(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker says state officials are closely monitoring the new COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant. Although Illinois is currently in good shape, the B-A-Two variant is a concern, says the Governor. So far, it doesn’t seem to be having the effect here as in other parts of the world…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says the state is ready for a potential surge, with plenty of tests and more COVID treatments available. He’s asking schools to have a solid testing plan in place in the event cases begin to rise again.
(Springfield-jm) – There's more pressure to fight corruption at the statehouse. This comes after the bombshell 22 count indictment against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, and former Senator Tom Cullerton pleading guilty to embezzlement charges. One lawmaker wants to make sure people who are convicted of felonies while they are serving in office aren't able to run again. Under current Illinois law, someone can run for a state office after they've committed a felony and served their sentence, unless it's election fraud. However, they're barred from holding any kind of municipal office. House Bill 5046, which would bar someone from holding a state or municipal office if they committed a felony while they are serving in office.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is launching a state overdose action plan to combat the opioid epidemic in Illinois. The plan aims to prevent overdose deaths and tackle the ramifications of battling a drug addiction, says the Governor…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The initiative includes things like a mobile van offering medication-assisted recovery, deploying more narcan kits and help specifically for minorities with an addiction.
(Savoy-jm) – An interesting sight was caught coming from Willard Airport Monday. A C-130 Hercules flew into the airport. It was a National Guard unit out of Peoria doing some training. They did a couple touch-and-go’s and went on their way.
(Paxton-tr) – The PBL school district just let some bids go for an HVAC project at the Junior High. PBL Superintendent Cliff McClure says excluding the gymnasium and locker rooms, everything else is already air conditioned…
PBL Superintendent CLiff McClure.
(Urbana-jm) – This week Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking the public’s help in collecting more information about a deadly shooting that happened on March 5. According to Urbana Police, at around 10:45 p.m., they were dispatched to an apartment complex on Welch Drive in response to a report of a shooting. When police arrived at the scene, they found 26-year-old Henry Golden with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Police also said another victim arrived at the hospital by personal transport and he is recovering from his injuries. The preliminary investigation indicates the shooting stemmed from a disagreement outside a house party in the complex. Surveillance video revealed there were several potential witnesses in the area at the time of the shooting. Police are asking anyone with information, photographs, or video recordings captured in the area prior to or after the incident, or from inside or outside the party, to come forward.
(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Deputy Secretary Monday shared insight on how USDA will provide support in development of a new Farm Bill. Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers have just three weeks left in the session and lots of unfinished business. Some of their key priorities for this session have yet to be introduced. Lawmakers will leave the Capitol earlier than usual this year because of the state primaries. The elections, usually held in March, were pushed to June as lawmakers awaited census data to redraw legislative maps. The state budget is the top priority. Tax relief is another hot topic. Republicans have introduced a measure to cap the sales tax on gasoline amid rising prices, and the governor is looking to temporarily suspend sales tax on groceries.
(Springfield-jm) – More than 100 thousand Illinois workers are now enrolled in the state’s “Secure Choice” retirement savings program. Many employers are required to offer the program if they don’t have any sort of retirement benefit already set up. It’s run by Treasurer Mike Frerichs Office…
State Treasurer Mike Frerichs. Secure Choice began in 2018 and is a vital program, says Frerichs. He notes that nearly half of all working age families have nothing saved for retirement.
(Urbana-jm) – The City of Urbana is asking the public for its thoughts about old U of I fraternity and sorority houses in their neighborhoods. The city government is planning to discuss zoning changes to help preserve Greek houses at its next neighborhood meeting on March 29. That meeting will happen through Zoom and will be open to the public. Additionally, people can take an online survey to express their views. More info can be found on the City of Urbana’s website.
(Paxton-tr) – Youth baseball and softball signups are currently underway here in Paxton for anyone interested in playing this season. Paxton Park District Director Cody Evans took time to share a few deadlines for entry…
Paxton Park District Director Cody Evans.
(Savoy-jm) – A two vehicle crash took place in Champaign County on Saturday. It happened on Dunlap Avenue at Curtis Road in Savoy around 9:00 p.m. The crash involved a Champaign County Sheriff’s Department vehicle. Illinois State Police District 10 Troopers responded to this accident. Officials said a 2010 Black Nissan Altima tried turning left from Dunlap Road onto Curtis Road, but a 2020 White Ford Explorer driven by the deputy failed to yield the right of way. That’s when the Nissan hit the squad car. The driver and passenger of the squad car were hospitalized with injuries, while the driver of the Altima refused medical attention. The driver of the Altima was also cited for failing to yield at an intersection.
(Washington-jm) – U.S. and United Kingdom trade officials are meeting in Baltimore through Tuesday to discuss various aspects of their trade relationship. Rod Bain reports…
