News Around Illinois – November 26, 2019

state capitol

Pritzker Vetoes Tax Break For Private Jet Manufacturers

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. J.B. Pritzker has vetoed a plan to forgive $50 million in past-due taxes from private jet manufacturers. Pritzker vetoed the legislation Monday. It would also extend the breaks through 2024. The Democrat says it “is not the right fiscal decision.” Lawmakers approved the tax breaks in 2010. They ended them in 2014 but the companies never paid. A veto reversal is likely. The House unanimously adopted the measure. The Senate recorded just one “no” vote. – Associated Press

Autopsy Shows Student Found In Car Died of Strangulation

CHICAGO — The death of a University of Illinois at Chicago undergraduate student whose body was found inside a campus parking garage has been ruled a homicide The Cook County medical examiner says Sunday’s autopsy showed 19-year-old Ruth George of Berwyn died of strangulation. UIC police Chief Kevin Booker said Sunday that a person of interest was in police custody and the suspect has no affiliation with the Chicago school. Campus police found George unresponsive in the garage on Saturday after her family had reported her missing. – Associated Press

Illinois Soldier Awarded Purple Heart for Iraq War Service

PEORIA — A central Illinois man has been awarded the Purple Heart and other military honors for his role in combat during the Iraq War. The  Journal Star reports that Sergeant Matthew Bohm also received the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, the combat action badge and the meritorious unit citation. Bohm was honored for his role in combat during an ambush of a transportation convoy on April 9, 2004. Three soldiers and five contractors were killed and 16 others were wounded. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood presented the decorations on Friday. He calls Bohm a “hero” in the community. LaHood’s office worked with the Department of Defense to secure the medals. – Associated Press

2 Charged After 2 horses found dead, others malnourished
MARENGO — Authorities say two people have been charged with animal cruelty after two horses were found dead and five others severely malnourished in northern Illinois. McHenry County Animal Control officers were verifying vaccine records at dog a breeding operation in Marengo when they discovered the horses. The Hooved Animal Rescue & Protection Society were contacted and found two dead miniature horses that appeared to have starved. Five malnourished horses were also found Friday. They’ve been taken to a facility for treatment and are expected to recover. – Associated Press

Reginald Hardwick

Reginald Hardwick is the News & Public Affairs Director at Illinois Public Media. He oversees daily newscasts and online stories. He also manages The 21st Show, a live, weekday talk show that airs on 7 NPR stations throughout Illinois. He is the executive producer of IPM's annual environmental TV special "State of Change." And he is the co-creator of Illinois Soul, IPM's Black-focused audio service that launched in February 2024. Before arriving at IPM in 2019, he served as News Director at WKAR in East Lansing and spent 17 years as a TV news producer and manager at KXAS, the NBC-owned station in Dallas/Fort Worth. Reginald is the recipient of three Edward R. Murrow regional awards, seven regional Emmy awards, and multiple honors from the National Association of Black Journalists. Born in Vietnam, Reginald grew up in Colorado and is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado. Email: rh14@illinois.edu Twitter: @RNewsWILL