ILLINOIS STATE NEWS BRIEF (08/28/2024)

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced the first 2024 death of an Illinois resident with West Nile Virus. The individual, who was in their 80s and lived in Lake County, had an onset of virus symptoms two weeks ago and died soon after. The IDPH is also reporting nine non-fatal cases of West Nile Virus confirmed this year. Of those human cases, the majority were in Cook County, with the others reported in the upstate counties of DuPage, Will, Winnebago, & Tazewell. For more, go to dph.illinois.gov.

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Veterans’ Homes at LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy are now experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases among its Veterans and staff. Officials say the overwhelming majority of cases have presented mild symptoms and as of yesterday, 36 people tested positive for the coronavirus with most of the cases at the Quincy facility. The IDVA has stepped up its cleaning and disinfection protocols at each of the locations.

(CHICAGO) The Illinois State Police have completed the largest security detail in state history. The ISP worked with federal, state, and local agencies for more than a year and a half to coordinate security measures and responses for several locations for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Officials said the agency had multiple mission-specific roles to protect the safety of elected officials and convention attendees, and also assigned security personnel for dignitaries attending approximately 500 events across Chicago.

(DU QUOIN) The 2024 Du Quoin State Fair is continuing. With free admission for all ages, there is a charge for parking. Today is Seniors Day with a 4-H Food Challenge, petting zoo, an afternoon Senior Prom, and more harness racing. Tomorrow is Sponsor Appreciation Day and Kids Day with various activities for children, more livestock shows, and the classic rock band Kansas on stage at 7:30 that night. Friday is Illinois Tourism Day with the Made in Illinois Products Show, more livestock shows, and on stage that night Ashley McBryde. Saturday will be Coal Heritage Day & SIU Day with more livestock shows, heavy horse pulling, afternoon USAC Silver Crown Auto Racing, an evening Demo Derby, and on stage that night is Chris Lane with Breland. The Du Quoin State Fair continues thru next Labor Day night with plenty of carnival rides, fair food, & more. Learn more at dsf.illinoios.gov.