(Springfield-jm) – No vaping inside public places under a bill that passed the Illinois Senate Thursday. The legislation updates the Smoke-Free Illinois Act that banned smoking regular cigarettes in bars, restaurants and the like back in 2007. There’s widespread support to add vaping, says Senator Steve McClure of Springfield…

State Senator Steve McClure of Springfield. Supporters say e-cigs contain toxins that are dangerous. The bill now moves to the House for a vote.

(Springfield-jm) – Thursday in the Illinois House of Representatives, State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur, passed HB 1213. The bill amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act so that scholarships can be awarded under the Teach Illinois Scholarship Program to teachers who agree to pursue a master’s degree in order to teach dual credit courses…

State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur. State Senator Sally Turner of Beason has agreed to carry the bill in the Senate.

(Springfield-jm) – The state of Illinois is still recovering from the pandemic. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington has the latest on the unemployment numbers…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign woman will spend the next 47 years behind bars following her conviction for murder. A jury determined in January that Arieana Colbert, 22, was personally responsible for the murder of 19-year-old Acarrie Ingram-Triner on October 20, 2021. Prosecutors said the two were involved in an argument at the Champaign Park Apartments, during which Colbert pulled out a gun and fired at Ingram-Triner. One of the bullets hit her in the neck and she died as a result.

(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson Area Hospital is our WPXN Business of the Day today. Spokesperson Bill Kirby talks about the approach they take to provide the best care for their patients…

He also says they are bringing back their annual Summer Bash…

Gibson Area Hospital Spokesperson Bill Kirby. You can hear more of Bill’s interview with over the noon hour.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ Office is awarding more than 21 million dollars in grants to help law enforcement fight vehicle theft and carjackings. The money is going to six police organizations around the state to further address the problem. Secretary Giannoulias says he was a victim of a carjacking when he was a senior in high school…

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Law enforcement like the State Police and the Metro East, Tri-County, Greater Peoria and Statewide Auto Theft Task Forces will use the money to expand investigations and for technology like license plate readers.

(Springfield-jm) – U of I president Timothy Killeen appeared before the Appropriations – Higher Education Committee in Springfield Thursday as the General Assembly prepares for the upcoming budget for the next fiscal year.  State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian sits on that committee and had the opportunity to question the head of the U of I system.  Marron said it was a good conversation with the U of I president…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Springfield-jm) – The corruption trial of 4 top Com-Ed officials with connections to former House Speaker Mike Madigan has begun. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City weighs in…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Circuit Clerk’s office will be hosting Amnesty Week from April 10 to April 21.  During that time, anyone who has a balance due on a criminal, traffic, DUI, ordinance violation or conservation violation will be able to pay their total due minus any late fees and collection fees which have accumulated.  This does not apply to any fines and costs which have already been paid or any tax refunds which have been applied against what is due and owing. People who want to participate in the program can request a quote in their case or cases by sending an email to cccircuitclerk@co.champaign.il.us. The email needs to include the person’s name with middle initial, their address, their phone number, their email address, and their case number or numbers.

A special food distribution at the Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County will take place on Saturday from 9-10:30 am.

Paxton IGA will host their cookout benefiting Rainbow Girls on Saturday from 10-2.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing 175 million dollars in new Back to Business Grants. This latest round of grants will help industries still trying to recover from the pandemic, says Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards…

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards. The deadline for businesses to apply is May 10th. The grants are federally funded. More information about the Back to Business Program is available online at: illinois dot gov slash b, the number 2, b.

(Paxton-dg)-Paxton Native Gina Galey has made it past the first round on The Voice. The 19 year old goes by Gina Miles when on stage. She chose Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away” as her first song. She chose One Direction singer Niall Horan as her coach. 

