ILLINOIS (IRN) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker criticized the Trump administration’s handling of COVID-19 Wednesday and said it can do better moving forward, including passing a measure to provide billions of dollars to cover lost revenue for states and local governments. U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, supported Congressional Democrats’ $3 trillion bill. “The HEROES Act that…… Read more…
Durbin Wants More in Next Stimulus Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD) — US Senator Dick Durbin says Washington needs to step up and pass another stimulus bill to support the economy around the country. But Durbin wants more than checks going to citizens again. This time he says more needs to be done to stabilize governments who have seen revenues fall with tax…… Read more…
Restore, Reinvest and Renew Grant Money Available for Illinois Communities
ILLINOIS — Illinois communities can still apply for grant money through the state’s Restore, Reinvest and Renew program, or R3. A portion of the tax revenue generated by the sale of recreational marijuana goes toward the program, which provides funds to communities hit hard with drug problems. Quinn Rallins, director of the Justice, Equity and…… Read more…
COVID-19 lawsuits linger in Illinois, federal courts while state has yet to file appeal in Clay County case
ILLINOIS (IRN) — Last week’s Clay County court ruling that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s COVID-19 emergency orders were invalid without a request for a stay could trigger a speedy resolution as other cases challenging the governor’s powers continue ahead . After Thursday’s ruling his COVID-19 restrictions beyond April 8 void for going beyond the initial…… Read more…
Minimum wage now $10 an hour in Illinois
ILLINOIS (RFD) — The state’s minimum wage is now $10 an hour. A 75 cent increase went into effect at midnight Wednesday. Business groups and Republicans were asking Democrat Governor JB Pritzker to hold back on the raise that is mandated by law. Pritzker wouldn’t appear to have the power to block an increase. Pritzker…… Read more…
Pritzker’s COVID-19 orders face court challenge in Clay County court
CLAY COUNTY, IL — A state lawmaker who filed a lawsuit challenging Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive authority amid the COVID-19 pandemic returns to state court Thursday, where a judge will hear his motion for summary judgment. Illinois businesses are still operating under the restrictions Pritzker imposed more than 15 weeks ago. Two phases ago, state…… Read more…
Ag Meteorologist Expects Some Dry Days in July
ILLINOIS (RFD) — He’s not ready to call it a weather market just yet, but Freese-Notis agriculture meteorologist Dan Hicks expects parts of the Corn Belt to see some dry days in July. The latest USDA crop report has 67-percent of the Illinois corn crop in good to excellent condition. 68-percent of the state’s soybean…… Read more…
Ag meteorologist expects some dry days in July
ILLINOIS (RFD) — He’s not ready to call it a weather market just yet, but Freese-Notis agriculture meteorologist Dan Hicks expects parts of the Corn Belt to see some dry days in July. The latest USDA crop report has 67-percent of the corn crop in good to excellent condition. 68-percent of the state’s soybean crop…… Read more…
Farm Progress Show canceled
BOONE, IA — The 2020 Farm Progress Show has now been canceled in Boone, Iowa, but show manager Matt Jungmann says a virtual experience is being organized for Sept. 1-3. Jungmann, who farms in western Illinois, is also show manager for Husker Harvest Days and that event, scheduled for Sept. 15-17 in Nebraska has also…… Read more…
Pritzker won’t delay state’s minimum wage increase
ILLINOIS (IRN) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he won’t delay an increase in the state’s minimum wage, which he pushed for and signed into law during his first year as governor. That state’s minimum will increase to $10 an hour on Wednesday. Shortly after taking office in 2019, Pritzker enacted a phased increase…… Read more…
Springfield business rocked by workplace shooting, leaving 3 dead
SPRINGFIELD, IL — The city of Springfield continues to work through the pain of a workplace shooting that left three people dead along with the suspected shooter. Springfield Police say the shooter opened fire inside a welding area at Bunn-O-Matic, a coffee pot and drink machine manufacturer on Friday. Hy Bunn, President and CEO of…… Read more…
USDA Rural Development promoting infrastructure programs
ILLINOIS (RFD) — USDA Rural Development continues to promote infrastructure programs for local communities. Doug Wilson is the state director for USDA Rural Development. You can find out about the agency’s many programs at “rd.usda.gov/il.”… Read more…
Phase 4 today in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, IL (RFD) — The state is moved to phase 4 of Governor JB Pritzker’s reopening plan Friday. It allows inside training at gyms and health clubs as well as for restaurants to seat dine-in customers among other things. But just how long will Illinois be in phase 4? Pritzker’s plan for movement to phase…… Read more…
Representative suing the governor calls Pritzker’s continued orders ‘hollow’
ILLINOIS (IRN) — As Illinois enters the next reopening phase with continued COVID-19 restrictions in public places, the state’s public health director said Illinoisans not wanting to wear a mask are risking the lives of everyone else. The governor called businesses not following his orders “scofflaws.” A state representative suing the governor calls the orders…… Read more…
IDNR warns people to stay bear aware
ILLINOIS (IRN) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Police Officers are reminding people to leave the black bear traveling through western Illinois alone after more than 300 people gathered to watch, follow and harass the animal as it traveled through northwest Henderson County over Father’s Day weekend. IDNR biologists and Conservation Police Officers have been monitoring the…… Read more…