Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce / YouTube
Heading into the final weeks of his tenure, outgoing Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said Wednesday the city is showing signs of emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, but challenges remain.
Giving his final State of the City address virtually, Ardis said Peoria had a bright outlook at this time a year ago, with thriving businesses and a budget that allowed the city to put more than $1 million into reserves. Then the global health crisis struck.
“We were facing huge shortfalls in nearly every category, especially hotel restaurant and amusement taxes, property taxes and corporate income taxes. This is how municipalities pay our bills,” said Ardis.
WCBU s On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, February 25, 2021. Our top story is about how heading into the final weeks of his tenure, outgoing Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis says the city is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, but still has challenges ahead. You ll also hear how Governor JB Pritzker s expansion of 1-B eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine takes effect today. In addition to conditions like obesity, cancer, and diabetes, pregnant women are now also able to get the shot - but should they? The answer is complex. WCBU s Tim Shelley spoke with Dr. Michael Leonardi, a maternal and fetal medicine specialist at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, about the pros and cons.
In this Thursday, May 7, 2020 file photo, a pregnant woman wearing a face mask and gloves holds her belly as she waits in line for groceries with hundreds during a food pantry sponsored by Healthy Waltham for those in need due to the COVID-19 virus. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The expansion of the 1B phase of COVID-19 vaccinations includes pregnant women. While the Tri-County area isn t yet expanding eligibility, other areas of the state may choose to begin that expansion starting Thursday.
Tim Shelley spoke with Dr. Michael Leonardi, a maternal and fetal medicine specialist at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, about the risks and benefits for pregnant women and their unborn children if they roll up their sleeves to take the shot.
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