(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is in the top 10 for states with the most residents living under the poverty line, leading members of both parties to call for changes. Numbers from World Population Review show that Illinois has more residents living in poverty than most other states. The national poverty rate, or those earning less than $14,580, is 11.5% and according to World Population Review, Illinois has nearly 1.5 million people, or 12.1% of the state's population, living in poverty. Illinois is one of three Midwestern states in the top ten.
(Springfield-jm) – Additional time is being given for rules to come together in implementing Illinois’ Paid Leave for All Workers Act. The measure passed in January 2023 and took effect last month. It mandates that every employee in the state gets up to 40 hours of paid leave a year, or one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked. Starting on March 31, or 90 days following commencement of employment, the Illinois Department of Labor announced workers can begin using their earned time off for any reason “without the requirement of providing documentation to their employer.”
(Paxton–jc) – The Paxton Main Street Group has made the application to become a member of the Illinois Main Street program. Now it is the waiting game for the local civic group to see if they are accepted. Paxton Main Street Director Donna Pepper says they expect to hear more by sometime in March…
Paxton Main Street Director Donna Pepper.
(Undated-jm) – Illinois American Water has requested a rate increase with the Illinois Commerce Commission. The company is seeking a $152 million rate increase, which would raise monthly household water bills by about $24 and wastewater bills by about $5. Officials point to infrastructure improvements totaling nearly $560 million. The Citizens Utility Board is calling the rate increase request “excessive.” The watchdog group also notes the costs associated with the company buying municipal water systems, which is 100% paid by customers.
(Urbana-jm) – Hotel Royer in downtown Urbana was purchased by Icon Hospitality in January of 2020. Now, four years later they are asking for their fourth extension, until December of 2024, for the project. Icon Hospitality said remodeling and restoring the hotel has been a very challenging process due to its age and condition. The hotel was built in 1923 with an extension added in 1980. Icon Hospitality said working to maintain the historic element of the building along with getting it up to standard of a Hilton Tapestry Collection is one of the main reasons for the delay.
(Washington-jm) – Tuesday marked the release of the 2022 Census of Agriculture and some of the latest data involving the ag sector. Rod Bain reports…
(Washington-jm) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says each day without a new farm bill adds to uncertainty for producers. Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield-jm) – Another attempt is being made to make medically-assisted suicide legal in Illinois. The Illinois End of Life Options Coalition is praising lawmakers who have introduced legislation that would allow medical aid-in-dying in Illinois. The group has emphasized that the practice is called medical aid-in-dying and not assisted suicide. The End of Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act would allow terminally ill adults to have the option to get prescription medication to end their life. Ten states have authorized medical aid-in-dying, with 19 other states considering similar measures this spring. The Illinois End-of-Life Options Coalition said a recent poll showed 17% of Illinois voters oppose medical aid-in-dying.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois taxpayers will learn next week how Gov. J.B. Pritzker hopes to spend their tax dollars for the coming fiscal year. Republicans are urging him to not include new programs, new taxes or tax hikes. Pritzker said he wants next week’s speech to be a big reveal. He said the bottom line is “more of what we care about.” Republicans warn of possible deficits up to $890 million. In recent years, human services spending increased by $3.6 billion and health care and Medicaid spending increased by $1.5 billion. Pritzker delivers his budget address Wednesday, Feb. 21.
(Springfield-jm) – An area state lawmaker is providing an update on the latest on migrant healthcare costs in the state. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Vermilion County-jm) – An Indiana man has been sentenced for child sex crimes. 20-year-old Dylan Clark has been sentenced to more than 14 years in prison after picking up a girl from Vermilion County and bringing her to his home in Indiana. Clark was 19 years old at the time of the crime. He traveled across state lines to meet up with an 11-year-old girl from Georgetown and lure her back to his Franklin, Ind. home, where he engaged in sexual conduct. Clark was arrested in September 2022 and was placed into the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service. He pleaded guilty to transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity.
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is warning of a scam. They say they were made aware of multiple people receiving calls from someone claiming to be Deputy/Sergeant Ryan Black with the Champaign County Sheriff's Office. The department says they do not have a Ryan Black employed and to not give out any personal information.
(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Department Wednesday released the latest edition of its ten-year ag production and economic projections, yet what were some of the key findings? Rod Bain reports…
(Washington-jm) – Rural America is making an economic comeback. Gary Crawford reports…
WPXN News Notes…
Parkland College Theatre will hold their performances of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead on February 15, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 pm and February 18 and 25 at 3pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and can be purchased online at tickets dot parkland dot edu.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank’s Foodmobile will be in the following communities today: Abbe Insurance Buckley from 9-9:30, Durham Park in Onarga from 10-10:30, Crescent City Community Center from 11-11:30, RP Home and Harvest in Watseka from 12:30-1 and Milford Town and Country from 1:30-2.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper this evening from 4:30-6:30 pm. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 $6. Meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Deliveries are available in town by calling 217-202-6441.
The Buckley Sportsman Club will hold their annual All You Can Eat Fish Fry Friday from 4:30-7pm at the Buckley Legion. Cost is $13 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under.
