(Springfield-jm) – The Office of Executive Inspector General is reporting progress of investigating whether state of Illinois employees improperly obtained federal Paycheck Protection Program loans. The Office of Executive Inspector General has concluded of 325 PPP cases, 275 resulted in findings of wrongdoing. The Office has consistently recommended discharge of employees who have been found to have engaged in this misconduct.
(Springfield-jm) – If a bill gets approved in the Illinois General Assembly, fluorescent lighting will be a thing of the past in the state. House Bill 2363 to phase out fluorescent lighting advanced through the Illinois House Energy and Environment Committee and is headed for a vote on the House floor. According to analysis by the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, the switch to LED bulbs would save Illinois consumers more than $1.5 billion on utility bills, avoid 2.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by cutting energy waste and avoid 419 pounds of mercury pollution by 2050. A typical small office could see $900 a year in savings by switching to LED bulbs and schools could save $3,700 a year.
(Washington-jm) – Has world agriculture production over a six-decade period trended towards use of less resources and, in turn, become more sustainable? Rod Bain reports…
(Normal-jm) – Assembly lines have shut down at Rivian Automotive in Normal. The planned shutdown began on Saturday with production scheduled to start up again April 28. Rivian officials said the shut down will allow the company to make technological upgrades to the plant. When production resumes, only two shifts of workers will be making electric vehicles after the third shift was eliminated. Pessimism among investors after the company’s flat production forecast led to a sharp selloff in the value of Rivian’s stock. Rivian shares have lost almost 92% since its highly publicized initial public offering in November 2021.
(Paxton–jc) – The Ford County Water Tower Museum is one place to see when visiting the city of Paxton. The museum has Saturday hours from noon until 2pm and visits may be arranged. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper says the museum showcases the local history and was helped by the museum professionals of Taylor Studios in Rantoul…
Paxton Mainstreet executive Director Donna Pepper. The museum will also be part of the Draggin’ Main Event Day in downtown Paxton on Monday 18th.
(Champaign-jm) – The charges against a Champaign woman who was accused in the deadly stabbing of her ex-boyfriend have now been dropped. The Champaign Police Department responded. on June 4 to the 600 block of W. Bradley Avenue after Vincent Taylor arrived at an area hospital with a life-threatening stab wound. Police said Taylor and 43-year-old Taneshia Brooks of Champaign were involved in a domestic dispute when the victim was stabbed. On June 4, Champaign Police arrested Brooks on warrants for murder and aggravated domestic violence. Now, the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office has dismissed murder charges against her. They said Taylor had a history of violence toward her and other women. The News Gazette reports Judge Randy Rosenbaum granted Assistant State’s Attorney Troy Lozar’s motion to dismiss four counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated domestic battery filed against Brooks.
(Kankakee–jc) Clove Alliance is spreading the word to help those affected by sexual violence. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the details…
(Paxton–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Dogtown Heating Cooling and Plumbing of Paxton. It’s time to get those air conditioners checked, says Dogtown’s Kody Haas…
When doing an air conditioner check, Dogtown’s Kody Haas says they provide a complete evaluation of your air conditioner…
Dogtown Heating Cooling and Plumbing Spokesperson Kody Haas. The number to call is 217-841-4728
Dogtown Heating Cooling and Plumbing services a 50 mile radius around the city of Paxton. Dogtown Heating Cooling and Plumbing of Paxton is the WPXN Business of the Day, today.
(Springfield-jm) – Legislation is advancing in Springfield that would stop property tax interest and penalties from being charged to deceased individuals. State Sen. Steve McClure’s measure would allow for the estate of a deceased individual to apply for a waiver with the county treasurer. The waiver would prevent interest and penalties from being charged on delinquent property taxes for the deceased individual. The bill passed the Senate and now awaits action in the Illinois House.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers that the upcoming deadline is quickly approaching for filing 2023 state individual income tax returns. The agency has been collecting and processing returns since the 2024 tax season officially began on Jan. 29, and the deadline is Monday, April 15. If a taxpayer electronically files an error-free return, they should receive a direct deposit refund in approximately four weeks.
(Washington-jm) – Consumers last month were paying a lot more for shelter and gasoline, but not for food. Gary Crawford reports…
(Undated-jm) – Illinois airports fared better than the national average for flight delays and cancellations. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports nationwide, 78.2% of flights were on time last year. Chicago’s international airports, O’Hare and Midway, both ranked a little better than the national average in delayed flights for 2023. Elsewhere in Illinois, Rockford’s airport registered an on time rate of 83.2%, and Willard Airport in Champaign had a rate of 81.7%.
(Springfield-jm) – The warmer temperatures have many of us venturing outside, some in search of mushrooms. Morel Mushroom Hunting season is upon us and many folks have already had some luck. But State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) and health departments around the state, want to remind you, we aren't the only ones enjoying the outdoors…
State Representative Dan Swanson. When heading back inside you'll want to be sure to check for tiny hitch-hikers, the same grassy, woodsy natural areas that mushroom hunters frequent are those where ticks lurk. Because of changes in the weather and climate, ticks are “changing and increasing” their geographical range. And with their increased presence comes the potential for unwanted diseases such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis and babesiosis.
(Iroquois County-jm) – Volunteers with the Iroquois County Animal Rescue responded to a hoarding situation Tuesday evening, to find 70 cats in one apartment. According to the Iroquois County Animal Rescue Facebook page, all cats will need spay and neuter surgery, vaccinations, treated for parasites and medication for all that are sick. The Rescue center is asking for monetary donations to help with the cost of these procedures.
(Rantoul–jc) More good news for Rantoul…a new Culvers is coming to town. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says they have selected a location along Champaign Avenue on the villages west side near the Rantoul Sports Complex and Walmart and construction is set to begin…
WPXN News Notes…
Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley will hold their annual spring music concert tonight. A dinner of pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and dessert starts at 5 with the concert beginning at 6.
The Parkland College Theatre hosts their presentation of Little Shop of Horrors tonight through Friday at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online at tickets dot parkland dot edu.
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
