SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a sweeping executive order (2020-19) granting many health care providers immunity from civil liability during the COVID-19 crisis. Medical facilities, community-integrated living facilities, community mental health centers and others are providing COVID-19 health care services cannot be sued until after the governor’s disaster declaration finally expires. The same…… read more »

MAKANDA – One person was injured in a crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle at the intersection of Cedar Creek Rd. and Old U.S. 51 in Makanda around 4:45 Monday afternoon. According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, 65-year-old Sally Ellis of Carbondale was driving her pickup east on Cedar Creek Rd. when she entered…… read more »

CHICAGO (AP) – McDonald’s will donate one million N95 masks across Illinois as the state battles a growing number of coronavirus cases, the fast food chain announced Monday. The masks will first go to first responders and healthcare professionals in McDonald’s home city and state where critical protective gear is in short supply, according to a…… read more »

MARION – A Marion Police Department employee is being investigated for an off-duty incident that happened Sunday in Johnson County. This incident is being investigated by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police. At this time, the officer and victims’ names are being withheld. The officer in question is currently on paid administrative leave.… read more »

SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Effective April 1, all essential workers in health care, human services, essential government services, and essential infrastructure now qualify for the state’s Child Care Assistance Program. The state will cover most of the cost of care provided by emergency child care centers and homes. This expansion of eligibility includes those working as nurses…… read more »