Ameren crews from southern Illinois are on their way to the east coast to help with power restoration after Hurricane Isaias.

Editor's Note: As of August 1, WSIU is tracking COVID-19 cases differently. This page will be updated daily, rather than a separate post each day. For the latest data, refresh this page.

(August 6) -- Illinois' new COVID-19 infections totaled 1,953 on Wednesday, and the state added 21 confirmed deaths. The data brings the overall number of coronavirus cases to 188,424 since the pandemic began, and the death toll stands at 7,594.

Marion Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted for a theft at the Huck's store on West Main Street.

The Egyptian Health Department is issuing a plea to communities in its coverage area of Saline, Gallatin and White counties to slow the spread of COVID-19.

CEO Angie Hampton says the CDC considers the three counties to be at moderate transmission of the virus. She says the positivity rate of more than seven percent must come down.

Health experts and others have talked about how life won't get back to normal until there is a vaccine.

During a media briefing Wednesday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said he doesn't plan on imposing a vaccine mandate. But, he hopes a high percentage of Illinoisans would want to get vaccinated.