Shooting Wounds 10-Year-Old Boy In Champaign
CHAMPAIGN – The investigation continues into a Sunday night shooting in Champaign’s Garden Hills neighborhood, which critically wounded a ten-year-old boy. Champaign Police said the boy was struck by two shots that were apparently fired from outside into a house on Williamsburg Drive where he was located. News reports identify him as Decari Williams. Police do not believe Williams was the intended target. The boy underwent surgery at a local hospital and remained in critical condition as of Monday afternoon. Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them or send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
Illinois Economy Growing At Steady Pace
URBANA – The Illinois economy continues to grow at a steady pace, just a bit behind the national economy. Economist Fred Giertz analyzed Illinois income, corporate and sales tax receipts to compile the Flash Index. For November, the Index was at 105.4, up slightly from both October, and 12 months ago. Giertz said the Illinois economy, like the nation’s economy, is growing slowly but steadily, which he said is pretty good for an economic expansion that’s been going on for a decade. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
Parking Tax Would Support Building, Hit Private Land
SPRINGFIELD — A tax on parking places to help finance Illinois’ $45 billion statewide construction plan has lawmakers taking a second look. The State Journal-Register reports that the tax takes effect Jan. 1. It is 9% on spaces that are rented by the month or year. It’s 6% for spaces rented hourly, daily or weekly. It will raise $60 million annually, and is part of more than $800 million in new taxes and fees that will finance state construction. – Associated Press
Western Illinois College To Include Books With Tuition
MONMOUTH – Monmouth College is going to help its students pay “one of the hidden costs of college.” Starting next fall, the cost of textbooks will be included in the college’s tuition. The college has worked out a deal with the Follett book store in Monmouth, so at the beginning of each semester students can walk in with their schedule, and walk out with the textbooks they’ll need. Mark Willhardt, Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs, said despite the availability of some class materials online, and textbook rental programs, many college classes these days still require textbooks. – WVIK News
Climatologist: Illinois November Was Colder Than Normal
CHAMPAIGN – Temperatures in November 2019 were below the average across Illinois according to State Climatologist Trent Ford with the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois. The statewide average temperature was 35.6 degrees, which is seven degrees below the 30-year-normal. The Survey also said 177 daily low maximum temperature records were broken across the state. Data also suggests that November was drier than average for most of the state. – Reginald Hardwick, Illinois Newsroom