KANKAKEE, Ill. (AP) — A man who was upset that a landlord didn't return his security deposit has pleaded guilty to setting a fire that killed two brothers in Kankakee.  Alex Sawyer will be sentenced to 20 years to 30 years in prison after his guilty plea Thursday. A fire killed 4-year-old Justice Stewart and 2-year-old JuShaun Watson in 2016. The boys' mother, Crystal Ward, says she favored a plea deal instead of a trial because she didn't want "any chance" for Sawyer to be acquitted.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court says a union lobbyist who worked just one day as a substitute is entitled to a teacher's pension, reinforcing its previous opinion that retirement benefits promised to public workers can't be "diminished or impaired." The 4-3 decision Thursday affected just one member of the Teachers' Retirement System. The court's opinion that pension cuts are unconstitutional has flummoxed lawmakers attempting to close a $134 billion shortfall.

 

 

(Washington--ba)-Many farmers in flood areas may be using the prevented planting features of their crop insurance policies this spring. USDA’s Gary Crawford reports.

 

 

 

(Springfield--jc)  -- As 2 Illinois State Police Troopers are laid to rest this week, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says more must be done to get the public to obey Scott’s Law. 16 troopers have been struck this year and the governor says these are senseless tragedies…

 

 

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

 

 

 

(Melvin--jc)  On your things to do list on Saturday, the band called Battle Creek Country is set to perform in Melvin.  The venue is the Melvin Community Hall at 7pm. Admission is 10 dollars and food will provided by those raising funds for the  Piper City Sesquicentennial Celebration.

 

(Springfield--jc)  --Illinoisans already pay some of the highest taxes in the country at the pump. But a political problem for Gov. J.B. Pritzker could mean they’ll pay even more. How? Pritzker’s tax plan doesn't have enough support to pass the General Assembly. But some gifts, wrapped in a capital spending bill, could change that. Despite Democratic supermajorities in the House and Senate, Pritzker has thus far failed to push through one of his key campaign promises: a graduated, or progressive, income tax hike. The governor needs lawmakers to pass a constitutional amendment eliminating the state’s flat income tax protection, which would then head to voters on the 2020 ballot. But scheduling in the General Assembly indicates Pritzker will fail to get his amendment before a key deadline: April 12, when lawmakers leave Springfield for a two-week spring break. He’ll have to make another big push before session ends on May 31.

 

 

(Urbana--jc)  -Crimestoppers in Champaign County say that with the amount of shootings in the county, an initiative for a cash reward has started. The new idea is that anyone who contacts Champaign County Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest of a person who uses a gun during a felony crime will receive the maximum 1 thousand dollar rewards. To date three people have received the award and several more are pending. This deal runs through the end of the month. More information is found on the groups website.

 

 

 

(Gifford--jc)  -- A Coaches versus Cancer event is coming to one local venue later this month. Gordyville USA is the venue to for this years event on April 16th. It starts at 5-30 in the afternoon. U of I Basketball Coach Brad Underwood and other Illini coaches are expected to attend. Other activities with a silent auction, pictures and surprises hilite the event. Tickets may be purchased online at Coaches-versus-cancer-dot-Illinois-dot-com. Gordyville USA is donating the venue for the fundraiser.

 

 

(Paxton--jc)  -- The 20-19 Paxton Community Sale is scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow, at Coady Park, located at the intersection of Fall and Summer streets on Paxton’s east side. Sponsored by the Paxton Park District, the Community Sale features live auctions and a flea market, along with food vendors.  Items may be brought to the sight starting at 1 this afternoon. Also starting again at 6 Saturday morning. The sale starts at 10 am sharp

 

(Springfield--jc)  -- Teens will learn more about giving consent in their sex education classes under a bill that pass the Illinois House on Thursday. The legislation provides a clear definition of what constitutes consent for teachers to talk about with students. It’s sponsored by State Representative Ann Williams of Chicago..

 

 

State Representative Ann Williams of Chicago

 

(Washington--ba)- The latest example of new meat cuts to generate consumer demand and sales involves a pork product using a rarely used muscle of the animal. USDA’s Rod Bain reports.

 

 

 

(Rantoul--jc)  -- Rantoul Township High School board members will look at the golf co-op with Paxton Buckley Loda when they meet on Monday night in monthly session. Board members are also expected to post bid specs for the districts roof project and also look at summer hire positions. The Rantoul Township High School Board of Education meets on Monday night at 7 at the high school.

 

 

Champaign, Ill. – The State Farm Center announced Thursday that one of the most popular and indelible rock acts of all time, FOREIGNER, will perform on Sunday, June 23. FOREIGNER has sold over 80 million albums worldwide, with ten albums certified as multi-platinum, making them one of the best-selling music acts of all time. They join the list of 2019 State Farm Center headliners this spring that includes Kenny Chesney and Styx. Tickets go on sale to the public Thursday, April 11, at 10 a.m.

 

 

(Gibson City--jc)  Though working from home,106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City remains busy with legislation. Bennett says two bills have moved in the House this week including one to protect kids and another to award diplomas…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson city

 

 

(Rantoul--jc) --  If you see a bunch of runners at Rantoul Township high school later today there is a good reason. A 5-K run and walk event to support the R-T-H-S track program  and Rantoul Rockets summer track program is set just before 6. Registration begins at 4-30 at near the main gym at the high school.

 

(Cissna Park--jc)  -- A fund drive in Southern Iroquois County begins one week from today. The United Fund Drive is being done in Pidgeon Grove, Ash Grove and Fountain Creek Townships in the Cissna Park area starting on the 12th. 10 groups will benefit from the money raised. The efforts will continue through the end of the month.

 

(Rantoul--jc) Rantoul Chamber officials are using its lunch and learn program this month to help small businesses and employees with retirement and savings plans. Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Belynda Allen says some plans are available…

 

 

Rantoul Area CHamber of Commerce Executive Director Belynda Allen

The event is set for April 26th from 11am until 1pm. More information is found by calling the chamber at 893-3323.

 

(Paxton --jc)  The Paxton IGA cookout on Saturday will raise money for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Loda. The cookout takes place from 10am until 2pm. On the menu is pork chop sandwiches, chips and  pop.

 

 

(Rantoul--jc)  --A silent auction at the Rantoul Public Library March continues today. The event runs through today with efforts to raise funds for the library’s new roof! There are more than 100 items to choose from. Final bids tonight at 7pm. Library officials have around 90 thousand of the 150 thousand dollar project. More fundraising and a loan with the village is also helping fund the new roof project at the local library.