(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois’ cannabis industry is growing up fast with adult-use recreational cannabis sales expected to hit $1 billion by year-end. In March alone, Illinoisans spent $110 million on weed for fun. Todd Maisch, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, said one factor contributing to Illinois’ explosive growth is that most neighboring states haven’t legalized marijuana yet. The state collects upwards to 40-plus percent tax on the sale of adult-use cannabis.
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker says his office will soon be releasing new mask guidelines for Illinois. The state has had a mask mandate in place for about a year now, but that will be relaxed in line with the latest CDC recommendations, says the Governor…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The CDC advises that fully vaccinated people can safely stop wearing a mask in most settings, both indoors and outdoors.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 946 new Coronavirus cases Monday and 6 additional deaths bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,367,214 and deaths to 22,445. Iroquois County reported 10 new cases bringing their total to 3,047. Ford County reported 6 new cases bringing their total to 1,789. Champaign County reported 68 new cases bringing their total to 20,712. Vermilion County reported 53 new cases bringing their total to 9,625.
(Roberts-jm) -- The village of Roberts has some upcoming projects. Mayor Matt Vaughan talks about the projects…
Roberts Mayor Matt Vaughan.
(Rantoul-jm) -- A Rantoul man is facing public indecency charges after police say he exposed himself to two women at the Rantoul Walmart Saturday. Rantoul police were called to the Walmart after a woman reported Ishmel Jackson asked her to come to his vehicle, when she got there he exposed himself. She went inside and reported it. Meanwhile, a second woman, an employee on break, reported Jackson pulled up near her car and asked her to come to his car where he again exposed himself. Bond was set at $5,000. He is due back in court July 6th.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois House returned to Springfield Monday for the final two weeks of the spring session. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City previews the upcoming two weeks…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Paxton-jm) -- Jonas Hoedebecke will continue to serve on the Paxton City Council. Hoedebecke decided not to run for re-election but was appointed by Mayor Bill Ingold to the Ward 4 seat.
(Springfield-jm) -- A cool, dry week kept planting progress ahead of pace as we hear in the weekly crop report. About four days were suitable for fieldwork, and 86 percent of corn acres have now been planted. 59 percent has emerged, compared to 40 percent at this time last year, says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Looking at soybeans…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 85 percent of winter wheat has headed and 83 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition. The first cutting of alfalfa is now 22 percent complete. Average statewide topsoil moisture is rated one percent very short, 10 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 20 percent surplus.
(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Revenue will begin issuing refunds to eligible taxpayers who filed their 2020 Illinois Individual Income Tax Return prior to a newly enacted federal unemployment tax exemption. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 included a retroactive provision making the first $10,200 per taxpayer or up to $20,400 married, filing jointly of unemployment benefits nontaxable for returns with a modified Adjusted Gross Income of less than $150,000.
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing one and a half billion dollars in assistance for renters and landlords struggling during the pandemic. Through the Illinois Rental Payment Program, approved applicants can get up to 25 thousand dollars for rent due as far back as last June and to pre-pay through this August says the Governor…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says the current eviction moratorium will be phased out by August. To apply for a grant, visit: illinois housing help dot org.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 946 new Coronavirus cases Monday and 6 additional deaths bringing the state’s total number of cases to 1,367,214 and deaths to 22,445. Iroquois County reported 2,936 have been released from isolation, 45 remain in isolation and 3 are hospitalized. Champaign County reported 20,712 have recovered, 258 are in isolation and 9 are hospitalized. Vermilion County reported 129 active cases and 10 hospitalized. Ford County is unable to provide active and recovered cases at this time.
(Springfield-jm) -- State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington is pushing through legislation to help farm families when it comes to passing down the farms to other generations. Senator Barickman explains the legislation and how it will help…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.
(Rantoul-jm) -- A celebration honoring a specialized group of military members once stationed in Rantoul will be held this weekend. The celebration will be held at the intersection of Route 45 and Veterans Parkway Saturday at 11 am. The area will be designated Tuskegee Airman Honorary Boulevard. The public is invited to attend.
(Gibson City-jm) -- Gibson City will once again be holding their Friday Night Cruise nights. Susie Tongate talks about this year’s cruises…
Gibson City Cruise Night Spokesperson Susie Tongate.
Hudson Drug and Hallmark Shop in Paxton is hosting another Moderna Vaccine Clinic. The clinic will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 pm at the Paxton Firehouse.
Go to hudson covid 19 dot com or call 217-379-4858 to schedule and appointment.
(Springfield-jm) -- A cool, dry week kept planting progress ahead of pace as we hear in the weekly crop report. 86 percent of corn and 71 percent of soybean acres have been planted, well ahead of last year’s schedule and the five year average says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. The first cutting of alfalfa hay is 15 percent complete and average statewide topsoil moisture is rated as one percent very short, 10 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 20 percent surplus.