(Springfield-jm) – A fungus that officials said is often resistant to antifungal drugs has been detected in more than half of U.S. states including Illinois. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fungus was first detected in 2016 and has spread at an alarming rate between 2020 and 2021 in health care facilities.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is announcing 10 household hazardous waste collection events this spring. The popular events are a great way to clear out the garage and safely dispose of waste, says IEPA Spokesperson Kim Biggs…

IEPA Spokesperson Kim Biggs. Latex paint, old smoke detectors and agricultural chemicals will not be accepted. To find and register for a collection date in your area, visit: epa dot illinois dot gov and search for household hazardous waste.

(Springfield-jm) – A Springfield lawmaker wants to make it easier for agriculture students to skip class – as long as they are learning and getting experience in their fields. The bill would allow students at a 4-H or FFA competitions or exhibitions to be marked at school as “in attendance” instead of absent. Senator Doris Turner is the sponsor of the bill. She said it’s important to let students learn through experience without being penalized for missing class, as events can often conflict with school days. The bill is also co-sponsored by Senator Tom Bennett.

(Rantoul-jm) – 5 new businesses are coming to the village of Rantoul. Mayor Chuck Smith says work should be completed by the middle of May…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man is wanted on an aggravated battery warrant and Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in locating him. Officials said Lavell D. Joiner, 39, is wanted for aggravated battery to a child, with bond set at $10,000. Joiner is described as being Black with black hair and brown eyes. He is 5′ 6″ tall and weighs 223 pounds.

(Danville-jm) – A new smartphone app is launching in Vermilion County, the Circuit Clerk announced. Circuit Clerk Melissa Quick said the Vermilion County Circuit Clerk app serves as a new way for her office to connect with citizens and responders, providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone with a smartphone. Quick said the app will offer access to items of public interest and features such as: Circuit Clerk’s messages, Case searches, Court payments, Legal forms, Jury duty information, Child support, Office contact information and Court date alerts.

(Paxton-jm) – PRIDE in Paxton is our WPXN Business of the Day. The group is raising money for a new sound system downtown says Spokesperson Kim Evans…

(Paxton-jm) –  The local non-profit is raising money for a new speaker system in the downtown area of Paxton through a Queen of Hearts raffle, says Spokesperson Kim Evans…

PRIDE in Paxton Spokesperson Kim Evans. You can hear more from Kim during our noon newscast.

(Washington-jm) – The broiler industry is on a path to boost production this year, but what will that do to producer prices? Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting an increase in serious cases of strep throat in children. It’s the Group A step cases that are rising, leaving five Illinois children dead due to strep-related complications so far this year. The State’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Arti Barnes says symptoms can come on fast and include a very sore throat and a fever. She recommends getting a rapid strep test so they can start antibiotics if necessary…

State Chief Medical Officer Dr Arti Barnes. Dr Barnes says if your child doesn’t seem to be better and is complaining about a cough, stomach ache, weakness or other new symptoms, it’s a good idea to check with their doctor to make sure the infection hasn’t reached their blood stream.

(Springfield-jm) – The state of Illinois is joining 21 other states in calling on Kia America and Hyundai Motor Company to take swift action to remedy the rash of car thefts that they say are the result of the companies’ failure to equip vehicles with anti-theft immobilizers. Models made from 2010 to 2021 can be operated without a key. Last year alone, there were over 7,000 Hyundai and Kia thefts in Chicago. The companies recently announced a customer service campaign to upgrade the software, but in a letter, Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of 21 other attorneys general said the plan is insufficient and incomplete.   

(Springfield-jm) – Community colleges in Illinois are enjoying the largest enrollment increase in more than a decade. Spring enrollment is up by more than 7 percent over last year. State Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham…

State Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham. Adult enrollment at community colleges rose by 29 percent over the year and the number of students taking dual credit courses increased by more than 10 percent.

(Champaign County-jm) – A household hazardous waste site could be coming to Champaign County. The City of Urbana has contributed $175,000 while Champaign County has contributed $650,000. Developers say they need about $1.2 million more. They plan to have the facility open in late 2024 early 2025.

