Friday, April 16

STORY: COVID-19 UPDATE
The latest news and numbers on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reporter: Sarah Mansur
Word Count: 500-700 words
Photo: Graphics
ETA: SENT

STORY: EARLY CHILDHOOD FUNDING
Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday that $1.6 billion in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan will go toward early childhood education and childcare providers. Pritzker also announced the creation of a new division of the Illinois Department of Human Services focused on early childhood, as well as a network of early childhood planning councils that will launch statewide to ensure that community needs are being met. 
Reporter: Grace Barbic
Word Count: 600-800
Photo: Screenshot
ETA: SENT

PODCAST: REDISTRICTING
An interview with Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, the ranking Republican on the House Redistricting Committee, about the GOP's call for establishing an independent commission.
Host: Peter Hancock
Length: Appx. 17 minutes
ETA: SENT