(Springfield-jm) – Dogs, cats and cows are the subjects of legislation under consideration at the Illinois Capitol. State Representative Barbara Hernandez filed House Bill 2410 to restrict pet euthanasia in shelters except for health reasons, attitude issues or aggressiveness. State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro filed House Bill 1902, which would require breeders to genetically test dogs. Canines with genetic defects or diseases that cause early death or impairment would have to be sterilized. State Representative Curtis Tarver II, introduced House Bill 3056 to ban dogs under the age of eight weeks from being brought into Illinois. Tarver also filed House Bill 3647, which would require dogs and cats to undergo veterinary exams if they are imported into Illinois by animal shelters or animal control facilities. State Senator Rachel Ventura, filed Senate Bill 45 to ban the practice of pulling cow tails.
(Springfield-jm) – Nearly 4,000 opposition slips have been filed against a measure in Illinois to regulate homeschooling. That’s 100 times more than the nearly 40 who have filed in support. House Bill 2827 would create the Homeschool Act and require parents to inform their local school district if they decide to homeschool their children. If not, the children could be labeled truant. Proponents argue the bill would ensure children are protected from potential harm, including making sure that they are receiving adequate schooling. Under the bill proposed by Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, homeschool parents could face tighter restrictions that include requiring them to submit additional forms to school officials and follow specific curriculum guidelines. The bill would also require the state’s Regional Offices of Education to collect data on homeschooled children, with the findings being compiled into an annual report that includes the grade level and gender of all the students being educated in that way. The measure is set for a House Education Policy Committee hearing at 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.
(Washington–dm)-FFA Members nationwide are celebrating National Ag Day today. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has more.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is appealing to the public for assistance in solving a homicide that occurred on October 4, 2022. Police were dispatched to the 1100 block of North Third Street in Champaign following reports of a shooting with injuries. Upon arrival, officers found 25-year-old Rashaud Weatherall suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. He later died at a nearby hospital. Two other gunshot victims arrived at the hospital by personal transport and were treated and released. The initial investigation revealed that the victims were attending a birthday party in the area when unknown assailants opened fire on the group.
(The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman supports the idea of college athletes getting paid like school employees, but others say programs might be cut and players could get fired. At a recent hearing of the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust in Washington, Illinois U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia, D-Chicago, said he opposed legislation to grant the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) an antitrust exemption.
Illinois U.S, Rep. Chuy Garcia D-Chicago.
(Champaign–dm) – State Farm Center has announced “Honoring the Legacy of REO Speedwagon – A Concert Event – Back Where it All Began,” set for Saturday, June 14 at State Farm Center. The show will be a retrospective concert experience, honoring the legacy of REO Speedwagon, featuring special guests and former members Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Bruce Hall, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, and Steve Scorfina, as well as a special “In Memorium” to early band members Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin. The show benefits the REO Charitable Foundation. Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday, March 21 at noon. You can order online at StateFarmCenter.com, over the phone at 866-ILLINI-1, or at the Illinois Ticket Office at State Farm Center. Ticket prices range from $25 to $185 plus fees.
(Springfield-jm) – Some Democratic Illinois lawmakers are once again trying to legalize internet gambling. The bills, House Bill 3080 introduced by state Rep. Edgar González, Jr., and Senate Bill 1963 introduced by state Sen. Cristina Castro, are nearly identical to previous versions. This marks the third consecutive year that legislation has been proposed, with the latest version including a tax rate of 25% on adjusted iGaming revenue. Supporters of the iGaming bill claim Illinois could collect an additional $1 billion annually in taxes.
(Springfield-jm) – A new survey shows an increasing number of small businesses in Illinois expect revenue losses due to shifting U.S. trade policies. The business networking platform Alignable’s survey shows 41% of small business owners nationwide anticipate revenue losses, with 18% expecting significant declines as a result of tariffs. Researcher Chuck Casto said in January, 35% of Illinois small businesses were concerned about the effects of tariffs. The top three sectors of businesses worried about tariffs are architecture, manufacturing and retail.
(Springfield–dm)-There was a pretty big report released last week by the Illinois Auditor General who looked into some state programs. Republican State Representative Jason Bunting tells us what was found.
Republican State Representative Jason Bunting
(Undated-jm) – The National Weather Service has confirmed 3 more tornadoes from Friday nights storms. The weather service confirmed a tornado near Gifford. That tornado was rated an EF-1 with estimated winds at 100 mph and was on the ground for 13 and a half miles. Other confirmed tornadoes include Hammond, Lovington, Neoga, Mattoon and Paris.
(Rantoul–dm)-Rantoul will soon have a new place to eat. Rantoul Chamber of Commerce Director Susie Avalos tells us about an upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony.
Rantoul Chamber of Commerce Director Susie Avalos
(Champaign County-jm) -- Champaign County is facing a shortage of skilled nursing beds — one of only two counties in the state with this issue. This is a result of the county lacking facilities to accommodate patients who require more specialized medical attention. The two counties short on these beds are Champaign and Livingston. Livingston is short about nine beds, and for Champaign, the number is 337. Skilled nursing facilities provide both long-term and rehab care.
