(Springfield-jm) – The University of Illinois Flash Index, a measure of the state’s economy, fell slightly to 103 from 103.2 in May. Any index value above 100 indicates expansion. June Illinois state tax revenues were all down compared to the same month last year. According to the Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs, the rate of inflation continues to decrease although not as fast as the Federal Reserve would like.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation sponsored by 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett will allow special education schools to have oxygen available to students who need it. Senator Bennett talks about the need for the legislation…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(LeRoy-jm) – Two area people were arrested in LeRoy on multiple charges. LeRoy Police say they were called to the Shell truck stop in regards to a suspicious vehicle. Arrested was James Hutson of Rantoul, was arrested for Driving While License is Revoked, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful use of Registration, and Possession of Stolen Registration Plates (3 counts for 3 different registration plates stolen from Rantoul, Urbana, and Danville), and Possession of Methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Hutson was also arrested on the following outstanding arrest warrants:  Vermilion County for Failure to Appear, Driving While License is Revoked, DuPage County for Failure to Appear, Retail Theft and Possession of Methamphetamine and Macon County for Failure to Appear, Retail Theft. Jaime Marshall Urbana, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and was released on a Notice to Appear.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Paul Faraci has served in the state senate for a little over six months, after he was appointed to fill the vacancy following the passing of the late Senator Scott Bennett. Faraci talks about carrying on Senator Bennett’s legacy during the spring session…

 

 

52nd District State Senator Paul Faraci of Champaign.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – Construction nears an end on the RENU House in Rantoul. A student organization at the University of Illinois built the solar home for the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon competition. Every aspect of the design is guided by four overarching principles: be Renewable, Economical, Nourishing, and Universal. The U of I team broke ground in December 2022 in Rantoul. The students believe this design can work as a blueprint for others in the community to make changes to their current home or future one. Crews still need to install the solar panels, finish landscaping, and detail interior work. Once it's completed an inspection will be done to make sure everything is in good working order and then the keys will be handed over to Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County.

 

(Washington-jm) – Some of the drier areas of the Corn Belt are expected to see much needed precipitation over the next week. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Paxton—jc)  Paxton City leaders continue to look at ways to monitor and protect infrastructure in the city. The city council is looking at a permit issuance for boring in the city for things like cable, communications and more, says Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

Fisher–jc)  – The 82nd annual Fisher Fair continues today  on the grounds in the village. Today it’s kids day with games this morning. There is also a tractor pull tonight and a  ride special with Schwer Amusements.  Fisher Fair President Todd Cotter says bikes will be given away this morning…

 

 

Fisher Fair President Todd Cotter.

WPXN will be broadcasting live this morning during the Kids games. Our broadcast is from 9am until 11am.

 

(Springfield-jm) – As Illinois reports record revenues for tourism, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says now is not the time to lower taxes. In 2022, the hotel industry in Illinois generated $44 billion, $12 billion over the calendar year 2021. According to data provided in a state news release, hotel revenues increased from $226.5 million to $307.7 million. Even with the increased revenue, Pritzker said he will not seek to lower taxes in Illinois.

 

(Paxton–jc 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington was in Paxton on Tuesday morning as part of his mobile office tour. Bunting says topics with constituents ranged from inflation to economic development…

 

 

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in tracking down a man wanted for residential burglary. Isaah Sturdivant, 21 of Champaign, was arrested by Champaign Police for this offense on September 30, 2022. He was arraigned four days later, where he pleaded not guilty and requested a trial by jury.  Sturdivant posted bail, allowing him to walk free while pre-trial hearings were scheduled throughout the following nine months. He and his counsel appeared for all of them, except for one scheduled on June 27. Sturdivant failed to appear for that hearing and as a result, a warrant for his arrest was issued. Sturdivant is described as being a Black male with black hair and brown eyes. He is 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Lawmakers wrapped up the spring legislative session about a month ago. An update from 104th District State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian…

 

 

104th District State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

 

(Champaign-jm) – One company is bringing more affordable housing to Champaign. Apartments are going up near Marketplace Mall. They’re located at the intersection of JT Coffman Drive and Neil Street. The company has already started working on the Parker Glen Apartments and now they’re planning to start phase two by adding more units. The apartments are expected to cost between $600-$1200 for one, two, or three bedrooms. The company hopes to bring affordable housing to the surrounding areas of Champaign as well.

 

(Washington-jm) – U.S. ag. exports are down from last year, but sales to one customer nation are up. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Gilman–jc)  Does foreign investment in farm ground a concern in East Central Illinois or the state of Illinois. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager David Treece says the farm bureau provides the percentages…

 

 

Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager David Treece