Get the latest news from around Illinois.
The Center Square: Coronavirus spreads to downstate Illinois, total cases rise 64
The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced the first cases of coronavirus outside of the Chicago metropolitan area.
A Woodford County resident in his 70’s and a Cumberland County resident in his 70’s both tested positive for COVID-19, the latest version of the coronavirus originating in China.
Chicago Tribune: Cook County courts to pause for nearly a month as precaution against coronavirus
The vast majority of Cook County court operations, both criminal and civil, will be postponed for nearly a month beginning Tuesday as a precaution against coronavirus, the chief judge’s office confirmed Friday.
Courthouses across the county will remain open “though there will be fewer cases,” according to a statement from the office. Regular operations are expected to resume April 15 at the earliest, according to a statement from Chief Judge Timothy Evans’ office.
Rockford Register Star: Rockton voters will decide on sales tax hike for roads
Voters in the village will decide March 17 whether a 1% sales tax that would pay for road construction and infrastructure will be approved.
The increase in sales tax would provide the city with an estimated $1.3 million dollars annually, according to Public Works Director Dan Barber.
News-Gazette: Champaign officials: Emergency declaration not an attempt to violate rights
Champaign officials want to assure citizens that an emergency declaration concerning the coronavirus pandemic is not an attempt to violate civil rights.
Following a raft of criticism apparently generated by a response from the lobbying arm of the National Rifle Association to Friday’s approval of the emergency ordinance, the city put out a statement Saturday clarifying the intent.
Chicago Tribune: Chicago Park District suspends programming ‘until further notice’ to help stem coronavirus
After Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced statewide school closings Friday, city officials said students who couldn’t stay home would be able to use Park District facilities.
Eighteen parks will have “age-appropriate” activities to help families who need a place for their children while schools are closed.