(Springfield--jc) -- Corruption has cost Illinois taxpayers nearly $10 billion since 2000.That’s according to a new report from the Illinois Policy Institute.The group said corruption has contributed to the state’s economic slowdown and prevented the private sector from adding more than half a billion to the economy each year.
(Springfield--jc) Before Illinois’ governor doubled the state’s gas tax last month, Illinois had the 21st highest taxes on motor fuel.The nonpartisan Tax Foundation now puts Illinois at No. 3, only behind Pennsylvania and California.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A 29-year-old Springfield, Missouri man is charged with three counts of second-degree murder after a crash killed three people. Andrew Lynch is jailed with no bond this morning after a wreck Saturday killed 41-year-old Jamin Seabert; 39-year-old Kimberly Seabert, both of Reeds Spring, and 19-year-old Braeden Seabert, of Watseka. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Lynch hit a vehicle at a stop light in Springfield, then went through the intersection and hit the Seaberts' vehicle.
(Springfield--jc) -- There’s been a lot of focus on opioid abuse in years. The latest on a new report from the State Criminal Justice Information Authority show that methamphetamine is still a huge concern in Illinois. Researcher Lauren Weisner says the most cases are in Central and Southern Illinois.,..
State Criminal Justice Information Authority Researcher Lauran Weisner
(Danville--jc) -- Interstate 74 in Danville was slowed Monday morning due to a semi accident and fire. In updating our story, the exit to Bowman Avenue in Danville was closed for a time Monday as crews removed the semi from the roadway and ditch area.
(Hoopeston--jc) -- It’s time at the historic Lorraine Theatre along Main Street in Hoopeston for another trivia night. The event takes place on Saturday August 17th starting at 6pm. The 15 dollar entry fee also includes a Pizza King Personal Pizza. Officials with the “Save the Lorraine” foundation are looking for 10 groups with up to 5 people in each group to participate. Some prizes will be provided and some additional theatre snacks are available, Contact the theatre for more information
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(Champaign--jc) -- July was hot and dry, the month of August started out cooler, but still dry. Farmers need a rain. Some lawns and gardens too. What is the 6 to 10 day outlook for weather? Illinois Water Survey in Champaign Spokesperson Kevin Grady has the answer…
Illinois Water Survey Spokesperson Kevin Grady
DIXON SPRINGS, Ill. (AP) — After years of inattention due to a state budget standoff, parks around Illinois are seeing a flurry of maintenance activity. An indication of the sprucing up of Illinois' parks is the work done at the Dixon Springs State Park. The swimming pool in southern Illinois has received a new slide. The roughly $175,000 pool renovation project includes an upgrade to the chemical monitoring system. Site superintendent Chris McGinness says every picnic table in Dixon Springs will be redone by next summer.
(Paxton--jc) -- 13 speeding tickets were handed out by the Ford County Sheriff’s office in July. In releasing the monthly report on Monday, sheriff’s officials say 29 traffic citations were handed out. Sheriff’s police also handled 10 non-criminal complaints, one aggravated battery, one unlawful use of a weapon, one possession of Meth and one theft. Ford County also received just under 33 thousand dollars for boarding fees and 600 dollars on a foreclosure sale during July.
(Springfield--jc) -- A bipartisan group of Illinois state lawmakers joined Governor J.B. Pritzker to celebrate the signing of a bill they say will save taxpayers money on Medicaid costs, one of the largest items in the state budget. The governor says Health care is a right for all, not a privilege. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1321. Pritzker touted the new budget that was enacted last month, which included $80 million more for Medicaid than the previous spending plan, an increase of 18 percent.
(Undated--jc) --A promoter and the founder of Confederate Railroad tried to quell controversy and convince state officials that the country group wasn't political or racist, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker's administration canceled the band's performance at the DuQuoin State Fair the day before tickets went on sale, according to internal emails.The emails, obtained through the state's Freedom of Information Act, show how a single act at the smaller of Illinois' two state fairs quickly became national news that had the full attention of the governor's office. Weeks after the band was pulled from the lineup, Pritzker said the use of the Confederate Flag on the band's album cover isn't tolerated in Illinois because it is a symbol of hate.
(Washington--jc) Corn silking is catching up with the five year average, but still behind schedule. Stephanie Ho reports…
(Rantoul--jc) -- The Half Century of Progress Show is coming to the Rantoul Airport area this month. Event Spokesperson J-C Reitmeir says you can expect to see 30 thousand spectators each day, around 4 thousand people also bring equipment, plus vendors too…
Half Century of Progress Event Spokesperson J-C- Reitmeir
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he's thankful that the state has not suffered a mass shooting like those over the weekend _ without mentioning two major shootings with multiple deaths in the past decade. The Democrat was asked Monday in Chicago about the shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, which left a total of 31 dead. Pritzker said: "Thank God that it hasn't happened here." He added that officials must determine the best way to "to protect the people here
Champaign, Ill. – The State Farm Center announced today that The Head and The Heart will perform at State Farm Center on Saturday, September 14th. The Head and The Heart are best known for their #1 singles “Lost in My Mind,” “All We Ever Knew,” and “Missed Connection.” Opening for them will be the rock band The Moondoggies. Tickets go on sale to the public Friday at 10 a.m.
(Farmer City--jc) -- The Fabulous Farmer City Extravaganza is set for early September. The annual one day event takes place on Saturday September 8th starting at noon at the Farmer City raceway. A car, bike and truck show, motorcyle racing challenge and vendors hilite the event. Those interested in having a booth at the event are asked to call Bolt at 217-819-0581.
(Undated--jc) State police in Pesotum and Ashkum remind the motoring public to slow down and move over as workers continue to mow along the state roads. Keep the workers safe as they complete their jobs.
(Cissna Park--jc) -- It’s the final show of the season at the Country Theatre Workshop in rural Cissna Park. The production of “The Hallelujah Girls” begins on August 15th. The show is about a group of friends who realize that time is precious and want to live their lives to. the fullest. Then the fun begins. The shows run August 15th through August 25th. 7-30pm performances Thursday through Saturdays and a 2-30pm matinee on the two Sundays. Call the box office at 815-457-2626 for ticket information
