SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he has "no concerns at all" about a media report that federal authorities are investigating a property tax break he got by taking toilets out of a Chicago mansion he owns. The billionaire told reporters Wednesday he's certain that any review would show "all the rules were followed" in the tax appeal. WBEZ radio cited an anonymous source in reporting that Pritzker is under investigation. The U.S. attorney's office would not comment.
(Springfield--jc) -- The Illinois attorney general wants something done about electric companies that he says are taking advantage of people.Most people in Illinois have a main utility in their area. ComEd, Ameren, MidAmerican Energy, companies like that.But people can also buy their power from an alternative supplier.CleanChoice pointed to a poll that it says shows 76% of Illinois residents want the freedom to choose clean energy for their home. Kwame Raoul said he wants lawmakers to implement new regulations on alternative energy companies by the end of the spring session.
(Spirngfield--jc) -- Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker is defending his proposal to address the state’s $134 billion unfunded pension liability. Pritzker’s proposal for the coming budget restructures pension payments and pays less than what’s required in the coming years. Despite critics, including some unions and Democrats, opposing the governor’s pension proposal seeing it as the state again kicking the can down the road.
(Paxton--jc) Mobile Home Taxpayers in Ford County have until the end of business on Friday May 3rd to pay their taxes on time. The tax bills may be sent to the Ford County Treasurer’s department or dropped off at the county courthouse in Paxton. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — State public health workers are increasing accessibility to vaccines in response to an outbreak of measles in the U.S. that includes seven cases in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health says it's also expanding outreach in communities with low vaccination rates and educating the public on the importance of vaccines. Gov. J.B. Pritzker says his administration is "taking the threat posed by a rise in measles cases very seriously."
(Springfield--jc) Ticket sales for Illinois State Fair Grandstand Concerts are already breaking records. More than 28 thousand tickets were sold over the past week. State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon credits the lineup that includes Reba...
State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon.
Acts coming to the Illinois State Fair include, Snoop Dog, Bad Company and Reba.
(Springfield--jc) -- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says a new Illinois State Police tracking system should help chip away at the backlog of D-N-A evidence that needs to be processed. Illinois State Police Acting Director Brendan Kelly says the Laboratory Management System makes it easier to track and process. Kelly says this will also help show exactly which steps are causing the most delays…
Illinois State Police Acting Director Brendan Kelly
(Paxton-dg)-The Country House Restaurant is now open on Paxton’s west side in the former home of Country Gardens. New Owners Pete and Heidi Estrada have been in the restaurant business for many years. Pete has been cooking for over 30 years. Heidi talks about some favorites to look forward to at the Country House...
Country House Owner Heidi Estrada. It is Heidi’s birthday today, so if you happen to go the Country House today welcome them to Paxton and wish Heidi a Happy Birthday.
(Rantoul--jc) -- Officials with the village of Rantoul continue to work for an agreement with the A-Tel group to bring an autonomous vehicle testing site to town. It is a proposal at present date, but Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says it is a very active topic for local civic leaders…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Springfield--jc) -- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says a new Illinois State Tracking system should help chip away at the backlog of D-N-A evidence that needs to be processed. The Laboratory information management system streamlines data collection and evidence. The governor says the new system will help with the current backlog of cases…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
(Undated--jc) Illinois state government is ready to send out mobile vaccine stations to neighborhoods, host vaccination clinics at events popular with parents and children, and set up at fairs, neighborhood celebrations, churches and more. The Illinois Department of Public Health says it’s in response to seven measles cases in Illinois, and 71 reported across the country last week alone.
(Watseka--jc) -- The Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department will again be partnering with the D-E-A to provide a safe disposal of unused prescription drugs. Ons Saturday, bring your unused prescriptions to the Iroquois County Sheriff’s department west door and they will be collected no questions asked. The prescriptions can also be turned into the Iroquois County Courthouse Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30 or at the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department throughout the year.
(Paxton--jc) Snow, then salt, then melting, then pot holes. With Spring, the potholes are numerous in all areas rural and town and city. In Paxton, city leaders are looking to repave as many roads as possible with a budget of around 150 thousand dollars. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the process has started…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
WPXN news will have more with the mayor on motor fuel tax issues on the noon newscast today
(Ohio--jc) Have you ever wondered how 4-H got started? Summer is coming and so are summertime fairs and festivals. Area 4-H Clubs are working on projects ranging from fruits and vegetables to cows, hogs and rabbits. Ohio State University Extension Spokesperson Cathann Kress says before the clubs 4-H was more business…
Ohio State University Extension Spokesperson Cathann Kress
(Farmer City--jc) -- What do Jack Daniel, the Fuedin’ Hillbillies, Dave Woolridge, Tyler Rich, Hippie, Bill and Tom, Puddle of Mudd, The Robert Brown Band, and the Walkabouts all have in common. The answer is that all these bands will be playing at the Farmer City Heritage Days this year. The Farmer City Heritage Days runs from Thursday May 30th through Sunday June 2nd.
(Rantoul--jc)-- When the Hap Parker Aquatic Center opens later this Spring, an adult swim time will be set. With a a paid pool pass, adult swim times at the local facility will be from 7-30 until 8-30 weekday mornings. A second adult swim time is the noon hour on Mondays, Tuesdays. Thursdays and Fridays. More information on pool passes and special swim hours is found by contacting the Rantoul Recreation Department.
