(Springfield-jm) – Unemployment fraud is costing Illinois taxpayers an estimated $28 billion. CBS Chicago reports testimony from the Inspector General in Washington DC indicates of the $888 billion paid out during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 21% went to scammers. Illinois has never released an amount of money that went to fraudsters. The Office of Inspector General called out Illinois and other states that have yet to provide that information.  

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker will give his annual budget address today. The address is a chance for the Governor to lay out his priorities and spending plan. At his inauguration address last month, he outlined some of his goals…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker also called for making college tuition free for every working class family. There are a lot of factors at play this year. The state is enjoying higher than expected tax revenues but concerns about a recession remain. The budget address begins at noon. You can hear it live online at: illinois dot gov slash live video.

 

(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois custodian is recovering after he was assaulted while doing his job. University of Illinois Police officials said the custodian reported to them that he was working inside Gregory Hall early Monday morning when he was hit in the head from behind. The custodian was taken to the hospital, but was released and is recovering at home. UIPD officials added that the offender left Gregory Hall after the incident. Officers searched the surrounding area but did not find anyone.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The man who was pretending to be a maintenance worker around the University of Illinois' campus town has been arrested. Police say Travis  Williams, 31, of Champaign, was arrested at an apartment building in the 300 block of East Green Street, Champaign, for burglary and trespassing. Police initially were called by building staff who saw a suspicious person. Police say Williams matched the description of the offender from previously reported incidents of a man entering unlocked apartments claiming to be a maintenance employee.

 

(Buckley–jc)  Students and staff of St John's Lutheran School in Buckley invite you to their annual Carnival, Chicken Dinner, Live and Silent Auction. The event is set for Sunday at the school in Buckley. The event opens at 3-30 Sunday afternoon with the chicken dinner from 4pm to 7pm. Event spokesperson Kari Stachura says the event is more than just raising money…

 

 

St John’s Lutheran School of Buckley event spokesperson Kari Stachura. Dinner tickets are 10 dollars each. 

 

(Champaign-jm) – Equity Clinic opened this weekend. The owner is an Ohio doctor and said he already saw the importance of adding it to Central Illinois. Equity clinic is open for appointments between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday – Tuesday. You can reach them at (224) 350-2991 for questions and scheduling.

 

(Danville-jm) – Just days after they failed to show up for their own home game, the Vermillion County Bobcats hockey franchise based in Danville has ceased operations. The team failed to show up for a game recently against the Quad City Storm. The Bobcats had a 9 and 70 record in two seasons of existence. Vermillion County tweeted that refunds for season ticket holders would be announced in the near future.

 

(Washington-jm) – What does USDA’s February outlook for U.S. meat production and price show regarding movement trends? Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Proposed measures at the Illinois statehouse could require electric vehicle charging stations in the garage of new homes, a change one builder says would increase costs. House Bill 2206 and Senate Bill 40 require a new single-family residence or a small multifamily residence to have at least one electric vehicle charging station for each residential unit with dedicated parking.

 

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana woman was arrested for the 96th time on Tuesday. Jacqueline Smith of Urbana, was arrested at 2:12 a.m. Tuesday near Sixth and Green streets, Champaign, for aggravated assault. Police initially were called by a woman who reported that she was walking on the sidewalk when, without provocation, Smith threatened her with a knife. The victim called 911 and walked away from Smith without further incident. Her arrests include prostitution and solicitation, trespassing, theft, aggravated assault, and battery, and resisting a police officer.

 

(Urbana-jm) – In the light of the shooting at Michigan State University on Monday, the University of Illinois Police Department is urging students to immediately report any unusual activity. From there, police will analyze the reports through their assessment team to understand how to address a threat. Police encourage students to speak up, even though a person or action may seem harmless, and UIPD will investigate it.

 

(Springfield-jc) – 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet says the state is in an energy crisis.  Rose held a news conference along with other state leaders over the noon hour yesterday to bring solutions…

 

 

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet. 

 

(Champaign-jm) – On February 13, 2023 Champaign Police Department closed Logan Street between Market Street and Water Street due to crumbling concrete from a patch on the railroad structure. The Public Works Department has notified Canadian National Railroad and requested an expedient inspection and determination of the status. Logan Street will remain closed until Canadian National Railroad has provided an "all clear".

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man is facing a plethora of charges. Michael Davis is charged with robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle and domestic battery. Police say Davis allegedly went to his ex’s home, knocked her down and took her phone and car.

 

(Washington-jm) – While dairy trade forecasts were mixed, production and prices for February mostly pointed in the same direction. Gary Crawford reports…