(Springfield-jm) – Illinois State Police say they took enforcement action against a business for openly advertising the sale of newly banned weapons, but no additional information was provided. In a YouTube video Friday, gun-rights advocate Todd Vandermyde revealed he’d been told that the state is taking actions to enforce the state’s ban on certain semiautomatic guns and magazines. Monday, a spokesperson for Illinois State Police confirmed that ISP took enforcement action earlier this month against a business for “openly advertising the sale of banned weapons.” The statement said the investigation is ongoing and additional information wasn’t immediately available.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is keeping an eye on the new “Kraken” COVID variant. The number of overall COVID infections has been dropping, but there’s been a gradual increase in the X-B-B-Point-One-Point-Five, or the “Kraken” variant. State Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra…
State Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. According to the CDC, the updated bivalent COVID booster is effective in protecting against the Kraken variant, reducing the risk of symptoms by nearly half.
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Farm Bureau has a new manager. Bailey Conrady is the first woman to hold the position in the county’s history. She was assistant manager for five years. She replaces longtime farm bureau manager Brad Uken, who stepped down to take a position with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.
(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department is investigating after a thief recently stole more than $700 worth of wigs from a store. The suspect was captured on store security cameras. He is depicted as being a Black male with facial hair, but no hair on the top of his head. He was wearing glasses, a blue hoodie, blue pants and a white undershirt.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a Glo Bingo event for February 10th. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis says the event takes place at the Pueblo Lindo and is now sold out…
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Austin Curtis
(Normal-jm) – The Kappa Sigma fraternity at Illinois State University has been suspended until December 31, 2025, for violating the code of conduct. The Director of Media Relations at ISU says the suspension is related to incidents in the fall 2022 semester that involved vandalism to other Greek houses. The vandalism contained derogatory anti-LGBTQ slurs.
(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City police have released their recent activity report. William Felt was arrested for driving under the influence and Stephen Fetters was arrested for battery.
(Washington-jm) – What are the chances that retail egg prices will decline this year after 2022's major increases? Gary Crawford reports…
(Watseka–jc) –The Old Courthouse Museum, 103 W. Cherry, Watseka, has added a few items for the viewing pleasure of visitors. One of the displays includes items from the Addison Goodell family of Loda, including a Stylograph, used to make copies of correspondence in the late 1800's; an 1871 banking ledger, an 1884 county atlas, and some letters with information on young men from the Loda area who were serving during World War I. Several generations of the Goodells were active in the community. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, plus the museum will be open from 1-4 p.m. this Sunday, Feb. 5. For more information about the museum or to arrange a tour, call 815-432-2215 during regular business hours.
(Undated-jm) – Illinois law enforcement officials are speaking out against a traffic incident that led to a Memphis man's beating death. In early January, Memphis, Tennessee police pulled over 29-year-old Tyre Nichols for alleged reckless driving. The exchange led to a beating that resulted in Nichols' death. Parts of the video from police-worn body cameras and surveillance cameras were released to the public late last week. 5 officers were charged with murder. The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, said while more facts still need to come out, the officers did not employ proper police tactics.
(Springfield-jm) – The State Board of Education is looking for locations to provide free meals to children this summer. The summer food service program ensures kids don’t go hungry during the summer months when school is not in session. The Board of Education’s Tim Murphy says they need organizations around the state to participate…
State Board of Education’s Tim Murphy. Interested groups can find more information online at: isbe dot net, and then click on “nutrition.”
(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City leaders are creating a tax increment financing district to help a pair of businesses affected by a fire. The new tax increment financing district will be in the downtown area and would help Hood’s Ace Hardware and Hustedt Jewelers that were damaged by the fire at Jay’s Place. It’s expected the TIF district will be in operation later this spring.
(Champaign-jm) – A Tuscola man is facing multiple charges in Champaign County. Philip Levis is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary and theft. Police say Levis allegedly stole a vehicle from a restaurant in Urbana. A couple of hours later, Levis allegedly stole 6 bottles of vodka from a Champaign convenience store. Bond was set at $100,000.
(Springfield-jm) – There is a renewed effort by some state Democrats to re-introduce the progressive income tax. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City is looking to put a stop to it…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Undated-jm) – Even though the monthly median price of Illinois homes was lower in December 2022 than it was in December 2021, the annual median price remained higher in 2022 than the previous year, according to data from Illinois REALTORS. In December 2022, 9,581 homes sold was 36.4 percent lower than 15,070 sold in December 2021. The monthly median price of $238,000 in December 2022 was 2.1 percent less than $243,000 the year before. In December 2022, homes sold on average of 34 days, up from 33 days a year ago. Available housing inventory in December 2022 totaled 20,671 homes for sale, a 9.7 percent decline from December 2021 when 22,896 homes were on the market. The time it took to sell a home in 2022 averaged 28 days, a 15.2 percent reduction from 33 days in 2021.
(Paxton-jm) – The Hands of Christ food pantry, received a check for $6,399.59 from Paxton IGA. The Round Up program provides opportunities for customers to give back to the community and helps non-profits and charities earn money. Since the inception of round up the store match has been $21,512 and the total amount customers contributed plus store match is $79,738.
(Washington-jm) – One expert says food shoppers this year are likely to see continued price hikes for butter and other so called "fats and oils" products. Gary Crawford reports…