(Springfield-jm) – There has been some public safety legislation filed this spring. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington talks about what it does…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man  is facing drug trafficking charges. Shavez Chapple is charged with two counts of trafficking a controlled substance after authorities say he received about 5 pounds of cocaine through the mail. Bond was set at $500,000. If convicted he faces 6 to 30 years in prison.

(Ford County-jm) – Ford County has been issued a tentative property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. Assessments in Ford County are at 32.92 percent of market value, based on sales of properties in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The equalization factor currently being assigned is for 2022 taxes, payable in 2023. Last year’s equalization factor for the county was 1.0000.

(Washington-jm) – Supplies of beef cattle are down sharply. Gary Crawford reports…

(Chicago-jm) – The trial of former ComEd officials, lobbyists and a close confidant of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues Tuesday. Monday, prosecutors continued presenting wiretap recordings of Madigan and Michael McClain in what is alleged to be a nearly decade-long scheme to curry favorable legislation in exchange for little- to do-nothing jobs with the utility. More evidence and witness testimony is expected in federal court in Chicago.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is urging lawmakers to pass the “Work Without Fear Act.” The bill aims to protect workers who come forward about problems on the job. Attorney General Raoul says fear of retaliation is the number one reason employees don’t report abuse or poor working conditions, noting this is especially true of immigrant workers…

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The legislation prohibits employers from retaliating against or intimidating whistleblowers. It specifically mentions bosses who make threats related to immigration status. The bill has passed a House committee and now awaits a vote on the House floor.

(Champaign-jm) – The City of Champaign announced that the city’s Public Works Department will invest more than $7 million in street maintenance projects during the upcoming construction season. The city said that the funds will be used for rebuilding or repairing numerous streets across Champaign. The work includes concrete street patching, asphalt repaving, and complete concrete street reconstruction.

(Champaign-jm) – The City of Champaign announced that a portion of Country Fair Drive will be closed temporarily for a 5-phase project beginning Thursday. The closure, between Church Street and Bradley Avenue, is part of the city’s Spring Pavement Patching Project. The city said the work will be done in five phases with each phase expected to last 3-4 days, weather permitting. The phases include: Phases 1 and 2: between Church Street and Springer Drive, Phase 3: between Springer Drive and Cone Drive, Phase 4: between Cone Drive and Camp Drive and Phase 5: between Camp Drive and Bradley Avenue.

(Springfield-jm) – The House finally got around to voting on bills last week.  There are quite a few to go over, says 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for dealing heroin. Dejermaine Pettis received the sentence in Champaign County court after pleading guilty to possession with intent to deliver. The charges come after police were called to a residence after 9-1-1 received a call about a man beating a woman. When they arrived, they found Pettis chasing a woman with a hammer. A search uncovered 74 grams of heroin and 38 grams of cocaine. In exchange for his guilty plea, attempted murder and aggravated domestic battery charges were dismissed as were a 2nd attempted murder case and a case of aggravated battery with a firearm.

(Paxton-jm) – Glad’s Tree Service is our WPXN Business of the Day today. Dawn Glad talks about the history and the people who work at Glad’s Tree Service…

The number to call if you need your trees trimmed or removed is 217-379-4049 or find them on Facebook.   The family owned business has been serving the Paxton and surrounding area for a little over a decade. Dawn Glad with Glad’s Tree Service shares what all they do…

Dawn Glad with Glad’s Tree Service in Paxton, our WPXN Business of the Day today. You can hear the complete interview with Dawn Glad during our noon news.

