(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Democrats passed a bill to restrict where the federal government can put ICE detention centers. The plan states the detention and processing facilities cannot be located within 1,500 feet of any home, apartment complex, school, daycare center, public park or church. House Republicans say this is another example of Democrats picking a fight with the Trump Administration instead of working with the federal government to resolve issues.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois drivers who have their license suspended for speeding or reckless driving violations could have an alternative under legislation being considered in the Statehouse. House Democrats are pushing a bill that would allow drivers to have a speed control device installed in their car rather than having their license suspended.  If approved, they would have to pay a $30 monthly fee to have the device installed in their car. They would be required to use the device for one year after their first suspension, two years after their second suspension and three years after three or more suspensions.

 

(Springfield–jc)  Several conservative members of the Illinois House are sponsoring legislation to provide sales tax relief on gas purchases in the state. 88th District State Representative  Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur says Democrat polices of tax gas and then tax more starting July First, is  plaguing Illinois families and businesses…

   

88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur

Deering is co-sponsoring House Bill 57-38 which provides  a six-month temporary gas sales tax holiday from July through the end of the year 

 

(Chatsworth-jm) – A Chatsworth man has been arrested on 20 child pornography related charges. Amtelmo Morales-Arellano was arrested after police executed a search warrant at his home following a cyber tip. He was found in possession of more than 20 child pornographic videos. He is facing 20 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. 

 

(Rantoul-jm) – The village of Rantoul is cracking down on speeding after several complaints. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third has ordered the police department to focus on school zones, high traffic areas and known speeding locations. The goal is to get people to slow down and stop driving while distracted.

 

(Roberts–jc) Wanted…vendors, food trucks and crafters. That is on the list for this year’s Roberts Fun Day. Roberts Fun Day Spokesperson Jessa Loveall says they have some participants, and would like additional vendors and crafters…

   

Roberts Fun Day Spokesperson Jessa Loveall. The 20-26 Roberts Fun Day is set for Saturday June 4th around the Roberts Gym in the village. 

 

(Champaign–jc)  – Champaign Police have arrested a second Champaign teenager related to a February  shooting incident.  The arrest stems from a shooting on February 18th along  Stratford Drive in Champaign.  Authorities assisted a 26 year old victim from the shooting, who was taken to a local hospital. That victim continues to recover from his injuries. A 17-year-old was arrested during the service of a court-authorized search warrant  Initial charges in the arrest included Aggravated Battery with a Firearm and Attempted Murder. Two firearms were located and taken into evidence at that time. This morning,  a 16-year-old was arrested during the execution of a court-authorized search warrant in the 900 Block of Fairoaks Drive. The juvenile faces charges related to the original investigation. Because the suspects are juveniles, state law prohibits the release of additional identifying information.

 

(Bradley–jc)  –Illinois State Police continue to investigate a fatal, officer-involved shooting that happened in Bradley on Wednesday afternoon.Police say Bradley officers responded to a well-being check and encountered a man with a bladed weapon, who continued to advance on officers and disobeyed orders to stop. The officers discharged their weapons at the suspect, who was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Democrats passed a plan to expand youth civic engagement in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson. The proposal could ensure all high schools offer students of voting age the opportunity to register during the school day in a safe, accessible and nonpartisan environment. Republicans say parents should be with students when they register to vote.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A ban on rental junk fees is one step closer to becoming reality in Illinois. The House passed legislation banning rental junk fees and requires transparency for leases. Sponsors say renters shouldn’t be surprised by charges included in their rent, such as fees for after hours service requests, renewing a lease or routine maintenance. The bill states that all non-optional fees should be explicitly disclosed on the first page of a lease agreement. Tenants would not be liable to pay fees if they are not shown on the first page of a lease. Republicans say they appreciate the intent of the proposal but worry there could be unintended consequences.

 

(Springfield–dm)--The Illinois legislators are having a back and forth discussion on property taxes in Illinois.  106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington explains.

 

 

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Unit 4 school bus and a motorcycle were involved in an accident in Champaign Thursday afternoon. It happened at the intersection of Bradley Avenue and Bluegrass Lane. The motorcycle driver received medical attention. The bus driver was ticketed for failure to yield.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  St Malachy Catholic school in Rantoul has their Spring Fling fundraiser tomorrow at the school.  The doors open at 5pm with the dinner at 6pm and then its auction time. St Malachy School Marketing Director Karley Combest says their “raise the paddle” portion of the night will help with a  new reading curriculum…

 

 

St Malachy School Rantoul Marketing Director Karley Combest

There is still time to get your tickets to benefit Christian education at St Malachy’s in Rantoul

 

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois campus will be buzzing with people this weekend. The Grainger College of Engineering will hold their open house today and tomorrow. Due to the event, there will be road closures. Springfield Avenue will be closed between Wright Street and Mathews Avenue. Mathews Avenue will be closed between Springfield and Green. Beckman Institute will also have an open house this weekend. And it’s Moms Weekend on the U of I campus.

 

(Gibson City–dm)-The Gibson City Restoration Association is sponsoring a Sip and Shop Wine Hop on Saturday May 2nd.  Gibson City Restoration Association President Sharon Heavilin has the details.

 

 

Gibson City Restoration President Sharon Heavilin.  $20 advance tickets are available at Sid & Sadies, and A Renee. Or you can contact Sharon Heavilin at 217-249-8103

 

(Washington-jm) – A program that helps low income households pay their power bills could see significant cuts. Under the Trump Administration's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, the program would see a $4 billion reduction in funding, essentially wiping the program out.

 

The Center Square) – Illinois House Republicans say they will not support any Chicago Bears stadium deal or megaprojects legislation without statewide property tax relief. In a letter to Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the General Assembly, the GOP state representatives, say they want property tax referendums to appear only on November ballots, and they want an end to back door referendums or bond rollovers that allow governments to raise taxes without asking voters.

 

 

(Buckley–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Abbe Insurance of Buckley. Larry Abbe has been providing insurance needs since 1983. Larry Abbe provides a history on his business…

 

Abbe’s specialty is dealing with medicare supplements, annuities senior long term health insurance. Larry Abbe says for seniors, you need to start the process before you turn 65…

Abbe Insurance of Buckley Owner Larry Abbe

Abbe Insurance of Buckley is the WPXN Business of the Day, today

 

WPXN News notes…

The Rankin Lions Club will hold their Friday Supper on Friday, April 10th from 4:30-7:30pm

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, April 10th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10.

 

The Paxton Buckley Loda High School Choir will put on their performance of Into the Woods on Friday, April 10th, Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th at 7pm each night.

 

St Peters Free Lutheran Church in Melvin is hosting a Biscuits and Gravy and Hasbrown breakfast Saturday April 11th from 8am until 11am. It is a fundraiser for the church

A Spring craft and vendor event will be held on Saturday, April 11th from 9-3 at the Kruse Center in Gibson City.

 

The Melvin Community Hall welcomes Mike Porter Saturday at 7pm. Doors open at 5:30. $10 for adults, kids 12 and under are free. Food will be available. 

 

St. Malachy Catholic School in Rantoul will hold their spring fling and auction on Saturday, April 11th. Doors open at 5pm, dinner will be served at 6 with live auction beginning at 7:15.