(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker's administration and AFSCME Council 31—the largest union of frontline Illinois state employees—have announced the ratification of a new contract after membership voted overwhelmingly in favor. The agreement was tentatively reached by negotiators for the state and the union in the early morning hours of July 1. The four-year agreement is now in effect. The agreement provides for a 4.0% pay increase retroactive to July 1. In all, base wages will rise 17.95% over four years. Other provisions include expanded parental leave to 12 weeks and new joint efforts to improve workplace safety. The agreement also includes a number of significant actions to expedite the filling of vacancies and improve strategies to recruit, hire, and retain workers.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is expanding its air pollution action day program statewide to keep residents better informed. The program now applies to all 14 sectors in Illinois, not just the Chicago area. It measures the air quality and issues an alert if air quality is forecasted to be in the orange category, which means it’s unhealthy for sensitive groups. IEPA Spokesperson Kim Biggs says recent concerns prompted the change…

 

 

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Spokesperson Kim Biggs. Biggs urges the public to sign up for free air quality forecasts. You can either subscribe to email updates at: enviro flash dot info or download the free “airnow” app on your phone.

(Mahomet-jm) – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Tuesday he filed a lawsuit against John Litchfield of John Litchfield Concrete in Mahomet, Illinois for violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and the Home Repair and Remodeling Act. Raoul’s lawsuit alleges since at least November 2019, Litchfield constructed and installed residential swimming pools and patios. According to the lawsuit, Litchfield required consumers to make down payments; however, he allegedly failed to purchase required supplies, failed to commence or complete work, or completed faulty work. Raoul alleges Litchfield then failed to issue refunds and stopped communicating with his clients. Raoul is seeking restitution for aggrieved consumers and civil penalties of up to $50,000 per deceptive or unfair act, as well as an additional $50,000 for each intentionally fraudulent act and up to $10,00 for any unlawful act toward a person 65 years old or older.

 

(Undated-jm) – The hottest days so far this summer are expected this week. High temps are expected to be in the upper 90s with heat index values pushing the triple digits. O-S-F Doctor Brian Curtis says its possible to get heat exhaustion or stroke even in a building…

 

 

 O-S-F Doctor  Brian Curtis.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – At least one person is dead following a crash in rural Champaign County on Tuesday, Illinois State Police said. The crash happened at 8:30 a.m. on Illinois Route 130 near County Road 200 North, just north of Villa Grove. State Police said the crash involved multiple vehicles and resulted in at least one death. Other injuries are unknown at this time.

 

(Urbana–jc)  Katie Landers of Fisher is the 2023 Miss Champaign County Fair Queen. Landers says she is excited for her new role as queen. Landers has been busy at this year’s Champaign County Fair. 

 

 

2023 Miss Champaign County Fair Queen Katie Landers of FIsher

Today at the Champaign County Fair it’s Livestock Day.  At 8 this morning its the Junior Swine Show. The carnival opens at 5 this afternoon.  At 6pm tonight it’s motorcycle races. The Champaign County Fair runs through Saturday night on the grounds on north Coler Avenue in Urbana. 

 

(Undated-jm) – Sixty percent of Illinois hospitals were found to still be non-compliant with hospital price transparency rules, according to a new report from Patient Rights Advocate. A federal rule implemented nearly three years ago requires hospitals to publish prices for common services and procedures on their websites. Patient Rights Advocate found that dozens of Illinois hospitals are not fully compliant with the rule. Patient Rights Advocate reviewed 75 Illinois hospitals. They found that 45 of them are not following the rule. Patient Rights Advocate considers hospitals non-compliant with the price transparency rule under these criteria: They must show on their website exact prices with insurance carriers and descriptions of services and negotiated rates.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Expect to see more police out on the roads today for Speed Awareness Day. The Illinois State Police is boosting patrols for the multi-state effort, really hi-liting the dangers of driving too fast, says Trooper Melissa Albert-Lopez…

 

 

Illinois State Police Trooper Melissa Albert-Lopez. Trooper Albert-Lopez says speeding is a factor in about one third of all vehicle crash fatalities in the US.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The State Farm Center announces the addition of Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles to its fall lineup on Thursday, September 28 at 7:30pm. Tickets for the show go on sale to the public this Friday, July 28 at 12 p.m. CT online at StateFarmCenter.com.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Local reaction continues to come in following last week’s Illinois Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of the Safe-T Act, that would eliminate cash bail in the state. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois trustees have approved a three-year pilot program at the University of Illinois-Springfield to offer in-state tuition rates to students from Missouri and Iowa. Under the program, resident tuition will be offered to students in St. Charles and St. Louis counties in Missouri and Scott County in Iowa, which includes the Davenport area. The pilot program will take effect in the 2024 fall semester.

 

(Urbana–jc) The 20-23 Champaign County Fair continues today on the grounds along Coler Avenue in Urbana.  Champaign County Vice President Bill Alangna says tonight through Saturday will feature some great family entertainment…

 

 

Champaign County Fair Vice President Bill Alangna.

There is also  a Junior Swine Show this morning at 8am and the Junior Beef and Sheep Shows at 8-30 this morning at the Champaign County Fair. 

 

(Paxton–jc)  A Blood Drive is set for Paxton on Thursday. Impact Life will be at the First Lutheran Church says event coordinator Kevin Hanson…

 

 

Paxton Blood Drive Coordinator Kevin Hanson.

There are still appointments needed for this event. Contact Kevin Hanson  or go on line at blood-center-dot-org for more information.