The coronavirus story is developing quickly in Illinois. Here are updates from WGLT's newsroom and our partners at Illinois Public Radio, NPR, and The Associated Press.
You can also see (or add to) our list of cancellations, closures, and rescheduled events. Find all of our coverage at WGLT.org/Coronavirus.
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM DELIVERS TAKE-HOME 'STEAM' KITS
3:45 p.m. Thursday, April 9
Staffers at Children's Discovery Museum in Normal are making take-home STEAM kits for families to use during the stay-at-home order that has closed schools across the state.
The museum, which itself is closed, is using State Farm grant funding to build around 1,000 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) kits.
Museum staff will deliver the kits to be distributed at Unit 5’s free lunch sites and at the Boys and Girls Club in Bloomington. Families receiving meal assistance at the Boys and Girls Club on Friday, April 10, can pick up the first batch of kits. The Unit 5 kits can be picked up during the week of April 13 meal service.
The kits are filled with educational activities and supplies for children.
— Jolie Sherman & Ryan Denham | WGLT
We’re closed, but staff are still Inspiring the Love of Learning through the Power of Play. With support from @StateFarm’s annual grant for #STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) the Museum is building home kits for Unit 5 & @BoysGirlsClubBN families. @childmuseums pic.twitter.com/dYpO9OQPmJ
— Discovery Museum (@DiscoveryMuseum) April 9, 2020
BLOOMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING IS ONLINE
3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9
The next Bloomington City Council meeting will be entirely online Monday, April 13, and the public is encouraged to participate remotely.
Community members can take part by watching or listening to the meeting via YouTube. Those wanting to make public comments are advised to email them to publiccomment@cityblm.org by 5:45 p.m.
The comments will be shared with the council, become part of the record, and posted on the website. Residents can also make comments via Zoom, which can be accessed here.
For more information on the April 13 meeting, visit the website.
— Jolie Sherman | WGLT
ILLINOIS STATE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SUMMER
2:45 p.m. Thursday, April 9
Illinois State University will adjust its summer schedule due to the coronavirus. Changes to summer classes, programs, Preview, and university-related travel are detailed below.
Classes
Students enrolled in the summer term will take classes online. The university is still looking into ways to make clinical and lab experiences virtual for these students.
Programs
Scheduled summer camps, conferences, events, and activities will be postponed or cancelled through July 31.
Preview
The required two-day summer orientation for incoming first-year students will be moved online. More information regarding Preview will be available in the coming weeks.
Staff/Faculty Travel
Non-essential, university-related travel is suspended through July 31. Written permission and pre-approval is required for essential travel. ISU advises faculty and staff to be aware that non-essential air travel and activities also may be affected in the fall.
Illinois’ stay-at-home order will remain in effect through April 30. Decisions regarding May university employees will be based on information and guidance from federal, state, and local health officials.
— Jolie Sherman | WGLT
We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WGLT will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WGLT can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.