(Springfield-jm) – Governor J.B. Pritzker says that he is still seeking to implement a graduated income tax on Illinoisans after a previous attempt was rejected by voters. Pritzker discussed a multitude of issues at a forum at Harvard University in Boston this week and took questions from students in attendance. Pritzker was asked about redistribution policies being implemented in Illinois and said he still believes in a tax proposal that failed in 2020. The 2020 proposal would have implemented a higher income tax rate on higher earners, allowing lawmakers to set the various rates. Voters soundly rejected that plan at the polls, however.
(Springfield-jm) – According to Republicans, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's comments on winning in politics show his lack of willingness to work with the other side. Pritzker attended a forum at the University of Harvard Institute of Politics this week, and discussed the state of politics in Illinois and beyond. Pritzker was asked by an audience member what could be done to improve government in the United States. Pritzker said. "In the end, how do we break through all of that? We need to win, we meaning Democrats have to win." Pritzker went on to say that there is no other way to fix government than by electing Democrats.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is continuing his push to ban assault weapons in the state, while the issue continues to be tied up in the courts. Multiple lawsuits on the legality of the ban, which would ban nearly 170 firearms in the state have made it to the Supreme Court where a decision could come as soon as next month. Governor Pritzker says the ban on assault weapons is only a part of the solution to reducing gun violence in the state…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign teen has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a Champaign murder last fall. 17 year old Thomas Woodson received the sentence in Champaign County court in connection to the shooting death of 18 year old Nizeri Carter on November 4th. A disturbance between Carter’s family and Woodson’s family occurred after the sentence was handed out with Carter’s family saying it was too light while Woodson’s family saying it was too harsh.
(Urbana-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of shots fired near Busey Woods in Urbana on Thursday afternoon. A witness reported seeing a subject exit a vehicle and fire rounds into a wooded area. Police located evidence that a gun was fired at the scene. There’s no word injuries or property damage.
(Washington-jm) – The USDA's latest look at world wheat supply and demand estimates indicates an increase in wheat imports by China. Rod Bain reports…
(Rantoul-jm) – A husband and wife from Rantoul are facing sexual assault charges that accuse them of having sex with a teenager they were fostering in their home. Tate and Jaelyn Survance, are charged with one count each of criminal sexual assault. At arraignment on Wednesday, bond was set at $100,000 each and they were ordered to be back in court next month. If convicted, they face anywhere from probation to a prison sentence of four to 15 years.
(Loda–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Federated Bank. Federated Bank started as the Onarga State Bank in January of 1918. Now as Federated Bank, they have locations in Loda Onarga Chebanse Bradley and Braidwood. Federated Bank’s Nick Reutter says even with area locations to visit, you have the opportunity for all services on-line with Federated Bank…
Nick Reutter says a big advantage for local banks is the ability to meet with customers face to face…
Federated Banks business liner is…We are big enough to serve you, yet small enough to know you
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is one of six states to receive millions of dollars in settlement money from e-cigarette and vape manufacturer Juul. In a settlement, Juul will pay $462 million for their role in a youth vaping surge across the country. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, between 2016 and 2018, e-cigarette use among high school seniors around the state increased by 45%.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois school officials have made a budgetary request of more than a half billion dollars in additional funding than last year. The Illinois State Board of Education told a Senate Appropriations-Education Committee that schools are looking for $10.3 billion for fiscal year 2024 that begins July 1. That is an increase of $517 million from fiscal 2023. ISBE’s budget proposal includes a $75 million increase for early childhood programs. Board officials said the governor’s proposed budget would reduce funding for vocational transportation by $353 per student.
(Springfield-jm) – The state is announcing 22 and a half million dollars in grants to boost tourism in the state. Governor J-B Pritzker says the state has seen a jump in tourism since the pandemic…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.
(Urbana-jm) – University police say a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student lost $2,500 after she received a call from someone posing as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement on April 6. The caller said the student was required to pay an "immigration bond." The student was directed through a series of steps, ending with the student disclosing her bank account information and purchasing $2,500 in gift cards to be transferred to the caller.
(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department is seeking help from the public to identify an individual who used a counterfeit bill to purchase items from a local store. Urbana Police ask that anyone who can identify the person or has additional information or video footage of the incident please contact police at 217- 384-2320. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may also submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217-373-8477; online at 373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
(Washington-jm) – Another downward adjustment in Argentina's corn production forecast was made this month by USDA, as drought continues to affect that nation's crop. Rod Bain reports…
(Undated-jm) – Students from Champaign Centennial High School took first place in the high school division of the 2023 National Archery in the Schools Illinois State Tournament in Champaign. Champaign Centennial won the division title with a score of 3,400 during the two-day competition. Champaign Central High School finished second and East Dubuque High School finished third . In the middle school division, Champaign’s Edison Middle School claimed the title with a score of 3,332. Jefferson Middle School in Champaign finished second and East Dubuque students finished third. In the elementary school division, students from East Dubuque took first place with a score of 2,844. Next Generation School in Champaign finished second and Armstrong-Potomac finished third.
The Parkland College Theatre will perform Sweeney Todd today through Sunday.
Paxton IGA will be hosting a cookout Saturday from 10-2 benefiting the Gibson City Masonic Lodge.
The Thawville Community Sale takes place saturday starting at 10am
Paxton Buckley Booster Club has a Duck Drop fundraiser on Sunday at 3pm at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. Money from the event goes to PBL Sports programs.
