(Champaign-jm) – A major part of the interchange between Interstates 57 and 74 is closing this week for the next two years, IDOT officials announced. The ramp leading from westbound I-74 to northbound I-57 will be closing tonight as part of the overall reconstruction of the interchange, a cornerstone of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. The closure, officials said, is to replace the current ramps with new ones. Officials said a detour will be posted to accommodate the ramp’s closure. Drivers intending to drive north will have to take southbound I-57 to Curtis Road in Savoy and then turn around at the exit there. Its scheduled to reopen in 2025.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A number of healthcare related issues are addressed in a recent round of bills signed by Governor J-B Pritzker. Among the new state laws is one creating a lyme disease awareness program that will encourage people to get treatment as soon as possible. Another, sponsored this spring by Representative Lindsey LaPointe of Chicago, requires most health insurers to cover one annual mental health visit per year…

 

 

State Representative Lindsey LaPointe of Chicago. That law won’t take effect until 2025. There’s also a new law creating a task force to work on recruiting and retaining more EMT’s to the profession.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A bill giving Ameren Illinois the right of first refusal to build high-voltage power lines has been vetoed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The 18-month right of first refusal would have allowed Ameren to choose whether the utility wants to build the new power lines, thus eliminating the competitive bidding process for such projects. Pritzker said eliminating competition would cause rates to increase in the region.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be installing electric vehicle charging stations at state parks. The move is part of a comprehensive climate action plan to reduce the agency’s carbon footprint, says Director Natalie Phelps Finnie…

 

 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. Plans are underway for DNR to develop a pollinator friendly solar installation to combat climate change, and to reduce the waste generated at state sites. No dates were given but Phelps Finnie says they are on the cusp of launching the EV charging stations and that some energy saving measures are already underway.

 

(Urbana-jm) – A new round of Illini is moving onto the University of Illinois campus. Wednesday was the official move-in day for the freshman class of 2027. Other returning students will come back this weekend.

 

(Springfield-jc) – Democrats rallied at the Illinois State Fair Wednesday, with Governor JB Pritzker calling the state quote – “a bright light of freedom in the center of the nation.” The governor says actions to help unions, protect abortion and controlling guns were at the top of the democrats agenda…

 

 

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker. It’s Republican Day at the State Fair today.

 

(Savoy-jm) – Big changes are on the way for a Champaign County nursing home. The facility has new owners, and they have Central Illinois roots. Accolade Healthcare is taking over Champaign-Urbana Nursing and Rehab in Savoy. The facility can hold up to 214 beds; right now, it’s set up for 195. 132 people call it home right now. This is their seventh skilled nursing facility in the region. They also have locations in Danville and Paxton.

 

(Loda–jc)  A Golf Scramble, Golf Course Walk, Silent Auction and Fun Zone are set to raise money and awareness for Huntington’s Disease at Lakeview Country Club in Loda on September 9th. Organizer Samantha Cox says the invitation is open to walkers and they have some Friday openings for golf…

 

 

Huntington’s Disease Golf and Course Walk Spokesperson Samantha Cox.  Those interested in walking on Saturday or golfing on Friday are asked to contact Lakeview Country Club or go on-line for official information. 

 

(Elliott-jm) – The Ford County village of Elliott is receiving 1.5 million for water treatment system improvements. State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City made that announcement Wednesday. The project is expected to start in 2024.

 

(Washington-jm) – While many nations, including the U.S., report lower corn production forecasts, Ukraine is expected to have a larger crop than the previous year. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law will cap the cost of epi-pens. Epi-pens are the first line of defense in combating severe allergic reactions. Senator Mike Halpin of Rock Island sponsored the legislation and explains how the cap will work…

 

 

State Senator Mike Halpin of Rock Island. Halpin says keeping epi-pens affordable is especially important since families usually have multiple pens for work, school, daycare, to give to coaches and to keep in a purse or backpack. The cap does not go into effect until 2025.

