(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director John Kim is encouraging Illinois residents to use caution when outdoors as air quality conditions are expected to be in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category for today, according to the National Air Quality Index. These conditions pose a potential health hazard to sensitive populations, including individuals with respiratory or pulmonary disorders, as well as active children and adults. Sensitive individuals should take special precautions and follow their physician-prescribed regimen. All residents should keep cool and limit physical activity when air quality is low. Possible symptoms related to sensitive groups impacted by low air quality include coughing or shortness of breath.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker says the Invest in Kids program could be revived, but might look a little different. Lawmakers did not vote to expand the private school scholarship program for low income children, which is scheduled to end December 31st. The Governor was asked about it at an unrelated event, and said the parameters need some fine tuning…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says action on the programs is up to the legislature and that if they pass a bill to continue Invest in Kids, he will sign it.
(Springfield-jm) – Despite statehouse corruption on full display with guilty verdicts against four individuals in the “ComEd Four” bribery trial, Illinois legislators left Springfield without sweeping ethics reforms. A former Commonwealth Edison executive and three lobbyists, one being a close confidant of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan were convicted last month. The scheme involved giving do-nothing jobs to Madigan associates in exchange for favorable legislation for the utility. Madgian has pleaded not guilty and faces trial next spring. Governor J.B. Pritzker said prosecutors have the tools they need to catch corrupt actors. Lawmakers aren’t scheduled to return until sometime this fall.
(Springfield-jm) – The $50.6 billion state spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st, passed the Illinois House early Saturday, with only the support of Democrats who drafted it. House Republicans chose not to vote for the budget bill for numerous reasons. Including Democrats neglecting two House GOP priorities; giving families a break in the estate tax, and failing to fund the Invest in Kids program, which gives donors a tax credit for contributing to a state fund that pays for low-income scholarships for low-income students. State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian says the budget doesn’t help struggling families…
State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.
(Paxton-jm) – The Ford County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the retirement of one of their own. Joe Mobley retired after 22 years. Mobley started as a maintenance worker in 2001 before becoming a correctional officer in 2006, a position he’s held until his retirement.
(Rantoul-jm) – Changes could be coming to an intersection in Rantoul. Starting today, IDOT will cover the traffic signals at the intersection of U-S 136 and Lon Drive on the far east side of the village for 90 days. The signals are being covered as part of a traffic study to investigate whether they should be removed permanently. Stop signs will be placed at the intersection for safety during the study period.
(Washington-jm) – Recent and, in some cases, continuing dryness is raising Midwest grower concerns about future conditions for their Spring planted crops. Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) – The first signs of West Nile Virus are popping up in Illinois. So far three batches of mosquitos have tested positive for the virus, all in Cook County, says State Department of Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey…
State Department of Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey. Last year, the West Nile Virus was detected in 44 Illinois counties. There were 34 reported human cases and 8 deaths. Seniors and people with a weakened immune system are the most likely to have complications if they are infected.
(Springfield-jm) – Despite a suggestion by the Illinois Supreme Court that the legislature needs to address concerns about excessive damage awards connected to the Biometric Information Privacy Act, nothing has changed. Business groups have been pleading with lawmakers to address the law, which has spawned hundreds of lawsuits. A measure that included a 50% increase in the minimum penalty businesses faced for violating BIPA was roundly criticized by business and health care groups. The bill never made it to either chamber. Illinois is the only state that allows individuals the right to sue over the improper collection of biometric data.
(Springfield-jm) – The $50.6 billion state spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st, passed the Illinois House early Saturday, with only the support of Democrats who drafted it. House Republicans chose not to vote for the budget bill for numerous reasons. Including Democrats neglecting two House GOP priorities; giving families a break in the estate tax, and failing to fund the Invest in Kids program, which gives donors a tax credit for contributing to a state fund that pays for low-income scholarships for low-income students. What the Democrats did choose to include was millions of dollars on healthcare for undocumented immigrants. That program will cost the state over $1 billion in 2024. The budget also includes pay raises and cost of living increases for legislators to $89,675 base-level salaries per year. State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur…
State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur.
(Ludlow-jm) – A Ludlow man has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for sexually abusing two girls. 30 year old Ronald Dulske pleaded guilty in both cases. Prosecutors asked for the maximum allowed sentence of 14 years.
(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City is under a boil water order after a major water main break. An 8 inch pipe broke near State and Sangamon Thursday morning. Water had to be shut off in the area so crews could fix it.
(Washington-jm) – USDA's farm prices report for April continues the trend of most agricultural products bringing producers lower prices than a year ago. Gary Crawford reports…
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
Paxton townwide garage sales will take place today and tomorrow.
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Knights of Columbus on Saturday from 10-2.
Logan Kirby will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30 with the concert beginning at 7.
