(Springfield-jm) – A new report on U.S. state’s economic outlook paints a bleak picture for Illinois. The American Legislative Exchange Council’s “Rich States, Poor States” report is a forecast based on a state’s current standing in 15 state policy variables. Each of these factors is influenced directly by state lawmakers through the legislative process. The authors contend that states that spend less and states that tax less experience higher growth rates than states that tax and spend more. Illinois ranked 46th in the country, down one spot from last year. Hurting Illinois’ ranking are several tax-related categories, including property tax burden, which the state placed 42nd. Illinois ranked 44th in corporate income tax rate; and 49th for debt service as a share of tax revenue. Illinois placed last in the category of state liability system survey, which includes treatment of tort litigation and judicial impartiality. The state also placed last for labor policy for not being a "right-to-work" state. Illinois placed 44th in the country with a ranking of 48th in the migration category.
(Springfield-jm) – Car thefts are on the rise in Illinois. The state ranks 6th in the country when it comes to the number of thefts according to a new report. This report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau says that in 2022, there were more than 38,000 car thefts in Illinois alone. In 2021, the report indicates there were over 28,000 total car thefts in Illinois. In 2022, that number jumped to over 38,000, marking a 35 percent increase from year to year.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker was in New York Monday hosting an investor meeting and touting improvements in the state’s finances. The meeting was held in anticipation of the state’s upcoming general obligation bond sale. The Governor spoke to the crowd about the numerous strides Illinois has made fiscally. That includes eight credit upgrades…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker also talked about shoring up the state’s rainy day fund from a low of 60 thousand dollars to nearly two billion now.
(Iroquois County-jm) – Iroquois County Sheriff's deputies report the arrest of a homeless man after police responded to a report of male subject unresponsive in a vehicle. Deputies were called to 500 N and Route 45 where they found 23-year-old Trevor Harris. An investigation revealed suspected meth, drug materials and a pistol with the serial numbers defaced. Charges against Harris include Possession of a Defaced Firearm, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, meth possession and Drug Paraphernalia. Harris was also wanted on two outstanding warrants, from Kankakee and Williamson Counties.
(Urbana-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that work on two I-74 bridges between Cunningham Avenue and University Avenue will begin today. Officials said the first stage of construction includes improving the shoulders leading up to each bridge to support traffic. The work is expected to last three nights. IDOT said a concrete barrier will then be placed, which will reduce I-74 to one lane in each direction. All work is expected to be completed by the end of November.
(Paxton–jc) Construction work on a former car parts business building continues. In a WPXN news update, three local businessmen are doing repairs at 108 West State Street in Paxton and the building will hold offices and provide a venue for concerts called “the Cadillac,” says one of the owners in Alan Meyer…
The Cadillac Co-Owner Alan Meyer
(Champaign-jm) – This week Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding a retail theft. Police say on January 16, at approximately 1:20 p.m., three subjects entered Meijer at 2401 North Prospect Avenue in Champaign. The offenders selected numerous items and concealed the merchandise in their jackets and backpacks. They exited the store without payment and left in a red/maroon 4-door sedan. The three suspects appeared to be black males 20-30 years old. The first male was wearing a black stocking cap, camouflage-type jacket, and jeans. The second suspect was wearing a ball cap, a black shiny puffer coat, and colorful sweatpants. The third male was wearing a tan hooded sweatshirt with a white strip across the chest and arms and distressed jeans.
(Vermilion County-jm) – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the Attorney General’s office obtained guilty pleas in two unrelated child pornography cases in Vermilion County. Daton J. Books of Danville pleaded guilty to a Class X felony of dissemination of child pornography and was sentenced to nine years in prison with three years to life of mandatory supervised release to follow. Raoul’s office also prosecuted Mark Kerkering II of Henning pleaded guilty to a Class X felony of dissemination of child pornography. He was sentenced to eight years in prison with three years to life of mandatory supervised release to follow.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois farmers have started planting corn and soybeans. It was a dry week and farmers had nearly six days suitable for fieldwork, says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Three percent of winter wheat has headed and the condition of the crop improved to 77 percent in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture is rated at one percent very short, 11 percent short, 63 percent adequate and 25 percent surplus.
