(Undated-jm) – Illinois State Police on Tuesday learned another person died as a result of Monday's deadly pile-up on I-55. The number of people killed is now seven. ISP said the number of deaths increased after they learned the remains of what was believed to be one deceased person was actually two people. A total of 37 people were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical and ages spanning 2-years-old to 80-years-old.
(Chicago-jm) – After a nearly seven week trial that included testimonies from 50 witnesses and countless FBI recordings, a jury has convicted 4 top Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists on bribery-related charges implicating former House Speaker Mike Madigan. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie…
House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.
(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian is demanding an explanation from Governor Pritzker concerning an internal error made in the allocation of funds that could shut down several after school programs and lead to about 50 layoffs in his district and at the same time. Project Success recently notified the families of approximately 500 children enrolled in the program in 6 local communities, that Project Success’ programming would end at the conclusion of its summer program at those schools. Funding for one-third of Project Success of Vermilion County after school enrichment programs has disappeared, prompting the non-profit organization to make the difficult decision to cease programming at sites in Westville, Georgetown and Oakwood come August. Marron called in very concerning and answers are needed from the Governor as to why this occurred…
State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian. ISBE was expected to distribute $12 million in federal money this spring to learning centers across the state, but instead sent a letter April 10 to program directors informing them an internal error had been made in the allocation of funds and that ISBE would not have enough money to adequately fund 21st CCLC programs that have grants expiring June 30.
(Washington-jm) – Nationally the pace of corn planting is just about even with the five-year average. but that covers a lot of differences from state to state. Gary Crawford reports…
(Urbana-jm) – A recent University of Illinois research study has found a new link between nutrition and cognition. The study, led by psychology, bioengineering and neuroscience professor Aron Barbey, found a correlation between blood markers of two saturated fatty acids, larger brain structures with higher volumes of gray matter and better scores on memory tests. These results, the researchers said, add to the evidence that these factors jointly contribute to brain health in older adults. They collected data from 111 healthy older adults with MRI structural scans, blood-based biomarkers of 52 dietary nutrients and cognitive performance tests of memory and intelligence. By combining these measures, the team found associations between dozens of features that appear to work in tandem to promote brain and cognitive health in older adults.
(Springfield-jm) – State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet is working to help local businesses receive recovery funding through a state grant program implemented to help those greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rose is partnering with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to host a Back to Business online webinar today at 10:30 a.m. to assist businesses with the application process, and to answer any questions related to eligibility. Representatives from DCEO will be on hand to provide information and to guide business owners.
(Paxton–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is the Frederick Community Bank of Paxton and Cissna Park. The bank first opened in 1908 in Clarence as the Clarence State Bank, It’s first president was David Arthur Frederick. The bank moved into Paxton in 1933 and started a Cissna Park State Bank in 1941. Frederick Community Bank Loan Officer Alden Harms says banking is more than just a brick and mortar building from mobile banking to the loan process…
Frederick Community Bank Loan Officer Alden Harms
Tradition, local banking professionals and trust are keys to connect with customers and friends in the community says Frederick Community Bank's Kendall Cox…
Frederick Community Bank's Kendall Cox
(Springfield-jm) – As the Illinois General Assembly heads toward its final week of the spring legislative session, State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur said there are two things that haven’t been brought up by the majority party this year…and they probably won’t be. One is the elephant in the room that is talked about every year, and that is pension reform…
State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur. The other is ethics reform. The Decatur Republican said these two things will not be heard during this session and it is dragging the state down.
(Washington-jm) – How are soybean growers doing as they plant this year's crop? Gary Crawford reports…
(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man is wanted for aggravated battery and Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in finding him. Officials said George Harris was last known to be living on Lincoln Avenue in Urbana. He is 66 years old, 5 feet 9 inches in height and 210 pounds in weight. He has black hair and brown eyes. Harris was last booked on aggravated battery charges in July of 2022, and he was released two days later. Harris appeared in court for arraignment the following month, during which he pleaded not guilty. But he failed to appear during another court hearing on April 11. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.
(Savoy-jm) – University of Illinois Police are investigating a car theft after a car rental company at Willard Airport reported one of their cars stolen. Officials said the theft is the result of a renter failing to return the $17,000 car on its assigned due date. It was rented on February 20 and due on March 3, but that date came and went without the car being returned. The company tried to contact the renter several times but received no response.
