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.
SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL POSTPONES SEASON
8:55 p.m. Tuesday, March 31
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival has postponed its summer season until 2021.
The festival is a summer staple at ISU's Ewing Cultural Center. Organizers said Tuesday the postponement was "the best action to take in order to protect the safety of patrons, employees, and the community at large."
"This is a difficult time for the arts and our spirits. We appreciate the work that the artistic teams have already done on the productions of 'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),' 'Macbeth,' 'Measure for Measure,' and 'One Man, Two Guvnors.' Hopefully ISF will share them as ISF’s summer 2021 season," the festival said on Facebook.
— Ryan Denham | WGLT
COVID-19 RELIEF FUND CREATED BY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31
The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation said Tuesday it has established a COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local nonprofits that serve populations impacted by the pandemic and its economic fallout. All dollars contributed will go to that work.
This is a joint project of the Community Foundation and the United Way of McLean County. In addition, the Drake Zimmerman and Jan Elfline Fund will match contributions to the COVID-19 Relief Fund up to $25,000.
— Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
COURTHOUSES EXTEND PUBLIC BAN
2:47 p.m. Thursday, March 31
The Eleventh Judicial Circuit has extended a ban of the public from county courthouses till the end of April. The circuit includes courthouses in McLean, Livingston, Ford, Logan, and Woodford counties.
Only essential personnel will be allowed in those buildings. The order from Chief Circuit Judge Mark Fellheimer does not excuse late child support payments. The due date for other court ordered fines, fees, costs, restitution and maintenance (alimony) is extended for 90 days and will not incur late fees or interest charges until then.
— Charlie Schlenker | WGLT
HY-VEE RESERVES ONE-HOUR ONLINE SHOPPING FOR AT-RISK CUSTOMERS
12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31
Hy-Vee customers considered “at risk” can place online orders a bit more easily.
Beginning Thursday, Hy-Vee Aisles Online grocery service will block off one hour for expectant mothers, those over 60, and anyone with underlying health conditions. Every day from 7-8 a.m., these individuals can engage in contactless shopping.
Those who do not meet these requirements are asked to pause their shopping until 8 a.m. and after. This policy also applies to pharmacies at Hy-Vee locations.
Hy-Vee will also partner with the digital delivering service DoorDash to offer 20,000 free deliveries.
By using the promo code: SPECIALDELIVERY, at-risk shoppers can go online for stress-free shopping and delivery.
— Jolie Sherman | WGLT
AD REVENUE DECLINES LEAD TO FURLOUGHS AT NEWSPAPERS
11:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 31
The companies that own The Pantagraph and Peoria Journal-Star have announced pay cuts and mandatory furloughs for employees because of a decline in advertising revenue.
More people are turning to local news outlets because of the coronavirus. But many advertisers are pulling back from those same outlets as they are impacted by the economic slowdown.
Pantagraph owner Lee Enterprises announced Tuesday its executive team would take a 20% pay reduction. Its other employees will take a pay cut or furlough equivalent to two weeks of salary.
Gannett, which owns the Peoria Journal-Star, announced similar measures Monday. Journalists making more than $38,000 annually will reportedly be asked to take an unpaid week off on a rotating basis.
— Ryan Denham | WGLT
ISU LAUNCHES REDBIRD RESPONSE FUND
11 a.m. Tuesday, March 31
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz began his most recent coronavirus update with an eager “What’s next?” explaining his plans to mitigate stress and the threat of the virus for faculty, staff, and students. One such effort is the COVID-19 Redbird Response Fund.
The emergency fund will provide assistance to students dealing with job loss, homelessness, food insecurity, and financial hardships associated with COVID-19.
Dietz mentioned that according to health officials, the pandemic is far from over, prompting efforts to support students in need.
Students can find out more about the fund by contacting the university’s Financial Aid Office. Those interested in making a contribution are directed to visit the webpage.
— 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.