(Paxton–jc) Today’s Business of the Day is the Pop Loft located across the Patton Street Bridge along Market Street in the downtown area of Paxton. It’s Flowers, arrangements, balloons and more at the Pop Loft. Owner Samantha “Sam” Magers talks about her unique location in Paxton…
The Pop Loft. Owner Samantha “Sam” Magers says several local products are also found at the Pop Loft in Paxton…
They are open from 9am to 5pm Tuesdays through Fridays and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. They have a 22 dollar assorted rose special today to celebrate their Business of the Day on WPXN.
(Springfield-jm) – Federal regulators have proposed a rule that would permit year-round sales of E10 gasoline in Illinois and seven other Midwest states, opening the door for expanded use of E15. Last year, the governors of the eight states petitioned the federal government with a request to opt out of the regulatory waiver that allows for regular E10 gasoline to be sold during summer months. The governors tied their request to a provision under the Clean Air Act, giving the Environmental Protection Agency 90 days to formally respond and implement the change by July 2022, a deadline that was missed. Officials said removing the waiver would allow E15 and E10 to be made using the same gasoline blend stock, and would help expand the availability year round of E15 in multiple jurisdictions.
Illinois corn farmers and the ethanol industry are also concerned the year delay will have an impact on market certainty and request action be taken to ensure E15 remains an option in this summer’s fuel market.
(Springfield-jm) – As lawmakers convene this week in Springfield to finish the spring session, legislative priorities continue to differ on both sides of the aisle. They are expected to pass hundreds of bills and pass a new budget that begins July 1. Governor J.B. Pritzker said on Monday at an investors meeting in New York that the GOP has not supported the budget process. Republicans argued they voted against the Governor’s budgets because they raise taxes on businesses. In its latest ranking, CNBC placed Illinois as the 40th best business-friendly state in the country. In March, Pritzker said the state is taking in more revenue than expected. He wants to hear from Republicans on the budget and other issues, including possible tax cuts.
(Springfield-jm) – Republicans in the Illinois Senate are pushing for legislation to support businesses in Illinois. The GOP is calling for passage of a number of bills aimed at making the state more business friendly. That includes lowering the filing fee for Limited Liability Corporations by 50 percent and setting up a research and development tax credit, says Senator Don DeWitte of St. Charles…
State Senator Don DeWitte of St. Charles. Republican Senators also want to eliminate the state franchise tax and create tax credits for businesses of any size based on how long they have been in Illinois and the number of employees.
(Champaign-jm) – The William M. Staerkel Planetarium will increase ticket prices to its shows starting May 1. This price increase will offset costs for a new online ticketing system that will be introduced later this year. Beginning May 1, tickets for adults will be $8, and tickets for children under 12, seniors, and Parkland College students will be $7. Group rates for more than 20 people will be $4 per person. Tickets to light and laser shows will be $12 for all ages. James B. Kaler Science Lecture series tickets will remain at $2.
(Paxton–jc) – The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce continues to take the lead in helping established businesses in the city while working with city leaders to get more businesses in the downtown area to the Interstate 57 exchange and more. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis talks about looking forward to continue to help Paxton grow…
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis
(Westville-jm) – A Hoopeston man is under arrest following a shots-fired incident in Westville over the weekend. Westville Police say the incident happened late Friday night in the area of South and Scott Streets. Officers were dispatched there around 10:42 p.m. for a report of a disturbance with shots being fired; when they arrived, they spotted a 22-year-old man trying to leave in a car. The investigation revealed that at least two shots had been fired, but no one reported being hurt.
(Champaign-jm) – Promise Healthcare will celebrate the opening of its new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen on Monday, April 24 at 5:30 pm. The new clinic is located at 821 S Neil Street in Champaign.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois farmers have started planting corn and soybeans. With almost six days suitable for fieldwork, 10 percent of corn and 4 percent of soybeans have been planted. Crop Statistician Mark Schleuseenr says three percent of winter wheat is heading…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Average statewide topsoil moisture came in at one percent very short, 11 percent short, 63 percent adequate and 25 percent surplus.
