(Springfield-jm) – With the final scheduled session day today, Illinois taxpayers remain in the dark about how state lawmakers plan to spend billions in taxes. Earlier in the day Thursday, at an unrelated event in Pontoon Beach, Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave scant details about the budget. While details about how legislators plan to spend more than $50 billion in taxpayer funds were scarce late into Thursday evening, some legislators were lining up new or expanded programs to use taxpayer funds. Legislators return to session Friday. That’s the scheduled adjournment, but they also have the rest of the month scheduled for contingency days.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House unanimously passed a plan to educate more drivers about vehicles transporting hazardous materials following the tragic accident in Teutopolis that killed five people and left 11 others injured last October. This proposal could require the Secretary of State to include education on hazardous material placards in the Illinois Rules of the Road book students read during driver education courses.
(Springfield-jm) – According to State Representative Chris Miller (R-Oakland), Governor Pritzker likes to avoid talking about the reality of our illegal immigration crisis. Miller says more crime is occurring, taxpayers are being taken advantage of, and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. He added that this ongoing designed crisis is causing havoc across cities, specifically Chicago…
State Representative Chris Miller. He said it’s time to close the border, bring fiscal sanity back to the state and the only way to do that is by no longer being a sanctuary state.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is one step closer to having improved student discipline procedures to help make schools safer. The Illinois House Education School Curriculum & Policies Committee approved legislation to require the State Board of Education to draft and publish guidance for development or reciprocal reporting systems between schools and law enforcement. Senate Bill 1400 would also require ISBE to publish guidance for re-engagement of students suspended, expelled or returning from an alternative school setting. The proposal could require new guidance for school bus safety and evidence-based intervention procedures as well.
(Paxton–jc) Paxton American Legion Post 150 will start their observance of Memorial Day on Saturday. Paxton American Legion Post commander Tim Hess says they invite the public to help put flags on the military graves at Glen Cemetery on Saturday morning at 9…
Paxton American Legion Post 150 Commander Tim Hess.
(Springfield-jm) – Legislation aimed at attracting businesses in the clean energy sector by offering millions more in tax incentives has been passed in the Illinois House and is headed to the Senate. The incentives amount to around $300 million and would include EV makers including hovercrafts and microchip manufacturers. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity estimates the incentives could generate over $20 billion in new state revenue and create thousands of jobs over the next 30 years.
(Rantoul–jc) The Memorial Day holiday weekend is full of area services to honor those who have served our country. It’s also a weekend for the un-official start to summer. It’s time for more baseball and softball at the Rantoul Sports Complex. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid says a “salute to military” baseball tournament is one part of games at the complex this weekend…
Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reid
(Normal-jm) – Seven demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza on the campus of Illinois State University made court appearances. All seven pleaded not guilty to a count of criminal trespass to state land and a school building. The protestors had met with the ISU president at his office. They allegedly remained in the office until the building closed and were removed by campus police.
(Paxton–jc) Heading into summertime, the TIF projects continue to be completed in the city of Paxton with dozens more in the works or being planned. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold talks about the history of the TIF projects…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign City Council approved a $12 million grant from the state to be used for phase two of the Downtown Plaza. The grant, from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will allow the city to transform areas down Neil Street into a Downtown Plaza. Phase one of the Downtown Plaza will redesign and slightly expand Main Plaza One, which holds restaurants such as Big Grove Tavern, which is currently in Champaign’s Downtown and is planned to begin later this year. Phase 2 of the plaza will include the parking lot at the Southeast corner of Neil and Washington, the lot south of the Orpheum Theater, and a partial reconstruction of adjacent streets. The new plaza’s current plans include a pop jet fountain, local retailers, and kiosks. Construction is planned to begin in 2026 with a tentative completion in 2027.
