(Springfield-jm) – Republicans in the Illinois House are proposing reforms to the state budget making process. The GOP says they want to be included in drafting a budget for the new fiscal year, and will focus on creating jobs, tax policy reforms and more. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie says negotiations need to be transparent…

 

 

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie. GOP lawmakers are also calling for more budget hearings that include input from the minority party and the public.

 

(Springfield-jm) – With each new General Assembly, the Illinois House of Representatives passes a Resolution establishing the Rules by which the chamber will operate. Following a Wednesday afternoon vote on the new rules, House Republicans believe the rules adopted by the House, along party lines, ensure that the failed old way of doing business will remain in place for at least two more years to come. State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur placed the blame for the one sided rules on the gerrymandered maps the Dems drew up after the latest census…

 

 

State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur.

 

(Champaign-jm) –  Champaign Police do not suspect foul play after a man was found dead behind a Champaign business Wednesday. Police and medical personnel were called to an unresponsive man behind the Ruler Foods on West Springfield Avenue. The identity of the individual was not released.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department is asking for help in identifying a man who they said tried to use counterfeit money at area businesses. The suspect was captured on security cameras at one of the businesses he visited. He is Black and had a beard and mustache at the time. He was wearing a black shirt with gray pants along with a black stocking cap and red shoes with white laces.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce is set to host it’s annual meeting. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis says the meeting takes place on Thursday March 30th…

 

 

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis

 

(Champaign-jm) – Parkland College is once again hosting summer fun and learning opportunities for area youth, as registration opens for its 2023 College for Kids and Summer Discovery camps. Registration begins Wednesday, February 15 for elementary, middle, and high school students. An early bird discount of $15 per registered class is available until March 14 for College for Kids.

 

(Washington-jm) – The top USDA trade official says the U.S. is productively engaging with Mexico on that nation's proposed ban on GM corn. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – There’s been a six percent jump in the number of Illinoisans finding healthcare coverage through the ACA marketplace. Nearly 343 thousand Illinoisans are now covered under a plan offered on the marketplace. Get Covered Illinois Director Laura Pellikan says the range of affordable options has proven to be beneficial to those who don’t have healthcare through their employer…

 

 

Get Covered Illinois Director Laura Pellikan. Tax credits are available to help qualifying individuals pay for their monthly premiums. You can learn more online at: get covered illinois dot gov.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Parkland College is looking to change one of its programs. The one that helps get you medicine when you’re sick. The college is planning to add an on-campus pharmacy-technician class. Right now, it’s only offered online. In person, students will get hands-on experience in labs. The class will also help students prepare for the required Board Exam. In 2024, testing requirements are changing in the state. The new program will help prepare students for those changes.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The Weather is cold and winter is still here, but work on the Paxton Park District Pool continues and officials with the local park district continue to prepare the pool for the 20-23 season. Paxton Park District Director Cody Evans says planned work on the local pool is on-going…

 

 

Paxton Park District Director Cody Evans

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man on parole has been sentenced to 4 years in prison after being found in possession of cocaine. Quinton Brown received the sentence in Champaign County court after a compliance check found just over 4 grams of cocaine in his residence.

 

(Gibson City-jm) – 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett is collecting Valentine’s cards for seniors. Senator Bennett talks about how you can send cards…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Urbana-jm) – High Cross Road near Airport Road in Urbana has reopened after crews have been working in the area for months. The Champaign County Highway Department continues to ask drivers to be careful because the road has not yet been completely re-paved and the shoulders have not yet been paved at this time. The highway department said there will also be a short closure in the spring for crews to finish work on the bridge in the area.

 

 

(Washington-jm) – The top USDA trade official says every dollar counts when it comes to programs to expand foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products. Gary Crawford reports…