(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is one of the top sports betting states in the country, and a gambling insider says online casino gambling would be even bigger. A bill has been introduced at the statehouse that would legalize internet gaming. State Sen. Cristina Castro filed Senate Bill 1656, which proposes the initial cost of an internet gaming license would be $250,000 with applications limited to Illinois casinos and racetracks. Licensed operators would be taxed at 15% of adjusted gross gaming revenue that would be directed to the State Gaming Fund.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker gave his state of the state and budget address Wednesday. The Governor wants to provide more resources on mental health for families…
The Governor is also wanting to invest in ending homelessness in the state…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Republican lawmakers are critical of new spending in the Governor’s proposed state budget. The GOP says they hope to work with Democrats on issues like education but say the three billion dollars in new spending is not a good idea. Senator Dave Syverson of Cherry Valley…
State Senator Dave Syverson of Cherry Valley. Republican legislators say they want to tackle structural reform issues like property taxes and pension debt as well as the needs of the developmentally disabled.
(Springfield-jm) – The Secretary of State will close their offices and facilities for President’s Day. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced all of his offices will be closed either Saturday or Monday, depending if the facility is on a Monday through Friday or a Tuesday through Sunday schedule.
(Ludlow-jm) – Two semi’s collided on I-57 near Ludlow Thursday afternoon. The incident happened around 3:30. Both semi’s ended up in the median. No injuries were reported.
(Champaign-jm) – The City of Champaign is pleased to share details about the effectiveness of Automated License Plate Reader technology in addressing felony crimes in our community. Even as the technology was being installed, they proved to be highly effective investigative tools and aided Champaign Police in 54 investigations. This includes felony arrests in three homicides, the arrest of two suspected arsonists, and the recovery of 17 stolen vehicles. Thirteen of these crimes also involved illegally possessed firearms. Champaign Police also successfully used the technology to locate and ensure the safety of an endangered missing person.
(Washington-jm) – Applications are being accepted for participation in a late Spring USDA-led agricultural trade mission to Japan. Rod Bain reports…
(Buckley–jc) – The annual chicken dinner carnival and auction is set for St John’s Lutheran School in Buckley on Sunday. The event opens at 3-30 with the chicken dinner from 4pm to 7pm Event Spokesperson Kari Stachura says they plan for a big crowd…
St John’s Lutheran School Spokesperson Kari Stachura. This is the main fundraiser for the Christian based school in Buckley. The event also includes a silent and live auction and a carnival for kids.
(Springfield-jm) – Food pantries are bracing to feed more hungry people in Illinois.
In March, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program card holders in Illinois will see reductions of $55 to $250 per person. Two million people in one million Illinois households currently receive SNAP benefits.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker gave his state of the state and budget address Wednesday. One of the topics Governor Pritzker wants to address reproductive services in the state…
Governor Pritzker is also calling for additional funding for the Illinois Department of Public Health to track emerging diseases…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Republican lawmakers are critical of new spending in the Governor’s proposed state budget. There’s about three billion dollars in new spending in the plan, which doesn’t sit well with the GOP. They say it’s not wise as the nation faces a potential recession. Representative Joe Sosnowski of Rockford adds that the Governor’s budget doesn’t tackle some major problems…
State Representative Joe Sosnowski of Rockford. Republicans want to see action on property taxes, pension debt, supporting the developmentally disabled and creating a better business climate
(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man was arrested Thursday in relation to the shooting of Taveon Davis last November. 45 year old Daric Davis, no relation to Taveon, was located by United States Marshals and arrested in Champaign. On November 9, police were called to the 1300 block of S. Philo Road just after 7 p.m. They found 24-year-old Taveon Davis with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
(Paxton-jm) – A leaning wind turbine near Paxton came crashing down Thursday evening. The turbine was discovered leaning Wednesday afternoon. The company is trying to determine what caused the turbine to lean and eventually collapse.
(Champaign-jm) – The Parkland College Police Department has installed automated license plate readers at the campus to solve and reduce crime on campus and in the surrounding community. Parkland's Board of Trustees recently approved the purchase and installation of the ALPR cameras, manufactured by Flock Safety. The cameras send a real-time alert to Parkland police when they detect a stolen vehicle or one associated with a wanted subject from state or national crime databases. They also alert police to any vehicle associated with an AMBER or Silver missing persons alert.
(Washington-jm) – This past January offer examples how multiplying market access opportunities for our nation’s food and ag goods is several times a one market-one commodity approach. Rod Bain reports…
(Paxton–jc) The WPXN program Scott’s Tips for Success with Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental will discuss primers and painting on Saturday morning at 7-30am. Allen says paint and primer on new metal doors is one option…
Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen.
Scotts Tips for Success is a 5 minute program on a wide variety of subjects that airs at 7-30am on Saturday mornings on WPXN.
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
The Buckley Sportsmen’s Club Fish Fry will be held tonight from 4:30-7 pm at the Buckley American Legion
St. John’s Lutheran School annual Chicken Dinner, Carnival and Auction on Sunday.
The Parkland College Theatre will perform Blithe Spirit February through Sunday.