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary Monday provided updates on a USDA program supporting increased domestic fertilizer production in our nation. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly return to Springfield Tuesday. The Senate extended its deadline for measures to advance out of Senate committees. The House is expected to move bills out of that chamber of final passage throughout the week. Committees are scheduled to address education, health care and human services, among other issues. The legislature’s spring session goes through mid-May.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation pending in the Illinois House makes it illegal to drive with your pet in your lap. The concern is that pets can be a distraction, especially if they are behind the wheel with you. The bill from Representative Omar Williams of Chicago makes it against the law for your pooch or cat to ride in your lap…

State Representative Omar Williams of Chicago. The bill unanimously passed a House committee and now awaits a vote on the House floor.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in identifying a man who robbed Champaign’s Five Guys restaurant last month. Officials said that on February 7, a man walked into the Five Guys, located at 901 West Anthony Drive, just before 9:40 p.m. and displayed a gun. He demanded money from the cash register and subsequently left with $400. The suspect was described as being a Black male, weighing approximately 170 pounds and approximately 6′ 4″ tall. He was last seen wearing all-black clothing and may have left in a dark-colored SUV. It appeared that the suspect had a tattoo of flames on his right hand.

(Urbana-jm) – Urbana Police confirmed officers responded to Austin Drive and Hunter Street for a report of shots fired Monday. They say the call came in around 6:09 p.m. Officers reported no one was injured and no suspects were located. The caller described hearing shots and seeing people run past their house, getting into a car, then said they heard the car drive away. Police say shell casings were found at the scene but no houses were struck by bullets.

(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian saw his House Resolution dealing with mental health care and access for Illinois students adopted in the House committee. House Resolution 52 urges the Illinois State Board of Education to expand mental health care and access for Illinois students and pursue recruiting people into the school mental health profession and providing enough access to students so that they can have one hour of mental health counseling per semester…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man has been arrested for selling cocaine. Tristan Cowart is charged with 1 count of possession with intent to deliver cocaine. Police say an employee of a hotel notified police Cowart was selling cocaine out of his hotel room. Police found 7 grams of cocaine when they searched Cowart.

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary Monday shared his view of the legality of a proposed voluntary labeling program for our nation’s meat products. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Three years after Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a stay-at-home order closing businesses and restaurants statewide, Illinois still is struggling to get back to normal. On March 16, 2020, Pritzker ordered a halt to in-person dining at restaurants. March 20, he issued a stay-at-home order for businesses he declared nonessential. Unemployment spiked with more than 1 million claims filed in the following weeks. Since then, the governor's orders restricting business were ratcheted down. Despite that, the state’s job market has failed to recover about 39,500 jobs, according to the Illinois Policy Institute.

(Springfield-jm) – 2022 was another record year for the Illinois film industry. Governor J-B Pritzker says last year saw the highest film and tv revenue in the state’s history, at 691 million dollars. That includes tv shows like Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, The Bear, and more…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor credits a workforce training program, amazing locations and tax credits for the industry’s success in Illinois.

(Urbana-jm) – The investigation into an Urbana teenager’s murder has resulted in an arrest, Urbana Police officials said. The suspect, they added, is also a teenager. Officials said their investigation into the murder of Montrell Emery, 16, led detectives to obtain an arrest warrant for a 14-year-old juvenile from Urbana. They executed that warrant early Saturday morning in the area of Washington Street and MacArthur Drive, just a few blocks away from where Emery was killed. The teenage suspect was arrested during that police operation. In addition, officers also executed two court-ordered search warrants at the scene of Emery’s murder.

(Rantoul-jm) – Four dogs perished in a weekend fire in Rantoul. Fire crews were called to a garage fire on North Penfield Street just before 2 pm Saturday. The garage had been converted into a man cave and the resident had his four dogs inside when the fire broke out. The owner was not home when it happened. Fire investigators believe the cause of the fire was electrical and estimated it caused about $70,000 in damage. 

