(Springfield-jm) --  More than 100 labor organizations in Illinois endorsed a proposed amendment on the November ballot to change the state's flat-rate income tax structure to a system that has higher rates for those who make more than $250,000 a year, but business groups said it would make it easier for lawmakers to raise taxes. Representatives from the UAW, AFL-CIO, the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Illinois Brotherhood of Electricians called for the passage of the fair tax amendment in November. Proponents have said that the proposal would make the state tax code fairer and provide tax relief to more Illinoisans. Opponents have said it will open the door to future tax hikes that hurt taxpayers and small businesses and would drive more people to leave the state. Illinois has had a flat rate, which is currently 4.95% for individuals, since the income tax was instituted in 1969. The Illinois Constitution mandates that any income tax be imposed at a single rate for all individual taxpayers, regardless of their income level. Illinois is one of eight states that has a flat rate tax. If the referendum is approved in November, the new tax rates would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Months of economic shutdowns, remote working, virtual classrooms and violence in larger cities in Illinois could be taking its toll on the state’s population. From March 1 to August 14, 67 percent of all moves United Van Lines carried over Illinois’ state lines were residents leaving the state. That’s an increase from 2019, when 61 percent were outbound. Only New Jersey had a higher rate, at 69 percent. On the opposite end, Vermont, Idaho, Oregon, South Carolina, Arizona, and Tennessee saw the highest rate of inbound movers. 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing the last round of grants from the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund. $7.5 million is going out this 5th and final time to 7 non-profit organizations in Illinois. That includes the Community Health Partnership of Illinois, which will use the money to offer mobile clinics in downstate counties like Champaign and Peoria says CEO Eleace (elise) Sawyers…

 

 

Community Health Partnership of Illinois CEO Eleace Sawyers. More than 30 million dollars in grants have been awarded, funding things like meal and utility assistance, supplies for emergency workers and short term rental assistance.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 1,392 new Coronavirus cases and 7 additional deaths Tuesday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 252,353 and deaths to 8,186. Locally since Friday, McLean County reported 314 new cases bringing their total to 2,626. Champaign County reported 309 new cases bringing their total to 2,906. Ford County reported 4 new cases and 1 additional death bringing their total number of cases to 120 and deaths to 4. Vermilion County reported 16 new cases bringing their total to 382. Livingston County reported 21 new cases bringing their total to 255. Kankakee County reported 63 new cases bringing their total to 2,483. Iroquois County reported 5 new cases bringing their total to 359.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Corn continues to progress at a faster pace than usual as we hear in the weekly crop report. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says corn is moving along nicely…

 

 

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 13 percent of soybean acres are turning color, compared to 33 percent normally. Two percent are dropping leaves and 68 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture declined last week to 13 percent very short, 44 percent short and 43 percent adequate.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- Paxton first responders were called to a two vehicle accident late Tuesday afternoon. Crews were called to the accident at Route 9 and 115 just before 4:30. No injuries were reported.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- The village of Rantoul has received two donations for the sports complex. Denny and Anne Long donated $30,000 while the Bank of Rantoul pitched in $100,000. The bank is celebrating a century of service to the village and area

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- An Illinois Congressional member says he believes the Coronavirus pandemic will show more than just a health crisis in the country. 16th Congressional District Congressman Adam Kizinger says he believes it will bring to light the need for broadband internet access in rural areas…

 

 

16th Congressional District Congressman Adam Kinzinger.

