(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Primary Day 2024 did not feature many races and the voter turnout was low, and now a Republican legislative leader says you can blame the Democrats’ gerrymandered maps. The voter turnout is being described as shockingly low and is expected to be below 20%. Senate Minority Leader John Curran said if Governor J.B. Pritzker would have kept his word regarding the drawing of legislative maps, Illinois voters would be more engaged. Curran said Illinois voters should play a part in drawing up the maps, not politicians. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers could pass a plan this year to give more power to the office responsible for investigating wrongdoing in state government. The legislation could allow the Executive Inspector General to make summary statements about allegations, violations and recommendations to address corruption. This office is already responsible for investigating fraud, abuse of power and violations of rules or laws. However, the top investigator told the House Ethics & Elections Committee Wednesday that Illinois should also strengthen integrity in the workforce.
(Springfield-jm) – A new report shows fraud cases are on the rise. The report shows a 30 percent increase over the past year. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the report and shares some tips to keep you safe…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul Fire Department invited the community to an open viewing of their upgraded fire station last night. After nearly 50 years, Station No. 2 was long overdue for a facelift. The Rantoul Board voted unanimously in April 2023 to put $750,000 of the village’s American Rescue Plan Act funds towards the firehouse project.
(Urbana-jm) – An Illini Alert went out last evening after a suspicious package was found at Mumford Hall on the U of I campus. The alert notified people to stay away. The all clear was given about an hour later.
(Paxton–jc) Paxton city leaders continue to look at a storm drainage project for areas of the city. The price tag is expected to be around 7 million dollars. With the cost and putting the extensive project together, city leaders are looking at all facets of proposals and timelines. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says they are gathering more information, and the project will be discussed at the council’s April meeting…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Iroquois County-jm) – The Iroquois County Board discussed Governor JB Pritzker’ budget proposal to eliminate the Illinois sales tax on groceries statewide. County, cities, and township government could take quite a hit without that local tax revenue. Among the questions board members have is where that lost revenue would come from ? Eliminating the grocery tax could erase upwards of $600,000 - $800,000 in revenue at the County level.
(OSF—dm) World Oral Health Day on March 20th is a reminder to start healthy habits early with kids. That’s because the consequences can impact the entire body. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more from a Danville expert.
(Kankakee–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Clove Alliance. The non-profit group helps survivors of sexual violence and serves Kankakee, Iroquois and Ford Countys. Clove Alliance Executive Director Tracy Noe-Slah (no-eee slaw) talks about the services, offered…
Tracy says that additional funding is always needed and they have a Cosmic Bingo Event at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds on Friday…
Clove Alliance Executive Director Tracy Noe-Slah
You can hear more about the group on our newscasts today and an interview with Tracy during the noon news.
The Crisis Hotline number is 1 815-932-3322
Clove Alliance is the WPXN Business of the Day, today
(Springfield-jm) – The Pritzker administration is working to justify to Illinois legislators the proposed $52.7 billion budget and Governor J.B. Pritzker’s ability to transfer funds unilaterally. During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing in Springfield Wednesday, state Sen. Chapin Rose of Mahomet, said historically, governors have had a 2% transfer power, but then it increased to 4% and now it’s up to 8%. Rose said it makes it hard to see where taxpayer money is going. Rose specifically pointed out that last fiscal year, $1.2 million went to the new agency, The Governor's Office of New Americans. Alexis Sturm, director of the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, said the law allows the office to only transfer funds operationally and that the Illinois Department of Human Services hasn’t utilized the 8% transfer authority. Rose pointed out that spending on healthcare for migrants is estimated at $725 million in fiscal year 2024 and $629 million is proposed for fiscal year 2025. Direct support for migrants over the last couple of fiscal years was $682 million, but in the 2025 fiscal year it is proposed for $182 million.
(Springfield-jm) – A scathing audit shows that the Illinois Department of Public Health dropped the ball in its response to a COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans' Home. Thirty-six veterans died during the outbreak in November 2020. The Illinois Auditor General concluded that IDPH failed to respond in a timely manner. The audit also found that IDPH didn’t offer any advice or assistance on how to slow the spread of the virus at the home. State Sen. Chapin Rose, of Mahomet, said IDPH needs to be held accountable for this tragedy. Dozens of lawsuits were filed by the victims' families against the state of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the facility itself. Rose said the Pritzker administration is also to blame.
(Springfield-jm) – Aimed at addressing the critical shortcomings in Illinois’ efforts to combat human trafficking and provide essential protections for victims, Illinois House Republicans have introduced the “Protect Victims of Human Trafficking Legislative Package.” Dean Abbott reports…
(Undated-jm) – On Wednesday, 19 different organizations received a share of 1.8 million dollars in Local Food infrastructure grant funding through the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. These programs include: Down at the Farms in Fairbury and throughout central Illinois. They are receiving $110,00 to purchase a delivery vehicle and expand cooler and freezer space to better deliver central Illinois produce to chefs and grocers. Allen's Farm Quality Meats in Homer and serving Champaign and Danville. They are receiving $150,000 to increase the capacity to process meats and reduce current wait times of 12 to 18 months. Living Light Farms in Paxton. They are receiving $43,800 to purchase a mobile freezer and truck so they can transport products to the community.
(Kankakee-jm) – Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 arrested 35-year-old Kenneth L. Brown of Kankakee for three counts of Possession of Child Pornography. On March 6, agents executed a search warrant at a residence in the 4800 block of West Doris Drive in Kankakee. Evidence of Child Pornography was gathered as a result of the search warrant. On March 20, after an extensive investigation, the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the above charges against Brown. Agents took Brown into custody and transported him to the Kankakee County Jail.
(ford county–dm)-Ford County is developing a plan to reduce the damages caused by severe weather such as floods, snow and ice storms, tornados and other events. The plan is called a Hazard Mitigation Plan and the process to develop it is being funded through a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Terry Whitebird, Coordinator of the Ford County Emergency Management Agency explains.
Terry Whitebird Coordinator of the Ford County Emergency Management Agency. The Planning committee will hold its first meeting Tuesday, April 9th at 6:00pm at the Roberts gym located at 118 W. Weldon St. in Roberts and is open to the public.
(Fairbury-jm) – The Fairbury Fair Board is excited to announce the Friday Night Fair Concert lineup. Headlining the night of August 16th is multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans, the fifth most-played female artist on country radio in nearly the last two decades. Her five No. 1 singles include “No Place That Far,” “Suds in The Bucket, " “A Real Fine Place to Start,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Little Bit Stronger.” KayLyn Pace, a Nashville singer, songwriter, and musician, will open for Evans. She is a highly energetic entertainer with a love for people and vocal strength that captivates her listeners. Tickets start at just $20 and will be available online at www.thefairburyfair.com beginning at 8 AM on Friday, March 22, 2024.
(Washington-jm) – What's putting a damper on free trade agreement efforts? Gary Crawford reports…
WPXN News Notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will have a food drive in southern Iroquois County today from 9-9:30 at the Abbe Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City community building, 12:30-1 at Runnings in Watseka, 1:30-2 at Milford Town and Country.
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.