(Rantoul-jm) – Progress continues on several new businesses in the village of Rantoul. Mayor Chuck Smith talks about the development near the Walmart…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

(Paxton-jm) – A Ford County man will spend at least 12 years in prison after he was found guilty in January of multiple crimes related to domestic violence, including sexual assault. Arthuro Crawford of Paxton was sentenced on the four counts he was convicted of: two of aggravated domestic battery and one count each of criminal sexual assault and unlawful restraint. In addition to these charges, Crawford is also facing charges related to his efforts, while in the Ford County Jail, to communicate threats to the victim through a third party, a violation of an order of protection and bond restraints. The trial for those charges is scheduled for April.

(Urbana-jm) – Artists at Taylor Studios in Rantoul are finishing a unique project nearly a year in the making. The statue’s next steps include making its way to the U of I campus. It’s a 3500-pound and 16-foot tall wooly mammoth. It will go outside the Natural History Building.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is investing in bringing risk management education and training to more farmers and ranchers. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois continues to be one of the top sports betting states in the country.  The Illinois Gaming Board reports that Illinois sportsbooks set a record for handle in January and topped $1 billion for the fourth consecutive month. Illinois is just the fourth state to post four consecutive months of billion-dollar handle. The others are New York, New Jersey and Nevada. Illinois passed Pennsylvania for third place in lifetime sports betting handle with over $19 billion bet on sports. In January, Illinois sportsbooks produced total tax revenue of $15.4 million. Last year, sports betting in Illinois produced total tax revenue of nearly $128 million.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House passed a bill that aims to keep rideshare customers safe. The legislation places companies like Uber and Lyft under what’s called “Common Carrier” laws. That means they would be held to higher safety standards, just like taxis are, says Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz of Glenview…

State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz of Glenview. Opponents worry about the extra regulation being placed on rideshare services. The bill now moves to the Senate.

(Champaign-jm) – University of Illinois Police are investigating after thousands of dollars’ worth of damage was discovered on two outdoor mailboxes near campus. UIPD officials said the incident happened at the post office at 302 East Green Street, located in the Campustown neighborhood. Someone tried to use a pry bar to access the contents of the mailboxes. The damage is estimated to cost $6,000.

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County is in desperate need for election judges ahead of the April 4th election. The county needs 210 election judges to staff polling places, but right now they are about 100 election judges short. Both parties must be represented and the Champaign County Clerk's office says of the 100 election judges they still need, about 60 need to be Republican. If they don’t get enough election judges, they could be forced to consolidate polling locations. The deadline to sign up to be an election judge is March 28th. You can sign up online at champaign county clerk dot com.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate was not in session last week but that doesn’t mean things weren’t being done. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says he held a meeting with ag leaders…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Rantoul-jm) – One school in Champaign County now has the green light to start a renovation project.  Rantoul Township High School will soon have a refreshed lobby, loft area, and basement. They’re working with a Champaign contractor to make the first phase of the multi-million dollar program happen. Some offices will be gutted and replaced with bathrooms. The work is set to begin next summer and continue during the school year.

(Ford County-jm) – One Ford County Board member wants to solve a problem plaguing many communities like his across the country. Board member Tim Nuss wants the county to explore options to bring health providers to rural areas of the county. Right now, there is a clinic in Paxton and Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City but nothing else in the county. Transportation is also a challenge that he hopes to address as well.

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary says that agricultural disaster programs need more built-in flexibility. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Officials at the Illinois Department of Public Health are alerting Illinoisans about a rise in strep cases. IDPH director Dr. Sameer Vohra said that more cases of Group A strep have been reported in the first three months of 2023 than in any one of the past five years. Vohra advised parents to contact their health providers if their children start showing symptoms, which include a sore throat and fever.

(Springfield-jm) – Republicans in the Illinois House say several reforms are needed to make the state more business friendly. The GOP says they have had several bills over the years that would help attract and keep jobs in Illinois. But State Representative Dan Ugaste (you-gas-tee) of Geneva says they haven’t been called for a vote…

State Representative Dan Ugaste of Geneva. House Republicans argue that with new businesses, come more people moving to Illinois.

