(Springfield–jc) –Medicaid-funded nursing homes in Illinois are asking state lawmakers for a rate increase. Capitol News Illinois reports two proposals in the General Assembly are gaining bipartisan support. Industry officials say the rates they are paid today are based partly on their costs in 2017, before the COVID-19 pandemic. They argue dozens of nursing facilities have closed their doors or filed for bankruptcy in recent years because of the low rates they receive in Illinois.
Sponsors of the bill say it can be funded without putting additional strain on the state budget.
(Channahon–jc) 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon has introduced a bill to repeal the moratorium on nuclear power plants in the state of Illinois. Representative Balkema says nuclear energy is clean energy…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Springfield–jc) A Springfield judge has ruled that Sean Grayson’s first-degree murder trial can be moved to Peoria County.Grayson and another Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a 911 call from Sonya Massey, who said she saw a prowler. Body camera footage shows Grayson shooting Massey after she moved a pot of boiling water. Grayson’s legal team filed a motion to move the trial out of Sangamon County, arguing that local news coverage of Massey’s death would make it impossible to find an impartial jury. Grayson has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that construction is underway on the bridge carrying Illinois 116 over Scattering Point Creek east of Flanagan in Livingston County. Work will replace the bridge. One lane of traffic will be maintained across the bridge and will be controlled by temporary signals. The $1.8 million project is scheduled to be completed in October.
(Springfield–jc) The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office opened a brand new state of the art facility in Chicago around one week ago. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says there is a possibility of closing a few D-M-V offices that do not get a certain amount of customers…
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
MATTOON, ILLINOIS It’s 40 years of the Bagelfest in Mattoon This annual festival features a variety of exciting activities, including a parade, carnival rides, concerts, and an opportunity to experience the vibrant community spirit. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the fun and festivities that Bagelfest has to offer!
On Thursday, July 17th, the main stage will be headlined by Christian contemporary pop musician Megan Woods. This event is free to the public.
Headlining the main stage on Friday, July 18th, is the iconic ‘90s alt-rock band Everclear, best known for hits like “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine.” Opening for Everclear is Champaign-based party band X-Krush!
(Paxton–jc) A new boutique is set to open on Saturday in Paxton. It’s called Lavender Lane Boutique. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper says its another new business for the city of Paxton…
Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper
(Champaign–jc) Those traveling in Champaign County around the road construction project at interstate 57 and interstate 74 will have to make some changes. The ramp from Southbound I-57 to Westbound I-74 is now closed for construction purposes. The ramp will be closed for around 3 weeks. The closure started late last night.
(Springfield–jc) Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker joined British officials Tuesday to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Illinois and the United Kingdom.
The agreement, which focuses on advancing manufacturing in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors, was first agreed to during the governor’s visit to the UK in 2023. ? Main exports from Illinois to the UK include chemicals, computer products, and manufactured and fabricated metal products.
(Springfield–jc) Legislation is advancing through the Illinois General Assembly that would create salaries for student teachers.A measure would require the Illinois Board of Higher Education to distribute a stipend of up to $10,000 per semester for student teachers. Critics voiced concerns that the state can’t afford to pay the teachers on an annual basis.The House passed the bill and it now heads to the Senate for consideration.
(Springfield–jc) 88th District State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) passed her first piece of legislation out of the Illinois House this week. Representative Deering says House Bill 54 seeks to recognize the importance of soil health to the agricultural producers of Illinois and also seeks to codify into state law an annual resolution concerning soil health….
88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur
(Springfield–jc) – Three Illinois K9s will be receiving a hero’s honor.
Dax gained fame for his many years of service for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office until his death last year. Dax along with police dogs from Alton and Rockford will be recognized by the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee.
The police dogs will be honored in Washington D.C. with their names being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall.
(Melvin–jc) – It’s time to get ready for royalty. The Ford County Fair Queen
Pageant is set for June 23rd. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…
(Paxton–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is the Paxton Park District. The local park district provides a wide variety of services in the area from youth baseball and softball, to football and basketball. Adult sports, including pickleball, are offered by the PaxtonPark District. Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman says it's time to sign up for the Paxton Pirates Swim Team…
Chapman says a special baseball game is being planned for May 24th….
Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman.
Additional events are also set for May 24th with the opening of the youth baseball and softball. The Paxton Park District is the WPXN Business of the Day, today
