(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate passed a plan to ban consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in your credit reports. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle believe medical debt should not be a barrier to financial stability. Senator Steve Stadelman of Rockford said his legislation will ensure people can no longer be penalized if they struggle to pay their healthcare bills. New York and Colorado have passed similar plans to help ensure financial equality.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois insurance companies could soon be required to properly document whether they have enough doctors and specialists to diagnose and treat patients. The Illinois Senate passed a proposal to make insurers provide documentation to the Department of Insurance showing whether or not their in-network hospitals have a sufficient number of specialists. Senator Linda Holmes said this is critical for people in rural areas who are frequently impacted by network adequacy issues compared to urban healthcare networks. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce and Illinois Manufacturers' Association oppose the legislation.
(Springfield-jm) – 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington received a visit from area mayors and village presidents last week. Representative Bunting says they brought concerns about a proposal to eliminate the grocery tax…
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.
(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department has launched a death investigation after a person was found dead in an apartment building close to campus on Sunday. Pat Wade, a spokesperson for the UIPD, said the person was found in a public restroom in the lobby of The Hub, located at Sixth and Daniel Streets. The preliminary investigation suggests the person died by suicide.
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Circuit Clerk is holding Amnesty Week this week, where people can save money when paying fines they owe. Anyone who owes money from a criminal, traffic, DUI, ordinance or conservation violation with the county can avoid paying any late fees and collection fees through April 26, 2024. In order to take advantage of the program, anyone interested will first need to get a quote from the circuit clerk’s office by emailing them at cccircuitclerk@co.champaign.il.us. In the email, it must include the individual’s full name, an address, a phone number, and email address, and court case numbers.
(Springfield-jm) – College admission counselors generally review an applicant's grade-point average, school activities and volunteer work to decide if a student would be a good fit. But some institutions are looking beyond the 'traditional' student profile with an online tool before granting acceptance. Terri Dee reports…
(Rantoul-jm) – Champaign County Coroner Stephen Thuney is releasing the
name of a Rantoul man who died of injuries sustained in a shooting incident near the intersection of 3200 North and 1800 East, north of Rantoul on Sunday. Jonalberto Guadalupe Sanchez, 24 years old was pronounced dead at Carle
Foundation Hospital Emergency Room in Urbana. Mr. Guadalupe Sanchez died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest. An autopsy is scheduled for today.
(Gibson City–jc) A summer concert to thank employees and the community has turned into a multi community event and tickets are on sale now. The 4th annual Gibson Area Hospital Summer Bash is set for Saturday August 17th in downtown Gibson City and features Bret Michaels. Gibson area Hospital Director of Employee-Community Events Bill Kirby says they are “thankful” for the input for the event from all area communities and businesses…
Gibson area Hospital Director of Employee-Community Events Bill Kirby. The event is free to attend. Some “party pit” passes are available . The 70s band Jefferson Starship will also perform in downtown Gibson City on Saturday August 17th
(Washington-jm) – It's a speedy planting season so far this year. Gary Crawford reports…
(Buckley–jc)-- Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Edge Insurance of Buckley. Larry and Barb Abbe have sold the business to the Dylan Reetz family, but the name is the only change, Reetz, along with Abbe and more continue to operate the business that has served the area since 1980. Agent Larry Abbe says he is not retired and continues to help with several lines of insurance to annuities…
Edge Insurance Agency Owner Dylan Reetz says continuing a strong legacy of providing insurance needs is the on-going goal for the business…
The business is located in the large white building on the south edge of Buckley. The phone number is 217-394-2243 for all your insurance needs. Edge Insurance of Buckley, the WPXN Business of the Day, today.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has appointed a new executive director for the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Monday, Pritzker announced James Montgomery to the $108,000 a year job. Montgomery was previously with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department in Massachusetts. The announcement follows the previous executive director and another PRB member resigning in the aftermath of a paroled individual stabbing a pregnant woman and killing an 11-year-old child. The Senate must take up the appointment within 60 session days.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House has advanced a measure that prohibits corporal punishment in K-12 schools, including private schools. Republicans pushed back, asking how the measure would impact sporting programs and even military schools. House Bill 4175 now heads to the Illinois Senate.
(Springfield-jm) – There is legislation in the state capital that could impact the state’s ag industry. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains the bill and why he’s opposed…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in locating an aggravated robbery suspect. The incident happened on April 5 at a Champaign Circle K. Police arrived at the South Neil Street location near 2:30 a.m., where they learned a stranger had entered the store, beat up the clerk, and demanded money. The suspect then left the store and fled westbound. Video surveillance captured an image of the suspect, who was described as a 30 to 50-year-old Black male wearing a black mask, black leather jacket, and jeans.
(Urbana-jm) – An outdoor Fitness Court Studio and digital wellness program is coming to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The Fitness Court Studio, located on E. Gregory Drive, adjacent to the Campus Bike Center, will open today at 1 p.m. with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Fitness Court Studio will be accessible to approximately 55,000 students, 10,000 faculty and staff and will be within walking and biking distance of approximately 48,211 local residents. This new Fitness Court Studio at Illinois features two workout areas separated by a mural wall to inspire people as they enjoy the benefits and energy created by a great outdoor workout.
(Buckley–jc) Plans for the annual Knight for Christ to benefit Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley have started. The event is set for the Ford County Fairgrounds on Saturday August 24th. Buckley based Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz says the group is looking for auction items and hoping all will save the date to attend…
Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz. Local leaders are also launching enrollment efforts now for the fall semester and 20-24 to 20-25 school year. Those interested in helping the auction or wanting more information on the Christian based school are asked to call 217-394-2547.
(Danville-jm) – Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has identified the victim of the house fire that occurred late on Friday evening, on McKinley Street in Danville as 66-year-old Helen Demarest, resident of the home. An autopsy is scheduled and her family has been notified. Coroner McFadden stated that the Danville Fire Department and the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office are still investigating the cause of the fire.
(Champaign–dm) – Got back or leg pain? Spinal stenosis (steh-NOE-siss) may be to blame. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more from a local expert.
(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary discussed some of the challenges associated with Congress crafting a Farm Bill with agricultural journalists Monday. Rod Bain reports…
WPXN News Notes…
The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County will have their annual Spring Fling fundraiser this evening from 5:30-8 at the Knights of Columbus in Rantoul. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the community service center.
