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Save those receipts, you may be able to claim certain school supply expenses on your tax return

(Watseka–jc)  An investigation is ongoing into the Iroquois County Public Health Department. No major details have been released. Channel 3 news has reported concerns of overtime pay within the department. State police investigators were in Watseka yesterday. WPXN news will update this story as more official news becomes available.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A report by Fitch Ratings says Illinois’ budget is improving but an economic slowdown and inflation could pose a risk. The report found that state budgets across the U.S. are in a much better position coming into fiscal 2023 and are structured to combat inflationary and macro pressures over the next several months. Fitch says a lower credit rating compared to neighboring states and an underfunded pension system poses a significant risk for the state.

 

(Gibson City–jc) –  For one area city the last 12 months has been more than a challenge. Since August 12th of 20-21, Gibson City has experienced a major flood, straight wind damage, an ice storm and a major fire in its downtown area. Gibson City Mayor Dan Dickey says as a city, you work through the times of trial…

 

 

Gibson City Mayor Dan Dickey

 

It’s positive news for the city today, that includes job growth at Gibson Area Hospital, several street upgrades, a sewer expansion project, a new restaurant in the Horsch Radish and on Saturday night the city is celebrating a Summer Bash with the nationally known act–Night Ranger.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Save those receipts, you may be able to claim certain school supply expenses on your tax return. There are two types of tax credits available says Illinois Department of Revenue Spokesperson Maura Kownacki. The first is for families with students in Kindergarten through 12th grade…

 

 

Illinois Department of Revenue Spokesperson Maura Kownacki. Teachers can take advantage of the instructional materials and supply tax credit, worth up to $250. Next year, that credit will increase to a maximum of $500.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A professor at the University of Illinois has been arrested and charged with sedition in Pakistan. Shahbaz Gill is a well-known politician in Pakistan who also works with the Gies (geese) College of Business. U of I officials confirmed that he did not teach classes last semester and was not scheduled to teach this semester. During an appearance on a Pakistani TV station, Gill encouraged troops to revolt against an illegal order from top military leadership. If found guilty, he could face the death penalty.

 

(Paxton–jc)  –  The Paxton Buckley Loda School system started its first day of classes Wednesday for the new school year. P-B-L School Superintendent Cliff McClure is in the final year as the local superintendent. McClure says those within the district have always been supportive of the students,  and also passing two referendums during his tenure…

 

 

Paxton Buckley Loda School Superintendent Cliff McClure.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man will spend 30 years behind bars for two cases involving violence against women. Robert Perry pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual assault, which accused him of raping a woman while armed with a kn6ife at a Champaign apartment complex in January 2021. He got away from police, but five months later, a DNA test matched with Perry and an arrest warrant was issued. That same June, police were called to Country Brook Apartments for a domestic dispute involving Perry and learned he was wanted. Perry barricaded himself inside an apartment for several hours until police were finally able to arrest him. Along with the 30-year sentence, Perry will have to register as a sex offender. Other charges against him were dismissed in exchange for his plea.

 

(Washington-jm) – Has retail food price inflation reached its peak? Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Cissna Park–jc)  –  A talent show, Schwer Amusements on the midway and lots of food ,hilite day one of three at the Old Settlers celebration in downtown Cissna Park. This evening The talent show starts at 7 on the stage in the park. The last event of the three day celebration is a drawing for a brand new car, says Old Settlers Spokesperson Dick Swing…

 

 

Cissna Park Old Settlers celebration Spokesperson Dick Swing

WPXN will be broadcasting the parade at noon on Saturday as part of our Summer Fun Tour.

 

(Springfield-jm) – As national output declined for the second quarter in a row, concerns of a recession rekindle. The U.S. Gross Domestic Product fell at an annual rate of 0.9% from April through June this year, pushed by high inflation as consumers cut back. It was the second consecutive quarter of negative GDP growth in the U.S. In the Land of Lincoln, the University of Illinois’ Flash Index declined for the third straight month, dropping to 105.5 compared to 105.7 in May.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Still no timetable for a proposed special legislative session on gun violence and abortion. There’s been talk all summer about a special session to further preserve reproductive rights and to possibly address a ban on assault weapons. Governor J-B Pritzker was recently asked for an update…

 

 

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Any new legislation may need to wait until the spring when less votes are required for passage.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The traveling show, Cirque Italia, is performing in Champaign this week. The Water Circus features high-energy acrobat acts that swing from ropes and flip over trapezes. The show is inspired by the element of water. The stage holds over 35,000 gallons of water and features fountains, jets, and mermaids. Families can check out the traveling show today through Sunday in the parking lot of Market Place Plaza. Tickets can be purchased on their website, cirqueitalia.com

 

(Springfield-jm) – The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 8th. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City has who is running at the state level…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City. You can already request a mail- in ballot for the November election. WPXN will have your full election coverage leading up to the general election.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign City Council is moving forward with plans to create a year-round homeless shelter. The council voted unanimously to spend $3.9 million on a low barrier shelter; the money comes from the American Rescue Plan Act. The city will be leasing the old Habitat for Humanity resale store on University Avenue for two years, which will have room for 50 men and 10 women.  The shelter will not exclude people who struggle with substance abuse and will provide help to those who need it.

 

(Washington-jm) – Corn producers are being urged to let their propane suppliers know if they will need more propane than normal for grain drying this year. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

 

(Gibson City–jc)  –  The Gibson Area Hospital Summer Bash is set for Saturday in Gibson City. The nationally known group “Night Ranger” will perform live in the downtown area on Saturday night. Gibson Area Hospital Spokesperson Bill Kirby says there are other activities planned along with lots of food options and a fun race to benefit the Gibson City Fire Department…

 

 

GIbson Area Hospital Spokesperson Bill Kirby

 

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