(Springfield-jm) – The Supreme Court on Monday restored Donald Trump to 2024 presidential primary ballots, rejecting Illinois’ and other state attempts to hold the Republican former president accountable for the 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. The justices ruled a day before the Super Tuesday primaries that states, without action from Congress first, cannot invoke a post-Civil War constitutional provision to keep presidential candidates from appearing on ballots. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker commented Monday that the court made its decision, and "it will help Democrats that he's on the ballot."
(Springfield-jm) – While Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker continues to downplay the idea he’ll run for president, Republicans interpret the governor’s rhetoric differently. Pritzker has long denied he’s aiming for the White House. He’s publicly supported incumbent President Joe Biden’s reelection. At his State of the State address, Pritzker worked in presidential politics condemning the likely Republican nominee former President Donald Trump and praising incumbent President Joe Biden. The Democratic National Convention, where the party’s choice for president will be made, is set for Chicago this August.
(Washington-jm) – 2024 began with farm prices running below year earlier levels. Gary Crawford reports…
(Urbana-jm) – On Monday in Champaign, University and state leaders took the next step in making Illinois a biomanufacturing leader. Directors at the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Tech Hub are announcing millions of dollars for their precision fermentation research impacting farms across the world. Precision Fermentation is similar to making beer. Instead of yeast, scientists feed corn sugar to strains and produce polymers and textiles.
(Springfield-jm) – Lawmakers return to the state capitol today where the focus starts shifting to a new budget. One of the major topics to be discussed is funding for handling the migrant crisis. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. Lawmakers are expected to be in session through Thursday.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding deceptive practices. On January 18th a female entered Schnucks in Champaign. The female selected numerous items and proceeded to the check-out lanes. The female used a stolen/washed check to pay for the groceries then requested cash back. The female fled the area in an unknown vehicle. Police seek the public’s assistance in identifying the subject captured on video. The suspect was described as a heavyset white female, approximately 5’10” tall, with red hair and glasses. The female had a black tattoo of an unknown symbol on the back of her neck.
(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security recognizes March as Severe Weather Preparedness Month. To help families prepare for severe weather, officials are sharing interagency resources and featuring its emergency preparedness kits. In 2023, Illinois received two significant Presidential Disaster Declarations for severe weather and flooding that totaled over $462 million in damages. A statewide tornado drill will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Association of County Clerks said House Bill 4709 would make it more difficult to find polling places. The bill would allow school boards to deny county clerks access to public school buildings for use as polling places. State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, introduced HB4709 that would amend the current state statute that says if a county board chooses a school to be a polling place, then the school district must make the school available. If passed, the school board would be able to deny a county board.
(Washington-jm) – Three countries are running almost neck and neck to be the biggest buyer of U.S. agricultural products. Gary Crawford reports..
(Champaign-jm) – U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski and Mary Miller sent a letter to Postmaster Louis DeJoy raising serious concerns about the U.S. Postal Service’s plan to downsize the Champaign, Illinois Processing and Distribution Center. The reps say that the plan could mean worse delivery rates and the relocation of dozens of jobs to the Chicago area. Budzinski encourages local residents to take advantage of the current public comment period and submit feedback on the future of these local mail facilities.
(Springfield-jm) – Republican lawmakers are questioning Governor J-B Pritzker’s statements on the state’s growing economy. One of those is 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Undated-jm) – Average gas prices in Illinois have risen 23.7 cents per gallon in the last week, according to GasBuddy. The average gas price in Illinois is $3.70 per gallon. Prices in Illinois are 55.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 20.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
WPXN News Notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in southern Champaign County today from 9-9:30 at the Feed the Need in St. Joseph, 10-10:30 at the old high school ballpark in Ogden, 11-11:30 at the parking lot across from the Homer Post Office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney Community Building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village office and 2:30-3 at The Oaks in Tolono.
