(Springfield-jm) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says with Illinois’ gun ban rules in place, the registry of now-banned items will be “working the way it should.” Last year, Pritzker signed a measure banning the sale of more than 170 semi-automatic firearms, magazines over certain capacities, various attachments and certain .50 caliber ammunition. The law included a registry with a Jan. 1 deadline for those with grandfathered firearms and attachments to register with Illinois State Police. Pritzker gave reasons for why he said only about 30,000 of the state’s 2.4 million Firearm Owners ID card holders have registered now banned guns by the Jan. 1 deadline. Illinois State Police said they will keep the registry open despite the Jan. 1 deadline, noting the law does not set forth penalties for late registrations.
(Undated–jc) The Illinois State Police are using more data and on-line information to help with patrols and enforcement. The move has helped in reducing some crimes. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story…
(Springfield-jm) – The University of Illinois Extension recently provided an update on the upcoming state budget, new laws and their effect on Illinois counties. One law will require passenger vehicles purchased or leased by the state to either be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or converted into a zero-emission vehicle by 2030. Exceptions will be made for law enforcement and Illinois Department of Transportation vehicles. Local governments are also exempt. Counties should eventually benefit from a law that lifts a moratorium on new nuclear reactors once small modular reactors are put into use. Governor J.B. Pritzker is scheduled to deliver the State of the State and budget address on Wednesday, February 21.
(Kansas–jc) The judge in the rape charge case against University of Illinois student and basketball player Terrance Shannon Junior has set a preliminary hearing in the case. That hearing date is February 23rd in Kansas court at 1-30pm
(Springfield-jm) – The spring legislative session started this week. The opening session was supposed to last three days but lawmakers were in session for two days. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington. The Spring Session resumes February 6th.
(Cissna Park–jc) The Cissna Park Development Board is excited to bring you a fun night of Dueling Pianos The event is set for Saturday February 17th. Money raised goes towards music at the groups Shop the Park events this Spring and Summer. The Cissna Park American Legion is the venue with cocktail hour from 5-6pm, dinner served by The Luke's One Stop at 6pm and 3 hours of fantastic piano dueling music, ending at 9pm. On the menu is roast beef, mostaccioli, mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon, garden salad and dinner roll, lemonade/ice tea. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are $50 per person. To purchase your tickets you can get them at the Cissna Park Knapp & Steiner TrueValue Hardware Store.
(Gifford–jc) Gordyville U S A near Gifford is again the site of the 20-24 Midwest Ag Expo. The two day event is an event all about agriculture. Midwest Equipment Dealers Association Spokesperson Gary Manke says the show is making its 29th appearance…
Midwest Equipment Dealers Association Spokesperson Gary Manke. The two day event runs Wednesday January 24th and Thursday January 25th at Gordyville USA. WPXN will be broadcasting live at the event on Wednesday January 24th starting at 9am.
(Hoopeston–jc) – The Hoopeston Area High School F F A Alumni Scholarship Auction is set for Saturday January 27th. Hoopeston Area High School F F A Chapter Reporter Nolan Lee says the money is raised by the Alumni group and helps the chapter with scholarships and activities…
Hoopeston Area High School F F A Reporter Nolan Lee.
The event is set for the Hoopeston American Legion starting at 4pm. A silent auction, free will donation meal and a live auction are scheduled for the fundraiser.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Statehouse Republicans wanting to end the state’s migrant sanctuary policies are getting rebuffed by Gov. J.B. Pritkzer. Earlier this week, Republicans held two separate news conferences to discuss the ongoing migrant crisis where Illinois has received about 35,000 non-citizen arrivals since August 2022. Republicans are calling for more transparency on how taxpayer dollars are being spent and for an end to the state’s TRUST Act, which some say is what makes Illinois a migrant sanctuary state. That law says state and local law enforcement cannot assist federal immigration officers in enforcing immigration law, if that is the sole issue against someone. Governor Pritzker said there’s a difference between illegal and undocumented migrants and those who are documented asylum seekers.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois renters will be further protected from radon thanks to a new law that took effect January 1st. Radon is a naturally occurring element, but it is not immediately produced or detectable. House Bill 2217 establishes a timeframe for tenants to terminate their lease should the dwelling unit exceed radon limits. Moreover, landlords are required to provide tenants with a disclosure form and related documents to inform them of the risks of radon and their legal rights. The new law enhances renter protection by providing a tenant 90 days to conduct their own radon test of the dwelling unit and the right to evenly split any mitigation costs with consent from the lessor.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is touting the state’s investment in early childhood education. The Governor announced the state exceeded their goal of creating more 5,000 pre-k spots through the Smart Start program. He says they tried to hit areas that needed the most help…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.
(Watseka-dm)--The Illinois Sherriff’s Association announces that it will be awarding over $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the state of Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2024-2025 academic year. The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books and fees only. The student must be enrolled full time at a certified institution of higher learning within the state of Illinois. There is no restriction on any applicant by reason of race, age, creed, color, sex or national origin. To qualify, you must be a permanent Illinois resident, must attend an institution of higher learning in the State of Illinois and be enrolled as a full time student during the 2024-2025 school year. Applications are available at your local Sheriff’s office, or the ISA website www.ilsheriff.org/youth-2/. Applications must be completed and returned to their local Sheriff’s office by March 25,2024
(Urbana–jc) How to deal with children naps. O-S-F’s Tim Ditman has the details…
(Springfield-jm) – The corruption trial of former house speaker Mike Madigan has been pushed back. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City shares the latest on the high profile corruption case…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank’s Foodmobile will be in the following communities today: across from the Piper City Community Center from 9-9:30, Living Word Church Roberts from 10-10:30, across from Melvin Convenient from 11-11:30, Gibson City city hall from 12:15-12:45, Elliott village hall from 1-1:30 and Paxton Hardware and Rental from 1:30-2.
The Onarga American Legion will hold their fish fry tonight from 4:30-7 pm at the Legion Hall at Durham Park.
Grace Baptist Church of Paxton will hold a men’s chili supper tonight starting at 6pm.
The Cissna Park Sons of the American Legion will hold a chili cook-off on Sunday. Judging will begin at noon. Cost is $25 to enter. Those interested can reach out to the group.
