(Undated-jm) – Damaging winds, large hail and even tornadoes. That’s what could be possible this afternoon across the WPXN listening area. The National Weather Service says storms could develop this afternoon into the evening hours. Officials are urging people to use caution and be weather aware of rapidly changing conditions.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Insurance Association hopes the Illinois Senate will not move forward with a massive reform plan for auto and homeowners insurance. Industry leaders say that new data shows Illinois has the sixth cheapest auto insurance rates in the country. State representatives passed a bill in late March to require insurance companies to give homeowners at least 60 days notice before non-renewal, changes in coverage, and premium increases over 10%. Insurers could also have to use state specific data to set rates for homeowners. Illinois Insurance Association Executive Director Kevin Martin said this plan could cause homeowner insurance premiums to increase on average up to 20% or $230. The Illinois Department of Insurance could be responsible for ensuring auto rates are not excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. However, Martin notes U.S. News and World Report found Illinois has an average annual rate of roughly $1,650 and the lowest auto premium is set by Travelers Insurance at $1,208 per year.
(Springfield–jc) The talks in Springfield about “real” political maps, not ones favoring Democrats in the majority continue. District State Representative Amy Elik (‘L-lik) says the proposed constitutional amendment would erase the Republican party from the state…
District State Representative Amy Elik, Republican from Alton
(The Center Square) – Union support staff at Illinois State University has entered a third week on strike over failed contract negotiations. The union says instead of negotiating in good faith, university officials are illegally spending more money on temporary staff than it would cost to agree to their demands. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1110 union called for a strike April 8 after contract negotiations with Illinois State fell through. The workers’ previous contract expired at the end of June last year, according to the university.
(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County officials are addressing reports swirling around the community that U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents will be operating in the area this week. Urbana Mayor Deshawn Williams shared a statement on social media Saturday afternoon in response to the rumors stating they have not received confirmation indicating ICE is operating in the area. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District also shared a post on social media Saturday morning, saying “CUPHD stands in solidarity with our immigrant community.
(Loda–dm)-The Loda AmericanLegion Auxiliary is sponsoring a style show on Sunday May 3rd. Loda American Auxiliary President Diane Eilts has the details
Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts. If you you want to purchase advanced tickets you can call 815-474-7264
(Chicago–dm)-(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says there is a need for speed when it comes to the Chicago Bears and megaprojects legislation that provides tax breaks for the National Football League team. The governor spoke at Northwestern University in Evanston on Friday and was asked about the team wanting changes to House Bill 910. The megaprojects bill is now in the state Senate after clearing the Illinois House last week. HB 910 provides tax incentives for the Chicago Bears and other megaprojects worth $100 million or more. When asked by a reporter if speed might come at the expense of taxpayers, Pritzker said the Bears have been talking to lawmakers for two years.
(Springfield-jm) – After a brief debate, the Illinois House voted on partisan lines to pass House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28, which would propose a change to the state constitution regarding redistricting. Introduced last week by House Speaker Chris Welch, Welch said the move was a direct response to concerns that federal action, including possible Supreme Court decisions, could further weaken the Voting Rights Act, including the removal of Section 5. Republican Travis Weaver said data shows that 18 districts already fail to meet the first two proposed criteria, which include districts being substantially equal in population and ensuring that no citizen is denied an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice on account of race. Those seats are held by Democrats
(CHAMPAIGN–dm)-It’s something most experience– – ravenous thoughts about what to eat next. It’s called food noise...and health care providers have tips to cope...so you can maintain a healthy weight. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more.
A health care provider can also get you on a treatment plan for your eating habits. That could include a GLP-1 medication...if it’s right for you. You can also visit the OSF HealthCare website for healthy recipes.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule is making a personal plea for more state funding even as he contends with labor unrest from union workers striking for more pay. Tarhule went before an Illinois House committee requesting $20 million more in state funding for the next fiscal year to help pay for financial aid for low-income students, in addition to making up for inflation and rising operating costs. He said the money that would be added to the university’s appropriations would help with tuition, rather than putting the burden on students, along with keeping ISU competitive with other universities on affordability. Tarhule said ISU is operating under a difficult economic environment, driven by inflation and annual pay increases. Unfunded state mandates on buildings have created a $250 million backlog, due to costs of meeting safety and health requirements, currently funded by student fees. Tarhule was asked about the union strike. According to Tarhule, the university has already cut $12 million in expenses. If the university were to offer a 3% annual increase to all workers, assuming a moderate 2% inflation rate, in three years the university would have a deficit of $26 million, the president said. The end result, said Tarhule, would be 6% annual tuition increases, possibly reducing student enrollment.
(Washington-jm) – High ranking Democrats and Republicans from Illinois were quick to condemn political violence after shots were fired Saturday night at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, attended by President Donald Trump. The president and other top government officials attending the annual event were not injured. Both sides of the aisle gave credit to the quick actions of law enforcement and condemned political violence.
(Paxton–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Paxton hardware and Rental. Spring is here and they are ready to serve you. In the rental department its tillers, and seeders to stump grinders and more. Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen talks about some “fun” and “appetizing” rentals for your next event…
Paxton Hardware and Rental has all your needs for tents, tables, chairs and more
Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen
Contact the store now to reserve your rental needs for Graduation Parties, summer events to weddings Paxton Hardware and Rental is the WPXN Business of the Day, today
WPXN News notes…
Cissna Park and Kellart Lake Garage Sales will take Thursday, April 30th, Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd. Hours Thursday and Friday are 8 am to 7 pm and Saturday 8 am to noon.
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Gibson City Melvin Sibley High School on Friday, May 1st from 9-2.
The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, May 1st from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.
Paxton Main Street will hold their First Friday concert series on Friday, May 1st from 7-9 pm at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. The Philo Country Opry will perform.
Impact Life will hold a blood drive at Kirby Foods in Paxton on Saturday, May 2nd from 10 am to 1pm. To sign up for a spot email Kevin Hanson at emtcoor at hotmail dot com.
The Gibson City Restoration Association will hold their Sip and Shop Wine Hop on Saturday, May 2nd. Check in begins at 10:30 am at 107 North Sangamon Avenue with the event running 11-2:30. Cost is $20 per person.
