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'A Nightmare': Georgia Tech Faculty Push Back Against In-Person Reopening Plans

By Matthew S. Schwartz • 4 hours ago

As the coronavirus infection rate in the U.S. surpasses 50,000 new cases a day, colleges and universities around the country are trying to figure out how to educate their students this fall while still keeping their campus communities safe.

Vanessa Guillen Remains Identified By Army Investigators, Lawyer Says

By Christianna Silva • 5 hours ago

More than two months after Spc. Vanessa Guillen was last seen at Fort Hood in Texas, Army investigators identified her remains, her family's lawyer Natalie Khawam told NPR on Sunday.

"On July 3rd, the Army called me to confirm that the bones, hair and other remains found belong to Vanessa Guillen," Khawam said in an email. "We are at a loss for words. This should never have happened. Our country has lost a beautiful young soldier because the system is broken."

121 University Of Washington Students Infected In Greek Row Outbreak

By Rachel Treisman • 6 hours ago

The University of Washington announced on Sunday that at least 112 fraternity house residents north of its Seattle campus have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of students infected on Greek Row so far to 121.

The nine additional students who tested positive were close contacts of the residents, but do not live in the fraternity houses, according to a statement from The University of Washington.

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Daily COVID-19 Update (July 5)

By Steph Whiteside • 9 hours ago

New COVID-19 statistics were not released on July 5th, due to the holiday. But Governor JB Pritzker and Public Health Director Dr. Ngoze Ezeke warned the virus remains in the community, and is growing rapidly in other states.

Leaders say social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding large crowds will go a long way at preventing a similar spike in cases in Illinois.

LOCAL CASES (3:30pm Update)

Effingham County Health Department:

Daily COVID-19 Update (July 4)

By Steph Whiteside • Jul 4, 2020

Asthe U.S. celebrates Independence Day holiday, state leaders urged Illinoisans to use caution when celebrating this weekend.

New COVID-19 statistics were not released on July 4th, due to the holiday. But Governor JB Pritzker and Public Health Director Dr. Ngoze Ezeke warned the virus remains in the community, and is growing rapidly in other states.

Leaders say social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding large crowds will go a long way at preventing a similar spike in cases in Illinois.

LOCAL CASES (3:00pm Update)

Daily COVID Update: (July 3)

By Jennifer Fuller • Jul 3, 2020

A day before the Independence Day holiday, state leaders urged Illinoisans to use caution when celebrating this weekend.

State offices were closed Friday, so new COVID-19 statistics were not released. But Governor JB Pritzker and Public Health Director Dr. Ngoze Ezeke warned the virus remains in the community, and is growing rapidly in other states.

Leaders say social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding large crowds will go a long way at preventing a similar spike in cases in Illinois.

LOCAL CASES (3:00pm Update)

WSIU News Update (7/3/2020)

By Jennifer Fuller • Jul 3, 2020

Dan Klefstad and Jennifer Fuller report the morning's news for Friday, July 3:

Reading Baseball: Be A Hero, Wear A Mask

By Brad Palmer & Pete Peterson • Jul 3, 2020

Wearing a mask has become a divisive issue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his latest edition of Reading Baseball, Pete Peterson looks at how crime-fighting heroes in the early days of radio and television -- and some in the sports world -- made wearing a mask popular.

Clay County Judge Rules in Favor of Rep. Darren Bailey

By Brad Palmer • Jul 2, 2020

A Clay County judge ruled today Governor J-B Pritzker had no authority to issue multiple Executive Orders to keep the State of Illinois locked down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Law Aims to Give Students With Epilepsy Better Care In Illinois’ Schools

By Olivia Mitchell • Jul 2, 2020

The Seizure Smart School Act, is a new law in Illinois that requires schools to train employees and care aides on how to handle students with epilepsy, and how to administer their medications.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which the brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. It is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the country.

Daily COVID Update: (July 2)

By Jennifer Fuller • Jul 2, 2020

Illinois confirmed an additional 869 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, along with 36 more deaths.

The daily announcement brings the overall number of positive tests in the state to 144,882, with 6,987 deaths.

Local Health Center Receives Grant For Dental Services

By Steph Whiteside • Jul 2, 2020

Community Health and Emergency Services, Inc. is one of several organizations receiving grant money to help provide dental services during the coronavirus pandemic.

The money will be used to bring on additional staff. CEO Fred Bernstein said they are expecting the extra help will be needed to handle back-to-school dental appointments.

Harrison Bruce Aquatic Center Is Open For The Summer

By Benjy Jeffords • Jul 2, 2020

The majority of public pools in the region choose to stay closed for the summer because of COVID-19, but in one community its open.

While most public pools choose to stay closed during phase 4 of Restore Illinois, leaders say Herrin had no choice but to open because of recent repairs.

“You have to put chemicals and water in the pool the first year you paint it.”

Herrin Park Board Commissioner Bob Scillufo says they're allowed to operate at half their capacity or 200 swimmers at a time.