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- Rantoul police are investigating an argument that led to damage to a vehicle. The incident occurred in the 400 block of Marco Drive. Police say there was an argument between two individuals when one of them grabbed a baseball bat and smashed the headlight of the others vehicle.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- Rantoul police say a report of an armed individual in the village turned out to be false. The alleged incident took place August 25th in the 1200 block of E. Grove. According to police, witness statements and surveillance video from the area did not support the allegations.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- China continues to expand purchases of U.S. agricultural products. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois could be on the verge of entering Phase 5 of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s COVID-19 reopening plan, if the statewide plan remains in place and a vaccine is approved by the federal government. On May 5, Pritzker revealed his five-phase reopening plan called “Restore Illinois.” That was after nearly two months of stay-at-home orders. His plan four months ago laid out what would relax all restrictions. The White House last week said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent notices to states to start preparing for a vaccine. Pritzker last month said when a vaccine is ready, he doesn’t expect it to be required to attend school.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- A special investigative committee of the General Assembly will begin meeting at the Capitol this week to decide the fate of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Madigan was implicated in a bribery scheme in July when officials from the utility giant Commonwealth Edison admitted to federal prosecutors that, over a period of years, they awarded lobbying jobs and contracts to close associates of Madigan as part of a concerted effort to curry his support for legislation that would benefit the company. The special investigative committee will be made up of six members, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. The first hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 9 am.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- An economic development educator at the University of Illinois Extension offers some tips for businesses working to make customers feel safe from the Coronavirus. The Extension’s Jennifer Russell says it’s important for customers to get a good vibe about health protocols from the moment they walk in or sit at a table…

 

 

University of Illinois Extension’s Jennifer Russell. Russell says businesses should be very upfront about their cleaning protocols, and even do small things such as having a cup for sanitized pens and dirty pens for signing receipts to help customers feel comfortable. Frequent hand sanitizer stations and going touchless wherever possible is also a good idea says Russell.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- Illinois reported almost 14 hundred new Coronavirus cases Tuesday bringing the state’s total number of cases to 252,353 and deaths to 8,186. As for local active and recovered cases, McLean County reported 1,290 have recovered, 1,311 are in isolation, 8 are hospitalized with 2 in the Intensive Care. Champaign County reported 2,362 have recovered, 524 cases are active and 3 are hospitalized. Ford County reported 100 have been released from isolation, 15 remain in isolation and 1 is hospitalized. Vermilion County reported 323 have been released from isolation, 51 remain in isolation and 4 are hospitalized. Livingston County reported 204 have been released from isolation, 47 cases are active and 2 are hospitalized. Kankakee County reported 1,645 have recovered, 770 cases are active and 19 are hospitalized. Iroquois County reported 312 have been released, 27 are in isolation and 1 is hospitalized.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Corn continues to progress at a faster pace than usual as we hear in the weekly crop report. 86 percent of corn has reached the dent stage or beyond, compared to 78 percent normally. 23 percent is mature and 70 percent of the corn crop is rated in good to excellent condition. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener takes a look at soybeans…

 

 

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. The third cutting of alfalfa hay is now 93 percent complete and average statewide topsoil moisture dropped to 13 percent very short, 44 percent short, and 43 percent adequate.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- Two area school districts reported new Coronavirus cases within their district. Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley schools announced a GCMS elementary student as well as an elementary school staff member and a shared staff member between the middle school and high school have tested positive. Yesterday, Rantoul City Schools announced a Pleasant Acres employee tested positive.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- Two Kankakee teens have been arrested for beating up an elderly man in Rantoul last month. 18 year old Bryson Russell and a 16 year old juvenile were arrested in Kankakee and charged with aggravated battery, mob action and battery. Police say the two teens attacked the gentleman in his front yard on August 17th. The teens are in custody in Champaign County.

 

 

(Gibson City-jm) -- Several Illinois counties are now at the warning level for the Coronavirus. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the criteria for the level…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- A Mahomet man has been sentenced to 5 years in prison after pleading guilty in 3 separate cases. Matthew Lee entered the pleas in Champaign County court. In the first case, Lee pleaded guilty to DUI for an arrest in October 2019. He was given credit for 205 days, charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and failure to report property damage accident were dismissed. In the second case, Lee pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen vehicle. He was given 3 years for that charge. In the third case, Lee pleaded guilty to damaging a Rantoul police squad car after he was arrested for trying to break into vehicles. In exchange for that plea, charges of attempted burglary and aggravated battery to a peace officer were dismissed.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- Rantoul police provided an update on the search for a missing man. Police say the bike belonging to David Franklin was found in rural Rantoul over the weekend. Franklin is a 62 year old male last seen August 19th in the Maplewood Plaza area. He was last seen wearing green jogging pants with blue shorts over the top of them and a royal blue hooded sweatshirt. Anyone with information is asked to call Rantoul police immediately.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- The USDA is forecasting that the median 2020 income for farm households will be $89,674 dollars. Is that up from last year, or down? Gary Crawford has the details…