(Springfield-jm) – It's onto the Illinois Senate with a bill to prohibit the production of ethanol using seeds that have been treated with a pesticide. House Bill 1440 passed the House Wednesday mostly along party lines. The measure amends the Illinois Pesticide Act to include language prohibiting seeds treated with pesticides from being used for such production.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is touring the state touting his proposed investments in higher education. The Governor has now been to Bloomington and Springfield, with more stops scheduled in the coming days. He says his proposed budget calls for the largest funding increase for community colleges in over two decades…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker also wants to pump another 100 million dollars into college map grants to help more students pursue higher education.

(Champaign-jm) – About 900 young archers from 42 Illinois schools have qualified to participate in the 2023 Illinois State Archery Tournament March 24-25 at Champaign Centennial High School. The event has taken place in Springfield, but because of rapid growth of youth archery the past few years, organizers decided to move the 2023 tournament to Champaign to accommodate space and amenity needs.

(Springfield-jm) – 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City is sponsoring a pair of legislative bills to help schools. Senator Bennett explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – A shooting in Champaign last December left two men hurt, and Champaign County Crime Stoppers is looking for help from the public to identify a person of interest. The shooting happened just before 8 p.m. in the area of Beardsley and Prospect Avenues. Police officers responding to reports of a shooting found two victims, ages 48 and 28, each with a single gunshot wound to the leg. The victims were treated at the hospital and were subsequently released.

(Washington-jm) – Consumers saw some big declines in egg prices last month, but they remain much higher than a year ago. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House approved a measure amending who can conduct a marriage. House Bill 1111 passed mostly along party lines Wednesday. The measure provides that a marriage may be solemnized by a state executive branch constitutional officer like governor or comptroller, or any member of the Illinois General Assembly who is in office at the time of the ceremony.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services wants to make sure Medicaid recipients continue to be covered. The agency is launching a public awareness campaign about the need for those on Medicaid to renew their benefits. Spokesperson Evan Fazio says recipients haven’t had to do this since the pandemic began three years ago. He notes that everyone’s renewal date is different…

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Spokesperson Evan Fazio. The renewal notices will be sent by mail so Fazio advises logging into your account at: abe dot illinois dot gov to make sure the correct address is on file.

(Springfield-jm) – Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias supports a measure that would ban zooming while driving. House Bill 2431, sponsored by State Representative Marcus Evans and State Senator Javier Cervantes , would make it illegal to use a cell phone or other device to watch or participate in video conferencing, streaming videos, or accessing any social media site. Under the proposal drivers would still be able to participate in video congruence calls but only if they use a hands-free device and if the video is turned off. Violating the law would result in a moving violation ticket and a maximum fine of $75 on the first offense, $100 on the second offense, $125 on the third offense, and $150 for all future offenses. Three moving violations in a year will result in a license suspension.

(Springfield-jm) – Expect to see a heightened police presence out on the roads for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The state police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies are teaming up to help keep people safe through the weekend, says Illinois Department of Transportation Spokesperson Paul Wappel…

IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel. Wappel says if you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party, remember that you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served drinks to is involved in a DUI crash.

(Champaign County-jm) – Illinois State Police Troop 7 announced the March results of the Champaign County Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols, a project funded through IDOT. The patrols resulted in 23 safety belt citations, 0 child restraint citations, 42 total citations, and 10 written warnings in Champaign County during March.

(Springfield-jm) – A local state representative is working to change the way the state raises taxes. The legislation is being co-sponsored by 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Watseka-jm) – The USDA recently recognized the top crop producing counties in the country.  And Iroquois County ranked among the best in both corn and soybean production. Iroquois County is 4th for soybeans.

