(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois state lawmakers return to Springfield on Tuesday ahead of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's second State of the State speech on Wednesday. Lawmakers will return amid ongoing federal corruption investigations involving lawmakers and lobbyists while ethics reforms have yet to materialize. Lawmakers said they also want to address the state's population losses and high property taxes. Pritzker's budget speech is next month.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is confirming a case of the Coronairus in Chicago. The patient is a woman who recently returned from Wuhan, China with the virus and is the second case in the country. State Public Health Director Doctor Ngozi Ezike says it’s a new strain that experts are studying…
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Doctor Ngozi Ezike. The CDC says the immediate risk to the general public is low. If you’ve traveled outside the country recently and have symptoms such as fever, cough or trouble breathing, or have been around someone who’s been outside the U-S and is sick, contact your doctor.
CHICAGO (AP) — Abortions in Illinois increased about 7% from 2017 to 2018, mostly from residents of the state who were seeking the procedure, according to the health department. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently released figures for 2018, the Chicago Tribune reported. The annual Illinois abortion report shows 42,441 pregnancies were terminated statewide in 2018, up from 39,329 in 2017.
(Champaign-jm) -- Champaign police were called to Marketplace Mall Saturday night for a report of shots fired. While no injuries were reported several vehicles sustained damage from the shots. Police continue to investigate.
(Springfield--jc) -- One local County Fair official was named to a high award, after his death last year. The 110th annual convention of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs was held in Springfield this month. Marvin Perzee of Ashkum passed away in July but was granted the Friend of Illinois County Fairs Award posthumously, his wife Sharon, received the award on his behalf. Marvin Perzee was elected to the Iroquois County Agricultural and 4-H Club Fair Board in 1967. He was elected President in 1972 and served in that capacity for 47 years and was Vice-President in 2019 for a total of 54 years of volunteer service to the Fair and his community
(Iroquois County-jm) -- A Momence man is dead following a crash in Kankakee over the weekend. The accident occurred on Route 1 at 10500 N just before 8:30 Sunday morning. State Police say a southbound vehicle crossed the center line and collided with another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle, Michael Latty Jr of Momence was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was cited for improper lane usage.
(Rantoul-jm) -- The village of Rantoul will hold an open house later this month to collect input from the public on the future of the village board. Two years ago, voters approved a referendum that would change the way village trustees are elected. Currently, they are elected at large but starting in 2021, trustees will be elected from wards. The public will have the chance to review two possible plans that would divide the village into different wards based on population. The open house will take place on Thursday, January 30th from 5 to 6:30 pm at the Municipal Building. Those attending will be asked to fill out a comments sheet, which trustees will look over at their February 4th study session.
(Paxton)- The PBL FFA Toy Show is upcoming on Sat. Feb. 1st, all are welcome to attend. There are numerous vendors already signed up for this year’s show from the area, the state, and some out of state vendors. Says PBL FFA Member Maisie Kingren.
PBL FFA Member Maisie Kingren
(Springfield-jm) -- A new state law will cap the monthly cost of insulin for patients. More than one million people in Illinois have diabetes and some are paying upwards of 500 to 900 dollars a month for insulin. Governor J-B Pritzker says this new law will cap the monthly co-pay at 100 dollars…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. This cap takes effect in 2021. The Illinois Department of Insurance will immediately begin studying the rising cost of insulin and make policy recommendations.
(Springfield-jm) -- An Illinois state senator raised concerns in 2016 that Illinois’ automatic voter registration program could mistakenly give voter cards to people who weren't U.S. citizens. At the time, lawmakers were gearing up to override former Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of Senate Bill 250 in November 2016. The bill passed nearly unanimously and was overridden in a similar roll call. One of the few dissenters was state Sen. Dan McConchie, who sent out a news release that predicted a problem with automatic voter registration. The Hawthorne Hills Republican said Under this proposal, non-citizens will be automatically registered to vote and then perhaps later removed from the rolls. If a non-citizen is registered and the state fails to remove that person in a timely fashion, they will get a voter card in the mail and likely believe they can legally vote. And if they do vote, they will be committing a felony.
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois hunters harvested more than 153 thousand deer during the various deer seasons. Deer hunting wrapped up January 19th bringing an end to archery, youth and firearm hunting seasons for the winter says State Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Rachel Torbert…
State Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Rachel Torbert. This time around, deer hunters took 45 percent does and 55 percent males.
(Urbana--jc) -- Champaign County Coroner, Duane Northrup has released the name of a woman who has died as a result of injuries she received when she was struck by a motor vehicle while walking near Russell Street and University Avenue in Champaign on Thursday night. Mary Johansen, 56, of Champaign, died at Carle Foundation Hospital, Friday afternoon. No autopsy will be performed however, an inquest may be held at a later date.
(Urbana--jc) A former Champaign police officer will serve one year probation for breaking into vehicles in Fisher. 45 year old Justis Clinton plead guilty this week to a single count of burglary to a motor vehicle. Clinton was also ordered by pay restitution of 1 thousand 560 dollars to two other alledged victims.
(Rantoul--jc) A new restaurant is coming to Rantoul. Rantoul Area Chamber officials are sending the local welcome to l, the Yellow Ducky Express Chinese Restaurant. The new restaurant is set to open at 715 West. Champaign Street. The opening is set for this coming week and a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony are also planned
(Paxton-jm) -- A Paxton business is making some upgrades. Paxton Ready Mix is building a new batching plant. The new plant came in four sections in late summer. Crews have been busy putting them together. The new plant is estimated to last 40 years.
(Springfield-jm) -- The investigation into Mike McClain continues at the state and federal level. The investigation into possible rape and hush payments has led to the resignation of Illinois Ag Director John Sullivan. Governor J-B Pritzker had this tough message to those who know something…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.
(Undated--jc) Today is the first day to officially file your income taxes. Filing today could mean a tax refund is coming your way in about 3 to 4 weeks.