 

(Springfield-jm) – As schools get back into session in the coming weeks, the Illinois State Police are reminding drivers to watch out for increasing foot traffic. ISP encourages drivers to be vigilant around crosswalks, obey posted school zone speed limits, and avoid distracted driving. They said parents and caregivers should also educate their children on proper crosswalk procedures and the importance of not running in between parked cars.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Things went a little differently at this year’s Governor’s Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair. In years past, when the grand champion steer was presented, Governor J-B Pritzker and First Lady M-K Pritzker would get into a bidding war. Mrs Pritzker always came out on top. This year, the Pritzkers donated 105 thousand dollars towards the purchase of the champ. Comments from the Governor…

 

 

Ellerbrock is from Atkinson, Illinois. The public was also asked if they wanted to make donations, with the proceeds to be split among all the grand champion winners.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Five area libraries and library services are set to receive a total of $1,147,850 to enhance community and family literacy, improve library services and upgrade current technology to ensure they are providing effective, accessible services to their residents. Danville Community College will receive a Community Literacy Grant for $68,025 and Parkland College will receive a Community Literacy Grant and a Family Literacy Grant for a combined total of $125,954. Danville Correctional Center will receive $15,000 for library services. The University of Illinois Board of Trustees will receive a $907,501 technology grant to support Illinois library delivery services.

 

(Chicago-jc) – Amid the MeToo movement in 2018, close advisors to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan worried the scandal would bring down his leadership. Capital News Illinois reports wiretapped phone calls and email conversations in a federal perjury trial of former Madigan chief of staff Tim Mapes show Madigan’s inner circle was concerned that a special anti-harassment panel the speaker appointed had gained too much independence. In one recording, Madigan is heard considering what he can do and the consequences of potential plans…

 

 

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The recordings and emails are being used to illustrate Mapes’ relationship with Madigan. Prosecutors say Mapes lied to a grand jury investigating Madigan and others in his circle, testifying he didn’t know or didn’t remember that another close advisor, lobbyist Mike McClain, was working on Madigan’s behalf. The trial is in its second week in Chicago.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Midwest Renewable Energy Association is announcing the return of the Solar Urbana-Champaign group buy program. In partnership with Urbana and Champaign, the educational and group purchasing program has helped homeowners and businesses save money on their energy bills while reducing their carbon footprint. Larger tax incentives are available this year. Solar Urbana-Champaign is open to residents and small businesses in Champaign, Piatt and Vermilion Counties. The first Power Hour will be on August 30 at the Common Ground Food Co-Op in Urbana from 5:30-6:30. To learn more about the Solar Group Buy program, including an evolving schedule of Solar Power Hour presentations, visit solarurbanachampaign.com.

 

(Cissna Park–jc)  –  The 20-23 Old Settlers celebration is set for today, Friday and Saturday in downtown Cissna Park. The three day event is sponsored by the Cissna Park American Legion Post 527. Event Spokesperson Dick Swing says it all starts around 5pm on this afternoon. 

 

 

Cissna Park Old Settlers Celebration Spokesperson Dick Swing. WPXN will be broadcasting the parade live at noon on Saturday. Someone will win a 20-24 Chevrolet Trax at 11pm on Saturday night. 

 

(Hoopeston-jm) – Join the Illinois Soybean Association Agronomy team on September 9th from 9 AM to 12 PM at Olson Farms (11342 E 4000 N Rd, Hoopeston, IL. 60942). At this Field Talk, farmers will learn about cover crop and nitrogen management. Olson and a line-up of expert speakers will explain the 1st year of a multiyear on-farm research plot pertaining to legume cover crop after wheat and nitrogen management. The study aims to assess the cost, return on investment, and average yield of this multiyear legume cover crop and nitrogen management strategy. Breakfast and lunch will be provided and CCA credits will be available. The first 50 registrants receive a free Illinois Soybean Association bag chair.

 

(Washington-jm) – Global production, and both world and domestic balance sheets, in USDA's August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates were centered mainly on U.S. production updates. Rod Bain reports…