(Springfield-jm) – “Necessary changes” after the recent shakeup at the Illinois Prisoner Review Board include better domestic violence training, according to Governor J.B. Pritzker. Others want more oversight. In his first public appearance since 11-year-old Jayden Perkins and 33-year-old Laterria Smith were stabbed by a recent parolee, Pritzker said review board members he appointed didn’t take into account all the information. Members LeAnn Miller and Chairman Donald Shelton resigned last month after Perkins was killed and Smith was stabbed. Miller handled the parole for Crosetti Brand, who is accused in the stabbing. Pritzker didn’t say when he’ll appoint replacements for Miller or Shelton. Appointments must be confirmed by the Illinois Senate within 60 session days.

 

(Washington-jm) – The recent collapse of a bridge at the entry point of a major U.S. port could lead to potential issues for parts of our nation’s ag supply chain. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) – Firefighters were called to a house fire in Rantoul Monday evening. Crews from Rantoul, Gifford and Thomasboro were called to the fire on Marco Drive around 6 pm. There’s no word on the cause of the fire.

 

(Rantoul–jc) Where do you go if you have food insecurities, to trouble paying your utility bill to mental health services. Those in Champaign County need to know that the Community Service Center in Rantoul is the location for over 20 agencies helping those in need, says Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford…

 

 

Rantoul based Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public on two related cases. The University of Illinois Police Department is investigating an armed robbery incident in the Campustown area related to a Champaign Police Department aggravated vehicular hijacking incident. On January 20th around 11:43 p.m., approximately five subjects approached a parked BMW sedan in the 500 block of East White Street. One suspect from the group brandished a knife and ordered the driver out of the vehicle. The suspects fled in the stolen vehicle. On January 21st around 1:12 a.m., the vehicle approached an individual in the 100 block of East Chalmers Street. Two occupants exited the vehicle armed with knives, threatened the victim, and demanded his belongings. The vehicle fled the scene and was recovered unoccupied in the Rantoul area several days later.

 

(Paxton–jc) Paxton City workers are looking to see what streets are in need of repair and how to fund the projects. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the motor fuel tax dollars will help several streets and city workers are looking at the best way to spend the monies available….

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Undated-jm) – High school juniors and seniors are starting to look for where they would like to go for higher education, and a part of that process is taking the ACT and SAT tests. But scammers are taking advantage of these dreams by trying to have them give away personal information. The Better Business Bureau is reporting of a scam in which students and parents are contacted by a representative stating that they will provide test prep materials such as books, CDs, or videos. To get this information, they will need to confirm an address or payment information.

 

(Chicago-jm) – Illinois state Representative La Shawn Ford of Chicago, argues legislation that opens the ranks of the Chicago Fire Department to non-citizens does little to address the systemic discrimination he says has long plagued it. As originally filed, House Bill 4045 would amend the Illinois Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act by establishing that non-citizens legally authorized to work in the country under federal law are eligible to apply for the position of firefighter subject to all other requirements and limitations. Ford was one of several lawmakers to approve legislation that would allow non-citizens to become police officers in Illinois.

 

(Washington-jm) – The Transportation Secretary explains some ways to circumvent potential disruptions to ag product supply chains at the Port of Baltimore. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Gibson City-jm) – A public meeting on One Earth Sequestration will take place tonight in Gibson City. It’ll be from 6:30-8 at the Moyer District Library. 

 

(Rantoul–jc)  Baseball and softball games, aplenty, were played this past weekend at the Rantoul Sports Complex. There is also another sport coming to the Rantoul Sports Complex later this month, Frisbee competition. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reid says 500 collegiate athletes will come for the “National Ultimate”…

 

 

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid.

 

(Paxton-jm) – New playground equipment has arrived at Pells Park in Paxton. Trucks delivered the new equipment Monday morning. It’s expected to take city crews about 10 days to put the new playground together.

 

(Gibson City–jc)  It’s year number 4 for the Summer Bash in downtown Gibson City. The event is sponsored by Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services and is set for Saturday August 17th  and will feature Bret Michaels. Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee-Community Events Bill Kirby says the crowds have grown each year and another huge crowd is expected in August…

 

 

Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee-Community Events Bill Kirby

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair has announced that two-time GRAMMY award-winning The Smashing Pumpkins will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Friday, August 16. The Smashing Pumpkins are one of the most iconic, iconoclastic and influential bands of all time, shaping alternative music and culture. Tickets go on sale Friday.