Major Retailers Will Require Masks Starting Monday

CVS and Target are joining other major retailers requiring masks in their stores, and grocery stores are also following suit.Though locally, protesters have pushed back against government mask mandates, it's now more retailers taking the steps themselves to require face coverings.Here in the Tri-State--and... Read More.

Rep. Darren Bailey Calls for Audit of IDES

Friday, July 17 by WROY/WRUL Staff

Louisville, IL. – State Rep. Darren Bailey issued the following statement regarding problems plaguing Illinois’ Unemployment benefits system:“Illinois taxpayers deserve answers about why the Illinois Department of Employment Security has failed in its mission to provide financial assistance to the unemployed. Adding insult to... Read More.

Statewide Unemployment Rate Continues to Decline, Payrolls Increase in June

Friday, July 17 by WROY/WRUL Staff

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate fell -0.7 percentage point to 14.6 percent, while nonfarm payrolls added +142,800 jobs in June, a record monthly increase, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor... Read More.

Walmart Soon to Implement Mandatory Mask Policy

Thursday, July 16 by WROY/WRUL Staff

According to a statement issued by Walmart Wednesday, all shoppers will be required to wear a face covering while in the store starting Monday, July 20. The statement by Walmart says that the decision comes due to the spike in COVID-19 cases in some communities... Read More.

FERRELL HOSPITAL, CLINICS TO RESTRICT VISITORS AND SCREEN PATIENTS

Thursday, July 16 by WROY/WRUL Staff

ELDORADO, CARMI & MCLEANSBORO, IL – Effective immediately, no visitors will be allowed in Ferrell Hospital. Exceptions will be made for one adult accompanying a pediatric patient and for end-of-life situations.Patients with a medical emergency should go to the Emergency Department entrance.Ferrell Hospital and Affiliated Clinics... Read More.

Pritzker Administration Announces Over $2 million in Fines for Major Health Insurance Companies Violating Illinois Mental Health Parity Laws

Thursday, July 16 by WROY/WRUL Staff

CIGNA Healthcare of IL, UnitedHealthcare, CIGNA Health and Life, HCSC, and Celtic found to be in violation of Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) announced today fines totaling over $2 million for five major health insurance companies... Read More.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Announces Launch of New E-filing and Case Management System

Wednesday, July 15 by WROY/WRUL Staff

New system will process settlement contracts electronically beginning July 22nd The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) is rolling out a new, cloud-based electronic filing and case management system. The system, called CompFile, will allow for paperless filing and processing of court documents for workers’ compensation... Read More.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to Provide $7.1 Million in Funding for Illinois Organizations Offering COVID-19 Relief

Tuesday, July 14 by WROY/WRUL Staff

Funding will support organizations providing housing, support services, food, and other resources in areas most impacted by the pandemic CHICAGO— The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) announced today it will make $7.1 million in funding available to organizations providing support services and resources to... Read More.

POSTAL EMPLOYEE CHARGED WITH STEALING MAIL

Friday, July 10 by WROY/WRUL Staff

A federal grand jury for the Southern District of Illinois has returned on indictment charging Brittany Freeman, 27, of Johnston City, Illinois (Williamson County), with four counts of theft of mail by a postal service employee.Freeman worked as a mail carrier for the Goreville post office.... Read More.

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FIRST MID COMMITS $20,000 IN GRANT FUNDS TO LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

Friday, July 10 by WROY/WRUL Staff

MATTOON, IL — First Mid Bank & Trust was recently awarded $20,000 in grant funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago COVID-19 Relief Grant Program to assist small businesses and nonprofits affected by the pandemic. Today, the bank has announced that the awarded grant funds... Read More.