(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court is expected to rule today on the state’s ban on assault weapons. At question is whether the ban, which also prohibits high-capacity magazines, is constitutional. There is also a challenge at the federal level that’s still pending. At an unrelated event Thursday, Governor J-B Pritzker was asked about the potential outcome…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Protect Communities Act also requires those who currently own an assault rifle to register it with the state police. A decision is expected to be announced around 9 am. WPXN News will have the latest at noon, 4 and 5.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois unemployment numbers for June were the fifth worst in the nation. The latest monthly data follows an Illinois Auditor General report showing more than $5.2 billion in unemployment benefits were overpaid during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data from the Illinois Policy Institute show the state lost 9,500 jobs in June. The industries hit the hardest in Illinois during June were the professional and business services sector, which lost 5,400 jobs. The manufacturing industry lost 2,100 jobs, and the trade, transportation, and utilities sector lost 2,000 jobs in the month. According to the IPI numbers, Illinois' June unemployment rate of 4% was the fifth-worst in the nation, with 45 other states having rates below 4%.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair in Springfield is officially underway. Carnival rides, high dive acts, corn dogs and concerts. The state fair is open and ready for business and Governor J-B Pritzker says he hopes to break last year’s record attendance numbers…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. There is plenty of free entertainment including diving dogs and magic shows as well as music acts spread throughout the fair. You can find more information online at: state fair dot illinois dot gov. The Illinois State Fair runs through Sunday, August 20th.
(Champaign-jm) – In order to ensure public safety, Logan Street between Market Street and Water Street was closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, after small pieces of concrete were found falling from the viaduct under the railroad tracks. This area will remain closed until it can be inspected by railroad authorities.
(Iroquois County-jm) – Approximately 1,700 corrected tax bills were mailed due to an error made in the extension of taxes on four of the Drainage Districts in Iroquois County. The districts that extended that should not have are as follows: Eastburn Drainage District #1-Belmont and Sheldon townships, Eastburn Drainage District #3-Sheldon township, Union Drainage District #2 Ashkum/Danforth Sub 2-Danforth township, Mud Creek Special Assessment-Artesia, Ash Grove, Fountain Creek, Onarga, and Pigeon Grove townships. The corrected tax bills were mailed on August 10, 2023. For property owners that have not paid either installment of the tax bill that was issued in July, the corrected bill will show the current and correct amount due. The first installment is due and payable on August 18, 2023 or upon receipt. For property owners that have paid the first installment of their tax bill, a credit in the amount incorrectly charged will be seen on the second installment of the corrected bill. The second installment is due and payable on or before September 18, 2023. For property owners that have already paid their entire tax bill, a refund in the amount incorrectly charged will be issued by the Iroquois County Treasurer.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker recently signed over 100 new laws into effect. Some of those new laws were sponsored by 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City who talks about some of them…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Emington-jm) – State Representative Jason R. Bunting of Emington announced that he will be hosting traveling office hours in Gibson City and Fairbury on Tuesday August 22. Representative Bunting will be at The Kettle 217 in Gibson City from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. He will be at Fairbury City Hall from 1 p.m. through 3 p.m.
(Washington-jm) – What are the production prospects for the major row crops? We'll have a much better idea about that in just a few hours. Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois consumers pay the second highest taxes in the nation when they buy legal recreational marijuana, but an industry expert says sales may increase with lower taxes. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story…
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Labor has completed ride inspections at the Illinois State Fair. The fair is home to the carnival midway, with rides like the freak out and Pharaoh's Fury. And there’s also Adventure Village, for younger kids. Brian Fox with the Department’s Carnival Division says they have looked at everything and are very thorough…
Illinois Department of Labor Carnival Division’s Brian Fox. Fox says inspectors will be keeping an eye on rides during the fair, to ensure everything is in good working order. He says a good rule of thumb, you should look for a green 2023 sticker at any carnival ride in Illinois to indicate it’s been inspected by the state.
(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in tracking down a man from Urbana wanted on fleeing and eluding charges. Officials said Michael Huffman, 43, is wanted on a warrant charging him with aggravated fleeing and attempted eluding. Bond is set at $200,000. Huffman is described as being Black with black hair and brown eyes. He is 5 feet 10 inches in height and weighs 205 pounds.
(Urbana-jm) – Looking to add 20 or more years to your life? One U of I researcher might know the way. Mai Nguyen, a student at the Carle College of Medicine, studied thousands of veterans and their lifestyle choices over eight years. She said that’s because they already had information about their medical backgrounds. She found these eight factors could help add 23 years to your life: Be physically active,
don’t smoke, don’t get addicted to opioids, don’t binge drink on a regular basis, eat a healthy diet, manage stress, practice good sleep habits and maintain positive social relationships.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police is unveiling a civilian crash reporting system. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains the program and how it works…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Undated-jm) – A survey has revealed the most feared road in Illinois. According to Gunter Mitsubishi, Route 24 is the worst in Illinois, ranking number 19 out of 50 overall across the country. The highway runs 255 miles through the middle of the state from the Mississippi River to the Indiana border. The Peoria Journal Star reports the stretch of road saw 23 crashes between 2010 and 2015, resulting in 30 injuries. The survey involved 3,000 motorists.
(Washington-jm) – How does USDA ensure the accuracy of its survey-based crop production forecasts? Gary Crawford reports…
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
St Joseph will hold their community festival through Saturday. Tonight its carnival rides and vendors from 5-10, American Legion fish fry at 5, bags tournament at 5:30, Little Prince and Princess Coronation at 6 and SJO FFA kiddie tractor pull at 6:30. Saturday, its the 5k wine run at 9, antique car show at 10, mutt show at 10:30, garden tractor pulls at noon, parade at 3, American Legion fish fry at 4, women’s club Bingo from 5:30-7:30 and fireworks at dusk.
Heritage FS in Gilman will host a community tire and used oil collection day today from 8-noon.
The St. Joseph Stanton Firefighter’s Association all you can eat sausage and pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held on Saturday from 6:30-11 am. Cost is $7 for adults, kids 3-12 are $3.
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the 1st Lutheran Youth Group on Saturday from 10-2.
The Paxton Police Department shooting range will be open to the public on Saturday from 10-noon. Cost is $10.
