Get the latest news headlines from around Illinois.
WAND: ISBE: Schools must follow mask mandate, have no authority to deny it
The top official with the Illinois State Board of Education told school districts they do no have authority to deny Gov. JB Pritzker’s mandate requiring masks in the new school year.
The governor’s executive order mandates mask requirements for all P-12 schools and day cares in Illinois, along with other mitigation measures to slow the spread of the highly contagious delta variant of COVID-19. Students and coaches who are part of indoor sports or other activities are also required to wear masks.
WGN: Illinois’ pandemic death toll nears 29,000 — but 20% not from Covid
Newly released state data shows the terrible toll the coronavirus pandemic has taken on Illinois residents.
From year to year, the number of people who die statewide remains relatively consistent. But that’s changed during the pandemic.
The Center Square: With growing U.S. debt, Illinois congressman alarmed by trillions in proposed new spending
Illinois taxpayers can expect billions in federal tax dollars coming back to the state for various infrastructure projects over several years from the $1.2 trillion bill approved by the U.S. Senate this week. A Congressman from Illinois says it’s too much spending.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, said the measure is historic.
Daily Herald: Illinois offers way to access vaccination status online
Vaccinated Illinoisans who don’t want to rely on those paper COVID-19 vaccination cards will now have a new way of showing proof they’ve got their shot.
The Illinois Department of Public Health on Wednesday announced its “Vax Verify” program that lets residents age 18 and older check and download their COVID-19 immunization records from the state registry.
HOI ABC: Illinois unveils $250M grant program to help small businesses
Small business owners in Illinois could soon apply for a new grant program to help those hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pritzker administration announced a new $250 million Back to Business (B2B) recovery program Wednesday.
Gov. JB Pritzker explained business owners could receive $5,000-$150,000 depending on their financial loss. Pritzker says owners can use grants to hire back staff, cover operating costs, and rebuild their businesses.
The Center Squared: Illinois’ ‘Vax Verify’ program ‘worst yet,’ national group says
A digital civil rights group says Illinois’ “Vax Verify” program is a step in the wrong direction, and the worst they’ve seen yet.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the new digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate Wednesday.