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Governor J.B. Pritzker Defends His Decision to Remove Country Band Confederate Railroad from the Duquoin State Fair

(Springfield--ba)  -- Legislation on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk would overhaul how Illinois workers who live in other states are taxed with implications for both businesses and employees. The legislation would put Illinois in line with how other states operate and would give businesses leeway that other states have used to go after companies for tax revenue, according to tax experts. About 4.3 million employees, or 3.2 percent of the workforce, work from home at least half the time, according to Global Workplace Analytics.

 

 

(Springfield--ba)  -- Governor JB Pritzker is defending the decision to remove the country band, “Confederate Railroad” from the concert lineup at the Duquoin state fair.  Officials pulled the act from the southern Illinois fair over concerns about the group’s name and use of the confederate flag. Some have questioned why rapper Snoop Dogg hasn’t been nixed from state fair in Springfield’s lineup as well, citing his 2017 album “Make America Crip Again” and imagery of dead body with a toe tag reading “Trump.” Governor Pritzker responds:

 

 

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

 

(Springfield--ba) --The Illinois department of labor is urging employers to have a plan in place to address workplace violence. Workplace violence can include anything from verbal threats to a mass shooter. With that in mind…it’s a good idea for businesses to prepare says Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration Director Ben Noven.

 

 

 Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration Director Ben Noven.

 

 

(Iroquois County--jc)  -- The extreme hot and humid temperatures are causing some issues on local and area roadways. Iroquois County Highway Department officials say a portion of Illinois Route 24 near Sheldon buckled due to the extreme weather conditions. I-Dot officials were on the scene, Wednesday afternoon,  to repair the portion of the road.

 

(McLean County--jc)  -- A McLean County man is due back in court on a charge of attempting to drown a police K-9.  McLean County authorities say officers went to a campsite in rural Shirley to look for a Shirley man wanted on two local felony warrants. Upon investigation, police were attempting to arrest 40 year old Stephen Sholty, and as he fled the alleged incident occurred. Sholty is due back in court on July 16th.

 

(Penfield--jc)  Everything agriculture  is set for the I and I Grounds in Penfield starting today and running through Sunday. The 20-19 Historic Farm Days features daily farm demonstrations like threshing and corn shucking.  Tractor parades to a open school house also hilite the 4 day event. WPXN will be broadcasting live from noon to 1-30 today as part of our Summer Fun Tour. Its’ stop number 12. 

 

 

(Cissna Park--jc)  -- Those wanting to view the proposed annual ordinance for the village of Cissna Park have the opportunity now. Cissna Park Village Leaders have placed the appropriations ordinance for public inspection. Local leaders are expected to vote to approve the budget when they meet on July 15th.

 

(Fisher--ba)--  The trio are reigning. The Fisher Fair Pageant Queens have been crowned and now they are handing out ribbons, announcing in the grandstand and more. . 19 year old Gabriel Shook of Dewey is your Fisher Fair Queen, 12 year old Makenna Hamilton of Ogden is the Junior Miss Fisher Fair, and 6 year old Maddie Wilson of Rantoul is your Little Miss Fisher Fair. The Fisher Community Fair runs through Saturday.

 

MOUNT CARROLL, Ill. (AP) — A man charged with murder in the death of an Illinois child welfare worker entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors and was sentenced to 21 years in prison. Andrew Sucher was accused of attacking Department of Children and Family Services worker Pamala Knight when she tried to take a child into protective custody in September 2017. Under the deal announced Wednesday by public defenders and the Carroll County state's attorney's office, Sucher will serve 100 percent of his sentence.

 

(Springfield--ba)  --The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is working with the federal government to implement the single largest tax included in the new state budget, an assessment on managed care organizations in Illinois that officials have estimated will bring in hundreds of millions in revenue for the state. However, Davesurance.com insurance broker Dave Castillo questioned if the feds would approve a plan he said seems to be using the same tax dollars twice.

 

 

(Undated-jc)  -- Illinois’ state budget and those of local towns are more restricted by changes to pension investments than other states because of automatic annual raises for retirees in Illinois.The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found Illinois state and local governments have to pay the same amount to retirees getting 3 percent compounded annual increases regardless of the broader economic conditions.

 

(Gibson City--jc)  Some business initiatives passed by Illinois leaders are one step closer to bringing jobs to the state and local area.. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett, of Gibson City, says there was support on both sides of the aisle…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City

 

 

(Fisher--jc)  -- The Mark Chesnutt, Drew Baldridge and Fuedin’ Hillbillies concert is one day away for the Fisher Community Fair. Today is Donkey races day. That event filled with local leaders and celebrities is set for 7 tonight. A Sheep show begins at 8. A farm frenzy starts at 9-30.  Bingo starts at 1 this afternoon and it’s Jim Kates performing in the commercial building at 7.

 

 

(Washington--jc)  After several incidents of sports fans getting hurt at sports stadiums, Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is urging major league teams to require more protection for spectators. Durbin wants the leagues to extend protective netting at ballparks to ensure errant balls don’t hit fans  A fan was recently hospitalized after being hit by a foul ball at a game between the Cubs and Astros.

 

(Champaign--jc)  -- It’s really no surprise, but the first 6 months of 20-19 were the wettest in Illinois history. The collection of weather data dates back to 18-95. The new record is 20-19 says Illinois Water Survey of Champaign Spokesperson Brian Kerschner…

 

 

Illinois Water Survey of Champaign Spokesperson Brian Kerschner

 

 

(Rantoul--jc)  Rantoul Village leaders are expected to give their o-k for a loan to a downtown business. Kiefer Photography  owners are asking for a 30 thousand dollar micro-loan to repair damage to their building in downtown. Some of the damage was caused by falling bricks. Work on a nearby business at, A House of Flowers by Paula, had recently been completed. The new request could be granted at the July meeting of the Rantoul Village Board next week.

 

 

(Bayles Lake--jc)  -- You are asked to attend, but also bring your lawn chairs for music on Sunday night at Bayles Lake. The music in the park takes place at 6 on Sunday evening. Prairie City will perform. Members of the United Methodist Church will be collecting a free will donation to benefit needy Children in Illinois during the concert at Robinson Pavilion.

 

 

(Fisher--jc)  Its Donkey races tonight at the Fisher Community Fair. Fair President Todd Cotter says its family entertainment and the donkeys are the stars…

 

 

Fisher Community Fair President Todd Cotter.

 

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