(Springfield–jc) –The Illinois Senate has passed legislation that outlaws cellphones in school classrooms. The measure would require schools to create a policy prohibiting the use of cellphones during instructional time and create guidelines on how to store cellphones when in a school building by the 2026-27 school year. Gov. JB Pritzker called for the ban in his State of the State address in February.
(Springfield–jc) Illinois Democratic Senate President Don Harmon improperly accepted $4 million more in political contributions than is allowed under state law.
According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, state elected officials report that Harmon’s campaign committee accepted numerous donations that exceeded Illinois contribution caps that were put in place to curtail big-money influence in elections
Harmon has until April 18 to return the funds.
(Springfield–jc) One local State Representative wants the U S Government to move the U S D A Offices to Central Illinois. 88th State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from-Decatur has filed a House Resolution which urges President Donald J. Trump and the United States Congress to immediately begin the process of relocating the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the Land of Lincoln…
88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur
The resolution specifically mentions moving the department to the Bloomington-Normal or Decatur areas, where Deering believes the department can serve the people it was meant to serve.
(Chicago–jc) – The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office recently opened a state-of-the-art building for those in Chicago to get drivers licenses and other D-M-V services. Illinois Department of Central Management Services Director Raven DeVaughn says the new facility helps modernize the services…
Illinois Department of Central Management Services Director Raven DeVaughn.
Officials with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office have looked into closing D-M-V offices that do not reach a required amount of customers. No word of any closings was given at the grand opening of the Chicago facility
(Paxton–jc) – With more sunny skies on the way, the Paxton Park District continues to prepare for summer 20-25. . Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman talks about getting the pool ready to open in late May.. .
Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman.
(Springfield–jc) – The Illinois House has passed a measure that would eliminate an age-based driving test. Drivers ages 79 or 80 would have to go to the DMV to renew their license and take an eye test, but they would not be required to take a road test. Once a driver turns 87 years old, they would then be required to pass a road test.
(Springfield–jc) It’s a small change of a few words but it’s an important change for Illinois veterans. Currently under state law, an employee who is also a veteran is permitted 4 days per year to visit a veterans hospital or clinic for examination of a military service-connected disability. Those 4 days are not charged against any sick leave currently available to the employee. 104th District State Representative Brandun Schweizer reacts to the measure passing the house
104th District State Representative Brandun Schweizer, Republican from Danville.
The measure was approved on a vote of 116-0 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
(Springfield–jc) The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Corrections are partnering on Thursday in Peoria to sponsor a "Summit of Hope" resource fair in recognition of the annual observance in April of Second Chance Month, which is dedicated to supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. The event serves as a one-stop resource fair, connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with vital services, including health screenings, job opportunities, housing assistance, educational programs and legal aid.
(Springfield–jc) Legislation that would ban third party restaurant reservations has passed out of the Illinois House The Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act would prevent third party services from listing, advertising or promoting restaurant reservations without a written agreement. New York passed similar legislation last year, while Florida, California and Nevada are considering restrictions as well.
(Urbana–jc) When you think of youth baseball, you think fun and games, right? More learning fundamentals and less curveballs and collisions. But parents and coaches should be aware: injuries can happen at all levels. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more…
(The Center Square) – Businesses would face new weather-based mandates from the state government if lawmakers approve Illinois House Bill 37-62. The proposal by State Representative. Edgar González, Jr., D-Chicago, would impose new rules when “excessive” weather conditions impact workplaces. The proposed regulations would apply when the wind chill is 40 degrees or lower and when the heat index is 80 degrees or more. Among other changes, employees could refuse to work and employers would have to make adjustments and accommodations. National Federation of Independent Business Illinois State Director Noah Finley said businesses would be required to keep records and create plans to deal with the weather.
(Melvin–jc) – One local Ford County town has a breakfast with the Easter Bunny set for Saturday. Melvin Women’s Club Spokesperson Kay Swearingen says the breakfast starts at 9 at the village community building…
Melvin Women’s Club Spokesperson Kay Swearingen
(Gibson City–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services. Director of Employee and Community Events Spokesperson Bill Kirby provides an update on preparations for the Summer Bash live concert with Foreigner and John Waite…
Kirby says the Summer Bash continues to be a thank you to all associated with Gibson Area Hospital and the communities of East Central Illinois…
Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee and Community Events Spokesperson Bill Kirby. The 20-25 Summer Bash in downtown Gibson City is set for Saturday August 16th.
WPXN News notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, April 11th from 9-10 at 185 W. Sangamon Avenue in Rantoul and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Center.
A Gibson City Barn Reception for 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema will be held on Monday, April 14th from 5-6:30 pm at 931 East State Route 9. Cost is $35 per person or $60 per couple. More information is available by emailing Abby at isrvf dot com.
Kickin Cancer Coaches vs Cancer Dinner and Auction will take place on Wednesday, April 16th at 5pm at Gordyville USA.
Accolade Paxton Senior Living on Fulton will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12th at 9 am.
Paxton Main Street will hold their pancake breakfast and easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 12th at Veterans Square. The breakfast will be from 8-11 am and cost $8 while the Easter egg hunt will take place starting at 9:30 am.
The Melvin Women’s Club will hold Breakfast with the Bunny on Saturday, April 12th at the Melvin Community Hall from 9-11 am. Cost is a freewill donation.
Buckley will hold an Easter Egg Hunt at the lake on Saturday, April 12th at 10 am.
