(Springfield-jm) -- An Illinois lawmaker wants to put an end to certain outdoor balloon releases in the state. Representative Sam Yingling of Round Lake Beach, proposed the bill which would amend the Environmental Protection Act. It would prohibit balloons from being released at outdoor events such as weddings, funerals, birthday parties, and other celebrations. As part of the proposal, those who violate the amendment would face a $500 fine for each offense.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Several Illinois state lawmakers are looking to give the Legislative Inspector General more independence to investigate lawmakers. The Legislative Inspector General is overseen by the Legislative Ethics Commission, a bipartisan panel of lawmakers from the House and Senate. One reform several years ago allowed sexual harassment claims to be investigated without the inspector getting permission from the commission. State Representative Mike Murphy of Springfield wants to give the inspector general more freedom with House Bill 2575. The measure would allow the inspector general to issue subpoenas without permission or start an investigation. Complainants would also be notified their claims have been received within 15 days.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois students get in free to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield for the next couple months. The free admission lasts through the end of May, and applies to students on field trips or a family out says Museum Spokesperson Chris Wills…

 

 

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Spokesperson Chris Wills. Wills says the museum will have live music this spring, displays of Lincoln’s artifacts and a new exhibit about the history of music in Illinois that opens at the end of April.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,510 new Coronavirus cases and 16 additional deaths Tuesday. Champaign County reported 21 new cases and 3 additional deaths bringing their total number of cases to 18,439 and deaths to 134. Iroquois County reported 9 new cases bringing their total to 2,801. Vermilion County reported 40 new cases bringing their total to 8,573. Ford County did not have a report Tuesday.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker proposed a $41.6 billion dollar budget when he gave his budget address last month. The state is facing a nearly $3 billion budget deficit from the previous year. Governor Pritzker is proposing several cuts to make up the deficit including the Blue Collar Jobs Act which 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City calls disappointing…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

 

(Rural Ludlow-jm) -- Fire crews from several area departments were called to a structure fire Tuesday evening. Crews were called to the fire around 7:30 at 2393 county road 3600 in Champaign County east of Ludlow. No word on the cause.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- Warm, breezy and dry conditions yesterday kept fire departments busy. Several departments around the area were called to grass and field fires. Breezy and warm conditions will continue today although there is rain in the forecast. Fox 55/27 Meteorologist Doug Quick will have the forecast at the end of this newscast.

 

 

(Gibson City-jm) -- Gibson City police have released their recent activity report. On March 1st, Joseph Loveless of Melvin was arrested for driving while license revoked. On March 5th, Terry McRae of Gibson City was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and cited for improper turn, improper lane usage and speeding.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The consolidated election will take place April 6th but several area races are taking shape. WPXN’s Jason Madden takes a look at who is on the ballot in Fisher…

 

 

 

(Watseka-jm) -- Iroquois County Treasurer Kurt Albers is announcing Iroquois County real estate taxpayers can now view and print previously paid tax bills online. Visit iroquois il dot dev net wedge dot com. For more information or if you have questions, call the treasurer’s office at 815-432-6985.

 

 

(Melvin-jm) -- The Ford County Fair is announcing the Eli Young Band will perform at this year’s fair on Friday, June 18th. 90’s country band Shenandoah will open for the Eli Young Band. Tickets are on sale now at ford county fair dot org.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- The returning Secretary of Agriculture says USDA faces new challenges that are different from his previous time at the agency. Stephanie Ho has the details…

 

 

 

(Springfield-jm) --  A new survey conducted by the Illinois Association of Regional School Superintendents shows 77% of responding school districts are struggling to hire teachers. School districts across Illinois are struggling to keep classrooms staffed because of the growing teacher shortage. COVID-19 has only made the problem worse.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- An advocate for Illinois’ hotel and lodging industry says while other states are opening up more fully, the lack of clarity from Governor J.B. Pritzker on when Illinois will open up will have lasting consequences. Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association President Michael Jacobson said there’s no middle ground in Illinois on opening things up for conventions to drive major economic activity. Pritzker couldn't say when he’d announce Illinois is in Phase 5 of his COVID-19 reopening plan.

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,510 new Coronavirus cases and 16 additional deaths Tuesday. As for local active and recovered cases, Champaign County reported 18,439 have recovered, 233 are in isolation and 9 are hospitalized. Iroquois County reported 2,729 have been released from isolation, 12 are in isolation and 1 is hospitalized. Vermilion County reported 233 active cases and 7 are hospitalized.

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- The agriculture industry was challenged during the Coronavirus pandemic as have been other industries. Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Brad Uken talks about the challenges the industry faced…

 

 

Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Brad Uken.

 

 

(Watseka-jm) -- The Old Courthouse Museum in Watseka will remain closed to the public through the end of the month. The board of directors made the decision recently but will re-evaluate towards the end of the month.

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- Carle Health Systems has received an $875,000 grant for substance abuse treatment. The grant is through the Illinois Department of Human Services. Carle says they will use the money to help their 23 county area.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Lawmakers will face a tough challenge in taking on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman says this year may be tougher than others…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.

 

 

(Urbana-jm) -- The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is planning an in-person individual, private stage-crossing experience for 2020 and 2021 graduates May 10–17 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The stage crossing will be an individual procession specific to each graduate. Graduates may register for a time slot, during which they will proceed into the theatre where the graduate’s name will be announced as they cross a stage. Two guests will be allowed to accompany each graduate. Mandatory COVID-19 safety protocols will apply for all who participate, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing.

 

 

(Mahomet-jm) -- Those traveling through Mahomet will want to be aware of some road construction. Starting March 15th portions of Route 150 and Lake of the Woods Road will be down to one lane as crews replace sewer lines. Work is expected to be done by March 19th.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- Renewable fuels will play an important part in meeting America's energy and environmental needs in the coming years, according to the Agriculture Secretary. Rod Bain reports…