(Springfield-jm) – An investigation has revealed that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s investments include companies that earned more than $20 billion in state business since he took office.  In 2019, Pritzker promised to divest his personal fortune of investments in state contractors and to transfer his portfolio into what he calls a “blind trust.”  The nonpartisan watchdog Better Government Association found in some cases, state dollars flowed to companies that were registered to lobby Pritzker, who as governor could influence the outcome of the contracts. One of the companies in question is insurance giant Centene Corporation. Since 2019, its subsidiary Meridian Health Plan of Illinois has been paid over $20 billion from state Medicaid contracts and other programs, according to documents filed with the Illinois Department of Insurance and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.  According to the BGA report, Pritzker retained stock in five companies that already held state contracts when he placed those stocks into his trust. These included stock in two rail companies that play roles in the multi-billion dollar expansion of roads surrounding O’Hare International Airport, part of Pritzker’s infrastructure agenda. And after Pritzker took office, his trust invested in seven more companies that have done business with Illinois state agencies.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Simple lawn care tips for the lazy. Some lawns rival those of the largest ballparks, while others barely get mowed. University of Illinois Extension Horticulturist Chris Enroth says if yard maintenance isn’t your thing, there are a few basics to follow so you don’t get kicked out of your neighborhood…

 

 

University of Illinois Extension Horticulturist Chris Enroth. Enroth says mowing too short or removing more than a third of the blade really stresses the grass. That may make it grow faster and cause more weeds to pop up. He says if you only fertilize once a year, apply it late summer to early fall.

 

(Watseka-jm) – Iroquois County Treasurer, Kurt Albers, announced that the deadline to pay the second installment of real estate taxes without penalty is this Friday. After that date, 1 ½ percent interest on all property must be added to the 2nd installment each month; it remains unpaid according to the Illinois State Statutes. The interest rate on the first installment will be 6 percent after September 9, 2022. The Treasurer’s Office is open 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To avoid waiting in line you may also pay by mail or at any bank in the county. If the postmark reads September 9, 2022, the payment will not be late. There is also a drop box on the south side of the Administrative Center near the 911 Center.

 

(Woodworth–jc)  –  A group called Save Your Farm Legacy Now is hosting a free informational meeting on how to keep your family farm in the family. The event is set for November 16 near Woodworth in Southern Iroquois County. The venue is the Barn Event Center along route 49 just west of Woodworth.  Save Your Farm Legacy Now Spokesperson Cheryl Mitchell says they are putting all types of resources together for the event…

 

 

Save Your Farm Legacy Spokesperson Cheryl Mitchell

Anyone interested in attending the event may find out information by

Contacting Mitchell at 217-369-0637 or cheryl-b-mitchell-dot-com

 

(Champaign-jm) – A pair of streets in Champaign’s Campustown neighborhood will be closed to through traffic as crews install a crane for roofing operations at 302 East John Street. Starting today, John Street will close between Second and Fourth Streets, including the intersection with Third Street. Third Street will also be closing between Daniel and Green Streets. These closures are expected to last through Thursday, September 15.

 

(Charleston-jm) – Eastern Illinois University is asking its community for input regarding its search for a new president. Current president Dr. David Glassman announced 10 months ago his intention to retire at the end of June 2023. Since then, EIU selected Greenwood/Asher as its search firm for assistance in selecting EIU’s next president. Greenwood/Asher will be on the EIU campus on Thursday and Friday to conduct stakeholder forums for students, staff, faculty and local community members. These forums are designed to inform EIU’s presidential search process and give the community a chance to discuss the search.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The U.S. stock market has had a rough year and it's hurting Illinois' underfunded pension system.  By the middle of 2022, the stock market had lost approximately 21.3 percent of its value. This has an impact on government finances, as public pension systems rely on investment gains to help their funded status. A report by Truth in Accounting shows how the Illinois pension system is affected by the U.S. stock market.  Illinois' public sector pension system is partially funded by the investment returns in certain stocks and bonds. As the U.S. stock market struggles, so does the Illinois' pension system. Illinois has among the most unfunded public pension liabilities in the nation. While the state's auditor general has Illinois' unfunded liability at around $140 billion, the American Legislative Exchange Council recently put the figure at $533 billion. Nationwide, the number is $8.2 trillion. 

 

(Urbana-jm) – Officers with the University of Illinois Police Department are investigating a robbery that happened Monday morning on campus. It happened at 10 a.m. near the intersection of Springfield and Wright Streets. Officers said a student was walking on the sidewalk when he was approached by someone riding a bicycle. The bicycle rider punched the student, took his phone and rode north on Wright Street. The student did not need medical attention. The suspected offender was photographed on campus surveillance cameras, wearing an orange hoodie with “Illinois” printed on it, gray pants and brown shoes.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Secretary of State Jesse White’s office is once again extending the deadline to get your driver's license renewed. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the extension and if you might be eligible to do some things from your home…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois and Opendorse have joined forces to offer student-athletes and businesses a name, image and likeness marketplace. The new marketplace offers student-athletes easier access to review opportunities, accept offers from businesses on the platform and earn compensation. Deals that take place through the Illinois Marketplace will be processed through Opendorse to follow state law and NCAA policy, according to FightingIllini.com.

 

(Undated-jm) – Road construction will resume tomorrow across the state. The Illinois Department of Transportation opened up as many lanes as possible for the Labor Day weekend. 

 

(Paxton–jc)  –  With the Labor Holiday almost complete, the PaxtonArea Chamber of Commerce is setting its sights on the annual Swine and Dine event set for later this month. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Alan Meyer says the Barbeque contestants arrive early on the morning of September 17th…

 

 

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Alan Meyer. A car cruise in, bags tournament, kids zone, lots of food vendors also hilite the day in Paston. Nationally known Country Music Star Tracy Lawrence will also perform a free concert Saturday evening on the 17th in Paxton.