(Springfield-jm) – Between the pandemic and rapid inflation, Illinois families have been hit hard over the last couple of years. House democrats unveiled their plan to provide a little relief. The house rolled out a plan that specifically targets the lowest income families. They specifically want to expand the earned income tax credit. That number goes up based on how many children they have as well. Under the new plan, 18 to 24-year-olds and those over 65 would now qualify. They would also increase the amount of money everyone that qualifies gets from the credit. The average family gets $500 from the credit. This increase would tack on an additional $50 on average. The democrats’ plan also includes a year-long suspension of the grocery tax, and a year-long freeze on the gas tax, meaning it can’t go any higher.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Department of Children and Family Services workers will be better equipped to defend themselves under a bill headed to the Governor's desk. The legislation is sponsored by Senator Steve McClure of Springfield, allowing DCFS investigators to carry pepper spray when visiting a home…
State Senator Steve McClure of Springfield. Investigators will have to go through a training course with the Illinois State Police on the proper use of a defensive spray.
(Springfield-jm) – State Senator Linda Holmes has advanced a bill to make it easier for veterans seeking sporting licenses. House Bill 4680 streamlines the process to apply for and attain fishing, hunting, and sportsmen's combination licenses. IDNR requested the change to remove the in-person requirement. They have the duty to establish what constitutes acceptable documentation for veterans applying for the licensing fee discount. This also applies to veterans who apply within two years after returning from service who are eligible for free fishing, hunting and trapping licenses for the number of years they were in the service. It passed in both the House and Senate and now moves to the Governor for approval.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill headed to the Governor’s desk seeks to improve equity in Illinois’ largest industry…agriculture. The measure, sponsored by Senator Mike Simmons of Chicago, sets up a commission of lawmakers, ag experts and others to come up with solutions…
State Senator Mike Simmons of Chicago. Topics to be addressed include access to land and capital, plus training and education for minority farmers. The group will discuss the production of a wide range of crops including hemp and cannabis as well as livestock farming.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup is releasing the identity of the man attacked outside his residence in Champaign Wednesday. Northrup says 49 year old Nzengeli Mfwamba died of blunt force trauma to the head and multiple stab wounds to the next. His death remains under investigation.
(Urbana-jm) – Starting today, South Matthew Avenue between West Springfield Avenue and Green Street will close to accommodate an event setup for a University of Illinois engineering open house. City officials said that drivers should expect delays in these areas until the streets reopen at around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
(Gibson City–jc) – Today’s WPXN business of the day is Debbie’s Gifts and More –L and D Upholstery of Gibson City. Owner Larry Spellmeyer says they have been in the upholstery business since 1978 and in unique gifts since 1995…
Debbie’s Gifts and More–L and D Upholstery Owner Larry Spellmeyer
You can hear more about the business on all news casts today on WPXN.
(Paxton–jc) One popular Paxton eating establishment is set to close its doors. Owners of Just Hamburgers in Paxton announced with a sign on the door that they are closing after operating the food business for over 42 years. The scheduled last day of operations is April 30th.
(Champaign-jm) – A dog once found in a cage partially submerged in Kaufman Lake is helping to raise awareness for the prevention of cruelty to animals month. Dory was found on a cold November day in 2019. Doctors said the dog was so cold that their thermometers could not get any reading. The Champaign County Humane Society says she had also suffered abuse prior to being left in the lake. Dory's hip was broken and her skin was covered in scars. Dory's story went viral, even earning her a guest spot on The Ellen DeGeneres show. By April 30, it will have been 910 days since Dory was rescued. In honor of this, the Champaign County Humane Society looked to raise $910 to help bring awareness to Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, which is April.
(Washington-jm) – Grain marketers in Ukraine are looking for alternative ways to export grain. Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield-jm) – Republican lawmakers are calling for action after eight contempt of court charges against Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Director Marc Smith and the deaths of five children. They are requesting the Illinois Auditor General to do a full performance audit on DCFS. The proposed House Resolution 824 would require a report detailing the types of changes made by DCFS in protocols and training to prevent the deaths of children and if those protocols are effective at keeping children safe.
(Springfield-jm) – New protections for sexual assault survivors may soon be law in Illinois. The legislation ensures that the standards for not being able to give consent are met even when the victim has taken drugs or alcohol on their own. It’s sponsored by Senator Ann Gillespie of Arlington Heights and was prompted by a woman in her district who was attacked and then told by police that her case wouldn't stand up in court because she had been drinking before it happened…
State Senator Ann Gillespie of Arlington Heights. The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers sent a bill aimed at easing the state's teacher shortage by allowing substitutes to teach more days in the classroom to the governor's desk. Senate Bill 3893 passed the House and Senate unanimously. The measure allows substitute teachers to fill in up to 120 school days beginning with the 2021-2022 school year through the 2022-2023 school year. Currently, substitute teachers can't teach for longer than 90 school days for any one licensed teacher under contract in the same school year.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing major renovations to one of the largest state-owned buildings in Illinois. The historic state armory in Springfield will undergo a 122 million dollar rehab after sitting vacant for the past several years, says the Governor…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The armory, located near the capitol complex will house state agency employees. Its rich history includes visits by past presidents and concerts.
(Gibson City-jm) – The Bayern Stube Restaurant in Gibson City is set to auction off many of the items that decorated its walls. The auction will start on April 10 at 8 a.m. and end on April 20 at 6 p.m. This is an online only auction through Brad Strebeck Auctions.
(Champaign-jm) – Many residents are concerned after receiving a letter from Christie Clinic about a data breach. The health institute explained how its team performed an investigation, but some patient information may have been stolen. It mentioned in a statement how a single business account was invaded last year and how some patients' personal information, including their Social Security Number, may have been stolen.
(Gibson City–jc) Debbie’s Gifts and More-L and D Upholstery of Gibson City is the WPXN Business of the day. Owner Larry Spellmeyer says one of the hot buys in toys are hot wheels maker kits…
Debbie’s Gifts and More-L and D Upholstery business owner Larry Spellmeyer.
We will have an interview about the business over the noon hour today.
(Gibson City-jm) – Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theater in Gibson City recently introduced a new rewards program called Drive-in Dollars. According to officials, starting Friday night, people can get their rewards card at the box office or snack bar.
Every time a person purchases a movie admission either in person or online, they will get a punch on their card. In addition, every food order that is $10 or more will also get a person a punch on their card. Points can be redeemed at any time for different levels: 5 points for a free drink, 7 points for a free popcorn and 10 points for a free movie admission. The person or family that earns the most points by the middle of August will be entered to win a private movie night valued between $500 and $750.
(Urbana-jm) – Those who have a balance due in Champaign County for violations will be able to pay their balance without any additional fees as part of an Amnesty Week program. The program, which runs from May 9-20, 2022, allows a person who has a balance due for violations that are classified as criminal, traffic, DUI, ordinance or conservation to pay the total amount due minus any late fees or collection fees that have accumulated. According to the Office of the Circuit Clerk, this doesn't apply to fines and costs that are already paid or tax refunds that have been applied against what is due and owing.
(Washington-jm) – USDA has its first look at corn planting progress for the 2022 season. Stephanie Ho reports…