(Washington-jm) – Hog producers are seeing strong production and lower prices. Gary Crawford reports…

WPXN News Notes…

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper tonight from 5-7 pm at their station located at 134 W. State Street. Cost is $10 for adults, $6 for kids 6-13. Deliveries are available in town by calling 217-202-6441.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois workers saw more than 7% pay growth in February compared to the previous February, new data shows. ADP recently released its February 2023 National Employment Report and the accompanying Pay Insights, which measures job and pay growth, respectively. The reports found that Illinois workers who stayed in their role for the previous 12 months had a median salary of $59,300, a 7.6% increase from February of 2022. These stats compare to a national median salary of $57,600 and median pay growth of 7.2% for job stayers.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is calling on major pharmacies to clarify their positions on making abortion medication accessible to customers. Governor Pritzker and 14 of his counterparts in other states want to hear from companies like CVS, Target, Walmart and Kroger about where they stand…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. That one is Walgreens, which announced that stores in certain states will not dispense abortion medication. The Governor has called that deeply concerning.

(Springfield-jm) – As Illinois gaming revenues soar to record highs in 2022, so has gambling debt. In Illinois, 400,000 people have a gambling problem and another 700,000 are at risk for developing a problem. Like any other addiction, a gambling addiction will only get worse unless the person faces up to it and gets help. Call the anonymous hotline 1-800-GAMBLER anytime to talk to a trained counselor.

(Springfield-jm) – This winter has been the 8th warmest on record in Illinois. For weather purposes, winter runs December through February. State Climatologist Trent Ford says the average statewide temperature during that time was 33 point 7 degrees. Nearly 4 degrees above normal…

State Climatologist Trent Ford. Ford says because of the mild temps, the emergence of perennials is about 2 to 3 weeks ahead of schedule. Average statewide precipitation was about 3 quarters of an inch above normal, making this winter the 34th wettest on record in Illinois.

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for indecent solicitation of a minor. Michael Holt received the sentence in Champaign County court. In exchange for his guilty plea, a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and a separate 2018 case of residential burglary and theft were dismissed.

(Paxton–jc)  –  A new concert venue is coming to the city of Paxton. The business is called “The Cadillac” as the building was home to a car dealership. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold talks about the surrounding businesses and what another new business means for the city of Paxton…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department says they responded to two separate incidents of Dominoes drivers being carjacked and robbed on March 8 and 10. A delivery driver stated that four men in masks approached and threatened him while he was working as a delivery driver near the intersection of Bradley Ave. and McKinley Ave. around 7:40 pm on March 8. The suspects robbed him of his phone, wallet, and vehicle. Around 6:27 pm on March 10, Champaign police received a report of a robbery and carjacking in the 1900 block of Meadow Dr. to another Dominoes driver. The driver stated that two men in masks approached him with a pistol and robbed him, stealing his vehicle and leaving the area.

(Springfield-jm) – Jury selection gets underway for the so-called “ComEd Four” accused of funneling money and job contracts to Michael Madigan’s associates in an effort to influence the former Speaker of the House. Long time Madigan confidante Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore (pram-ah-jor-ee), former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and ex-City Club president Jay Doherty have all pleaded not guilty of the charges.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation advancing at the Illinois statehouse would get motorists in hot water for letting their pet ride on the driver’s lap.  House Bill 2910 provides that a person who holds an animal in the person’s lap while operating a motor vehicle is guilty of a petty offense. The bill’s sponsor, state Representative Jawaharial Williams of Chicago, said pets aren’t covered under distracted driving laws. Williams cited a AAA survey that showed that 31% of drivers with pets said they have been distracted by their pets while driving, and 20% of drivers who have admitted to driving with the pet on their lap have been involved in accidents. Offenders would be subject to a $50 fine. The measure moved out of the transportation committee and is headed to the House floor. 

(Springfield-jm) – Tuesday was Equal Pay Day. Equal Pay Day marks how much longer a woman must work to match what a man made the previous year. On average, women earn 84 cents for every dollar a male gets. Representative Anna Moeller of Elgin says this can have long term economic effects…

State Representative Anna Moeller of Elgin. