(Chicago-jm) – As communities across the state continue to evaluate how to deal with the prospect of buses dropped off migrants from the southern border, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritkzer says the state is limited in what it can do. A patchwork of ordinances across the state either regulate buses and hotel stays to deter migrant arrivals, or declare non-sanctuary status.While Chicago officials say they’ll remain a sanctuary city, officials have regulated buses, causing buses to drop migrants off elsewhere. Municipalities and other local jurisdictions across the state have advanced similar measures and regulations on buses. Asked about bringing uniformity statewide in dealing with bus drop offs, Pritzker said that’s not possible.
(Rantoul–jc) The Autonomous Track project with the University of Illinois and the Village of Rantoul continues into 20-24. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the long process continues during the first quarter of this year and the project means jobs, industry, and working with the college of engineering at the U of I…
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Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Springfield-jm) – A case centered around what defense attorneys call a "forced reenactment" was the focus of a hearing heard by the Illinois Supreme Court. The case heard involves Jessica Logan, who was convicted of murdering her son in 2019. Logan was asked by investigators to reenact the killing, which she did. Miranda rights must be given to an individual the police have arrested for suspicion of a crime, ensuring the suspect understands the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present. Logan's attorney, Assistant Appellate Defender Gilbert Len, argued that she should get a new trial due to a failure of law enforcement properly giving her those considerations. Len argued that Logan's reenactment was "required" of her by the police, however, prosecutors argue that there is plenty of evidence that includes Logan's Google search of the terms "How do you suffocate?" before calling 911. The case was taken under advisement by the Illinois Supreme Court.
(Washington-jm) – The USDA is preparing to release a new "final" estimate of major crops that were harvested this Fall. Gary Crawford reports…
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department is reporting another year with fewer shootings and more engagement with the community. The department released on Wednesday its review of 2023, and the data shows the downward trend of 2022 continued into 2023. There were fewer shooting incidents and homicides. Shooting incidents are defined as any time officers find evidence that a gun was fired. There were 65 of those incidents in 2023, a 50% decrease from the 129 that were recorded in 2022. This is on top of a 51% decrease that happened in 2022. Since 2021, when shooting incidents totaled 259, they are down by 75%. Homicides decreased from nine in 2022 to five in 2023, and there were arrests in all five of those cases, officials said.
(Springfield-jm) – Public corruption continues to be a hot button topic in Illinois. Four former members of Commonwealth Edison and former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s chief of staff Tim Mapes are seeking an appeal of their convictions. Madigan is also facing corruption charges with his case set to be tried later this year says 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Champaign-jm) – New data from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District shows that 2023 saw the fewest deaths from COVID-19 in Champaign County since the start of the pandemic. 27 people from the county died from COVID in 2023. It’s the lowest number since CUPHD started recording in 2020, when there were 91 deaths between April and December of that year. The highest death toll in one year was 145 people in 2021. Since then, the number decreased to 77 in 2022 before decreasing again to 27 in 2023. In total, the CUPHD is reporting 340 COVID related deaths in Champaign County.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Buckley Loda Sports Booster Club is raising money for a sound system at the school systems baseball and softball parks. A “glo Bingo” Event is set for Saturday February 17th and Paxton Buckley Loda Sports Booster Club President Nicole Bruns says sponsorships are available…
Paxton Buckley Loda Sports Booster Club President Nicole Bruns.
(Paxton-jm) – The Paxton mapping group will meet tonight as a whole with Western Illinois University's Institute for Rural Affairs. It’ll begin at 5:30 in the E.T. Grove Civic Room on the 2nd floor of the Commandery Building at 155 North Market Street. The community is invited to hear the progress and also provide feedback.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court is reviewing a case about what makes someone an armed habitual criminal. Justices heard arguments in the case Illinois v. Demetrius Gray where Gray argues past crimes should not count due to age. When the defendant was 16, he pleaded guilty in juvenile court to criminal trespass to a vehicle and was sentenced to probation, which he later violated. Then in 2001, the defendant pleaded guilty in juvenile court to battery and was again sentenced to probation, which he again violated. State law says that a person is considered to have committed the offense of armed habitual criminal if he or she receives, sells, possesses, or transfers any firearm after having been convicted two times or more of qualifying offenses in the past. Gray's attorneys argued that due to one of the convictions coming when the defendant was a minor, he should not be considered an armed habitual criminal. Assistant Illinois Attorney General Michael Cebula said those do not matter due to his most recent convictions. Justices took the case under advisement.
(Washington-jm) – How many bushels of grains and oilseeds are being stored across the country? In just a few hours USDA will give us a better idea about that. Gary Crawford reports…
(Urbana-jm) – The City of Urbana has announced that it is starting the process of redistricting its city council wards based on the 2020 U.S. Census. City officials said that the census found the city’s population decreased by approximately 7%. Ward boundaries now have to reflect this change to ensure they maintain equal populations. As part of the redistricting process, any member of the public may submit a map for consideration, officials said.
(Springfield–jc) Illinois Governor J B Pritzker addressed concerns by several counties, townships and cities over illegal migrants coming into the state by means of planes, trains and automobiles. Governor Pritzker says there is no law to force the issue to local governments in Illinois…
Illinois Governor J B Pritzker
Chicago officials continue to say they will be a “sanctuary” city. Closer to home McLean County leaders look to pass a measure to say that taxpayer funds will not be used for illegal migrants coming to their county.
(Paxton–jc) The subject of “districts” with I-H-S-A football is expected to continue as the issue is brought to schools. Competition among schools with the football playoffs, school expenses to the future of conference football are among the ideas from schools. In a three day series, WPXN news will continue to look at “District football.” Paxton Buckley Loda Athletic Director Brock Niebuhr says the idea of “districts” will continue as some schools offer alternatives…
Paxton Buckley Loda High School Athletic Director Brock Niebuhr
The three part series continues on Friday morning.
(Urbana-jm) – Matt Ballinger has been named the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s next executive director of public safety and chief of police. The appointment takes effect February 1, subject to approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Ballinger has served as interim executive director of public safety and chief of police since October 2023.
(Hoopeston–jc) The Hoopeston Area F F A Chapter has a scholarship auction and supper set for Saturday January 27th at the Legion hall on Penn Street. Hoopeston Area F F A Chapter Reporter Nolan Lee says the money raised helps with chapter projects and scholarships…
Hoopeston Area F F A Chapter Reporter Nolan Lee
