(Springfield--jc) -- Legislative leaders met with the governor Thursday for the first time since April 11 to discuss the budget and infrastructure, but sticking points remains as the end of the legislative session approaches.With a week left before the end of the session and deadline to pass a budget with simple majorities, leaders from both chambers met with Gov. J.B. Pritzker in his office late Thursday. House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, and the governor did not comment after the meeting.Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, emerged from the governor’s office after the hour-long meeting and said they talked about the budget. He said he thinks it’s close thanks to April’s revenue windfall and projected increased money captured from taxpayers.
(Washington--ba) -- If you're a military veteran engaged in farming or ranching, you now can get more crop insurance benefits. Stephanie Ho reports...
(Springfield--ba)-Lawmakers passed a bill ensuring all single-occupancy restrooms are gender neutral. Supporters say this will benefit transgender people, parents taking their opposite-sex children to the bathroom and adults needing help from a caregiver. The measure is sponsored by representative Sam Yingling of Round Lake Beach.
State Representative Sam Yingling of Round Lake Beach
(Undated--jc) Work to repair downed power lines along route 24 just east of Watseka in Iroquois continues this morning. Workers were on the scene early Thursday after storm damaged the poles. Damage of downed power lines also occurred in Vermilion County near Muncie. Route 150 was also closed on Thursday in that area. Area police agencies say to check your routes this morning to make your commute to avoid roads that remain closed or have power line issues.
URBANA, Ill. (AP) — Researchers involved in an Illinois tick research and surveillance program are hoping the public will be generous in passing on to them the little bloodsuckers. The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine says the Illinois Tick Inventory Collaboration Network received more than 900 ticks last year that people from 28 counties pulled from themselves or their animals.Rebecca Smith, a program coordinator, says researchers are still in the process of testing ticks that were sent to them last year. She says researchers are hoping to learn more about where and when ticks are active and spreading disease in Illinois.Because the research program is expanding this year, researchers are seeking more volunteers to take part.
(Paxton--jc) The Paxton Evangelical Church is hosting their 37th annual chicken and pork Memorial Day Cookout on Monday. Event Spokesperson Andy Schaumburg says anyone can also donate a meal or two to the Hands of Christ food Pantry in Paxton…
Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church of Paxton Spokesperson Andy Schaumburg.
The number for the church is 379-3554. The cookout runs from 11am to 1pm on Monday at the church.
(Springfield--ba) Pro-choice advocates are hoping for a vote on an abortion bill before the end of the legislative session. The reproductive health act has been languishing in the legislature…but may soon be discussed in a house committee. Representative Kelly Cassidy of Chicago says it’s important to protect women’s rights...
State Representative Kelly Cassidy Democrat from Chicago
(Paxton--jc) Several structures that have been a part of the Paxton City skyline are set to be razed this Spring and Summer. Carle Foundation Hospital officials have announced the former Paxton Hospital Building will be demolished starting next week. The East Lawn Grade school is also set to be torn down in August of this year. The school is currently being used for this school year and Thursday was the last day of school at East Lawn and the PBL School district.
(Rantoul--jc) -- The pool is filled, the chemicals are ready and we await some warmer eather as the Rantoul Hap Parker Aquatic Center is set to open this weekend. It takes about 350 thousand gallons of water to fill the pool on Rantoul’s west side. Opening day is Saturday and those who bought passes during a recent sale will be able to enter the pool at 11-30 Saturday morning. The pool opens to the public at Noon.
(Paxton--jc) -- This Saturday’s I-G-A cookout features ribeye steak sandwiches, chips and soda. Money raised goes to St Peter’s Lutheran Church. The cookout runs from 10am until 2pm at the Paxton I-G-A parking lot.
(Washington--ba)-Events involving China are having profound effects on U.S. hog and pork markets.
Gary Crawford reports...
(Pesotum--jc) -- While a District 10 State Trooper was was conducting a traffic Thursday afternoon around 2-30 along Interstate 72, the trooper was approached by a motorcyclist who stated that a road rage incident had just occurred and a weapon was displayed in his direction. The Trooper immediately caught up to and identified the suspect vehicle and conducted a felony traffic stop.. An investigation was conducted and a handgun was located in the vehicle. The driver, Billy B. Ashlock of Lead Hill Arkansas, was arrested for the Unlawful Use of a Weapon and was taken to Macon County Jail. The investigation is still ongoing.
(Undated--jc) The 20-20 Census, home rule and declining population. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…
(Paxton--jc) City of Paxton leaders continue to look at putting new stop signs at several locations in the city. The areas are Maple and Pells, Maple and Orleans and Ottawa and Union. The city council is expected to vote on the new stop signs when they meet in June.
(Springfield-jc) The Wall of Remembrance is open now through the 4 of July in Springfield. The wall is located in the Capitol Rotunda and features pictures, stories and memories of those who have served our nation. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman was in attendance on Thursday and says this is a small but important way to honor veterans…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman-Republican from Bloomington
(Springfield--jc) -- Drivers who violate right of way rules and injure pedestrians in crosswalks could soon receive a 1 year driver’s license suspension, due to legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) in the Senate and filed by Representative Lindsay Parkhurst (R-Kankakee) in the Illinois House. House Bill 2383 would require a 1-year suspension of an individual’s driver’s license if they commit a right-of-way violation at a crosswalk or a crosswalk in a school zone that results in bodily harm or death. The legislation was filed by Parkhurst in response to the death of Iroquois County resident Mason Knorr, who was killed in a traffic crash when a semi failed to obey a posted stop sign.
(Paxton--jc) Volunteers with the Paxton American Legion will be located at some street corners today and Saturday. It’s Poppy days in the city of Paxton. Donations will be taken for veteran’s to kick off the Memorial Day weekend. Poppy Spokesperson Pat Milchuck says this is a way to honor veterans and get younger people some knowledge about our veterans…
Paxton Poppy Days Spokesperson Pat Milchuck
(Paxton--jc) -- The Memorial Day Holiday weekend is here and among the activities for the unofficial start to summer is at the local pools. The Paxton Park District pool is filled and ready to go. Paxton Park District Board members voted to open the pool Mondays-Wednesdays-and Fridays from 1pm to 5pm. Evening hours are Tuesdays-and Thursdays 6 to 9pm. Pool passes are also now on sale on the Paxton Park District website or by calling 379-4203.
