(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republicans are demanding ethics reforms after former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s chief of staff was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Tim Mapes received the sentence Monday after he was found guilty in August of lying about what he knew. Among measures Republicans say can hold corrupt elected officials accountable is a measure prohibiting elected officials from using political campaign donations to pay for criminal defense. Among other reforms Republicans say are needed include giving the Legislative Inspector General more independence to investigate wrongdoing faster than federal or state prosecutors can reveal. Another measure Republicans say is important is a bill to suspend a retired member of the General Assembly’s annuity payments if they are charged with a felony. Madigan is receiving a pension of about $12,600 a month while he awaits trial in October.

 

(Washington-jm) – USDA is projecting lower incomes for all sectors of agriculture and all regions of the country. Gary Crawford reports…

 

(Champaign-jm) – The man arrested for allegedly shooting a bar manager in Champaign has been charged with attempted murder. Fidele Tshimanga, 24, of Urbana, was arrested February 8th following an afternoon shooting that occurred in the 100 block of N. Market Street near Pour Brothers Taproom. A 45-year-old employee of the bar, Brandon Hardway, was outside of the business when he was allegedly approached by Tshimanga who then produced a firearm and fired before fleeing. Hardway was taken to a hospital for a potentially life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A new bipartisan measure aimed at ensuring the preservation of family farms in the event of a family member’s death is being introduced in the Illinois General Assembly. Members of the General Assembly have spent years attempting to reform the Illinois Estate and Generation Transfer Tax Act. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington also believes similar legislation is needed for small businesses in the state…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

 

(Washington-jm) – There’s a push to address the crisis at the southern border. U-S Senator Dick Durbin says Congress must do something…

U-S Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois.

 

(Decatur-jm) – The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater in Decatur is excited to announce KC & The Sunshine Band, coming on August 23rd.Tickets for this show will go on sale at a later date at The Devon's website.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois gun ban plaintiffs Monday filed for multiple hearings with the U-S Supreme Court. The Second Amendment Foundation filed petitions challenging Maryland and Illinois gun and magazine ban. In addition, Monday, plaintiffs in the case Bevis vs Naperville also filed for the Supreme Court to take their case. A petition from the Barnett vs Raoul challenge was also filed to the Supreme Court. The most recent data shows, of around 2.4 million Firearm Owner ID card holders in Illinois, 1.46% have registered banned items with Illinois State Police.

 

(Washington-jm) – USDA's top economist says the nation's farm sector is in a good position to handle a possible low income year. Gary Crawford reports…

 

(Urbana-jm) – This week Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding an armed robbery. Police say on January 28, at 6:59 p.m. police officers were dispatched to the Quick Shop at 1511 East Washington Street in Urbana for the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers learned an unknown male came into the gas station, displayed a handgun, and demanded money. The suspect fled from the store after taking cash and a cell phone belonging to one of the employees. The suspect was described as a light-skinned black male wearing all-black clothing and a gray face covering. If you have any information regarding this or any crime in Champaign County, please contact Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republican senators are calling out the state’s democratic majority on their handling of the migrant healthcare program. State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris…

State Senator Sue Rezin of Morris.

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – Iroquois County has joined a state list of 39 Illinois counties now labeled as 'StormReady.'  The National Weather Service declared the 'StoryReady' designation -- a program that helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property - before, during and after the event. To be StormReady, a community must establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center, have more than one means of receiving severe weather warnings and forecasts to alert the public, create a system that monitors weather conditions locally, promote the importance of readiness, and develop a formal hazardous weather plan.

 

 

(Urbana–jc)  Cold and warm…it’s still winter. O-S-F;s tim Ditman has more…

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Humane Society has announced a new program that will help pet owners rehome their pets without ever having to see the inside of a shelter. Home to Home is a program of Better Together Animal Alliance, a registered nonprofit, that provides a direct-to-adopter tool for pet owners looking to rehome or find a foster for their animals. According to the Humane Society, the program, "helps reduce stress on both owners and their pet, while simultaneously reducing the number of animals being relinquished to shelters."