(Springfield--jc)  -- The new recreational marijuana proposal reflects on some of the lessons learned by other states. The plan is the result of hearings and studying how legalizing pot has worked elsewhere says State Senator Heather Steans, Democrat from Chicago…

 

 

State Senator Heather Steans, Democrat from Chicago.

Misusing the legal product is an issue in Colorado. One proposal also includes at public education campaign.

 

(Champaign--jc)  - Champaign based Suburban Express has shut down its operations. The News Gazette reports that the closing was confirmed by owner Dennis Toeppen on Tuesday. The Illinois Attorney General’s office had filed a lawsuit the alleged Suburban Express discriminated and harassed its customers. A 100 thousand dollar payment to the Attorney Generals office will also be made this month.

 

Springfield--jc)  -- They went too fast. That’s what House Speaker Michael Madigan said of the Senate’s debate on a proposal to change the state constitution's flat income tax to one with higher rates for higher earners.Madigan spoke to a class of journalism students in talking about the Senate’s 7-minute debate on the amendment, according to media reports. The package of bills linked with the proposed progressive tax is in the House Rules Committee.

 

(Paxton--jc)  The City of Paxton has a around 1 million 200 thousand dollars for its proposed Streetscape program.  One goal is reconstruction of a portion of Market Street in downtown Paxton, says Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold…

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says that includes lighting, curbs and sidewalks to Market Street in downtown Paxton...

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.

Bids and improvements to the downtown will come in early 20-20.

 

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) — A portion of Interstate 55 near Bloomington will be renamed to honor a former resident who killed while serving in Afghanistan. The Pantagraph reports a dedication ceremony is scheduled for May 18 at VFW Post 454 in Bloomington to honor Sgt. Anthony R. Maddox. Before the ceremony, a motorcycle procession will leave from the VFW and travel along the stretch of interstate that's being renamed. Maddox died in an accidental explosion while serving with the Army in 2013. He was 22.

 

(Buckley--jc)  -- Soon, when you drive through Buckley along Route 45 in the downtown area, a beautification project is ready for Spring and Summer. Buckley Village leaders welcomed the donation by Jeanette Tobeck to buy and plant flowers in the downtown area.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A state representative from southern Illinois has resigned to become the director of law enforcement for the state Department of Natural Resources.Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday announced that he appointed Jerry Costello II to the post. The Smithton Democrat has served in the Illinois House since 2011. Pritzker says his experience as a police officer and in Operation Desert Storm "brings much value to an important piece of state government."Costello graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale before joining the Army and serving in Iraq.

 

 

 

(Undated--jc)  -- Yes, bad weather has hampered the progress on major crops. What is the latest information. Stephanie Ho reports…

 

 

 

(Paxton--jc)  The end of the school year is coming soon, Officials with the Paxton Buckley Loda School have set senior awards night for May 21st at 7pm.

 

 

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard has ordered the Illinois River closed to all traffic due to high waters north and south of Peoria. The (Peoria) Journal Star reports the closed area stretches about 45 miles from Lacon to Kingston Mines. The National Weather Service has the river at major flooding levels from Peoria south to its confluence with the Mississippi River. The weather service forecasts high waters through the week and says more rain through Thursday could prolong flooding.

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services says the agency has already taken steps to remedy problems uncovered in a state audit. Marc Smith pledges in a prepared statement Tuesday that DCFS will "take all the necessary steps to overhaul long standing policies and procedures that have failed Illinois' children.

 

(Springfield--jc--)  -- A new recreational marijuana proposal reflects on some lessons learned by other states. In updated our story from this morning, lawmakers are  negotiating in Springfield, but also are listening to what works and does not work says Democrat State Representative Kelly Cassidy of Chicago…

 

 

State Representative Kelly Cassidy, Democrat of Chicago

 

(Buckley--jc)  One local Christian High School has set the date for their annual fundraiser. The 15th annual Knight for Christ benefit  auction will take place Saturday August 24th at the Garden Hotel in Urbana. A catered meal, silent and live auction will be featured. Money raised goes to support Christian education at Buckley base Christ Lutheran High school.

 

 

(Springfield--jc)  -- With Spring comes more motorcycles on the road. Make sure to make the roadways safe.  Kim Howard reports…

 

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — An unexpected tax-revenue windfall has so bolstered Illinois finances that Gov. J.B. Pritzker has nixed a plan to reduce pension-payment obligations next year. A letter to lawmakers Tuesday from the Pritzker administration reported $4.1 billion in individual and corporate income tax revenues in April. That's up 38% from 2018 and $1.5 billion more than initially projected. Pritzker will apply it toward the required $9.1 billion payment to the state's woefully underfunded pensions.

 

 

(Rantoul--jc)  There are some age restrictions at one local Rantoul business after some issues with junior high students happened. The Rantoul Dunkins has seen some rowdy students in the hours following school recently. Rantoul Police are working with the local business to look to some solutions. Now, no one under 18 will be allowed in the business after 1pm without a parent or guardian

 

 

(Undated--jc) If you are stopped for speeding, especially along  one of the many miles of Interstate roads and you just see construction workers, there is a reason. Illinois State Police troopers have been dressing like construction workers on some Interstate roads to slow traffic and save lives.  State Police officials say to follow the posted speed limit, stay alert and stay off your electronic devices.

 

 

(Cissna Park-- jc) --  Some road construction is set to begin on May 13, just south of Cissna Park on State Route 49. Illinois Department of Transportation officials says to expect delays in the area. The construction on Route 49 will run from the second curve to the Vermilion County line. Work is expected to be completed in late June.

 

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — The cost for a new track and soccer facility at the University of Illinois has bounced 50% higher. It is now estimated the complex will cost nearly $21 million compared with the around $14 million estimate last year. School officials in the Champaign-Urbana area partly blame trade tariff for pushing the price of steel and aluminum higher. Construction costs are also higher because of a shortage of construction workers in a strong economy.