(Undated–jc) – The Start of the Memorial Day Holiday is also a time for the “click it or ticket” campaign. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…
(Springfield-jm) – The Liberty Justice Center secured a court order temporarily halting enforcement of an Illinois law that Gov. J.B. Pritzker hastily enacted prohibiting candidates that didn't run in the primary from being slated for the November election. Earlier this month, super-majority Democrats in the Illinois legislature approved and the governor signed a mid-election year law ending the slating of candidates. Following a lawsuit, a Sangamon County judge ruled that Illinois’ ability to enforce the election law against potential candidates is on hold. Prior to signing the bill, Pritzker called it an “ethics bill.”
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House Restorative Justice Committee unanimously approved a plan to help provide more educational opportunities for young people serving time in the Department of Corrections. The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice could be required to establish an emerging adult program for individuals 18 to 21 in prisons. Those people would be transported to a juvenile justice center in Harrisburg to participate in therapy sessions, case management, vocational training and higher education opportunities. Some Republican lawmakers are concerned about how the Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice will coordinate transportation and security for individuals moving to the Harrisburg facility.
(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur is sponsoring House Bill 5852 which amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law. The measure provides that, beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act and continuing through June 30, 2026, the rate of tax shall be $0.454 per gallon, plus an additional $0.025 per gallon for diesel fuel, liquefied natural gas, or propane. The state tax was 19 cents before Gov. J.B. Pritzker doubled it in 2019 to help fund $45 billion in infrastructure. State Dem lawmakers then agreed the tax would be adjusted for inflation each July 1, meaning they no longer would face taking a public vote on unpopular gas tax hikes…
State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur.
(Springfield-jm) – A measure heading to the governor will cap the monthly cost of prescription inhalers at $25 for people with health insurance plans regulated by the state of Illinois. Typical costs for people with asthma and other lung diseases run between $150 to $300 per month for inhalers. The plan would also prohibit health insurance companies from limiting coverage or denying inhalers. If signed, the law would take effect in 2026.
(Springfield-jm) – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the summer boating season, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police are urging people to wear life jackets anytime they’re on the water and to only operate boats while sober. According to statistics compiled by the Illinois Conservation Police, last year there were 70 reportable boating accidents on Illinois waters, resulting in 12 fatalities and 37 injuries. Of the 12 fatalities, eight were not wearing life jackets or vests.
(Rantoul–jc) There are a handful of times to help observe a Memorial Day Service in Rantoul. Rantoul V-F-W Spokesperson Joe Manka says two are on Sunday with the remainder on Memorial Day, monday…
Rantoul V-F-W Spokesperson Joe Manka
(Paxton-jm) – Memorial Day is the unofficial first day of summer and area pools will be opening. One pool not opening is Paxton’s. Work to get the pool ready isn’t quite done. It’s unknown when the pool will open. Officials with the Paxton Park District say it will be soon. The Hap Parker Pool in Rantoul is set to open on Saturday at 1pm
(Paxton–dm) If you are thinking about staining or restaining your deck, Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has these tips for a great finish.
Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott on Scott’s Tips for Success, Saturday Morning at 7:30 AM
(Vermilion County-jm) – Anyone who lives, works or visits Vermilion County is invited to share their input on strategically rebranding the County. As a part of the project, a brief online survey has been developed to gather insights and ideas from as many residents and visitors as possible. Along with the online survey, a series of stakeholder and focus group interviews are being conducted. When the research is complete, a logo, tagline and communication plan will be developed in 2024 and 2025. The project marks the first phase of Vermilion County’s 200th Anniversary Celebration which officially begins in 2026. Be a part of shaping Vermilion County’s future! Share your insights here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VermCo24.
WPXN News Notes…
The Onarga American Legion Sock Hop will take place on Friday, May 24th from 6-10 pm at the legion hall at Durham Park. There is no cover charge to attend.
The Junk in the Trunk flea market at The Gathering in Gilman will take place on Saturday, May 25th from 9-2.
The Onarga American Legion Auxiliary will hold their inaugural poppy 5k run/walk on Saturday, May 25th starting at 9 am at the Legion Hall at Durham Park. Registration is $30 and can be submitted by emailing leapknf at yahoo dot com.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting Accolade on Fulton on Saturday, May 25th from 10-2.
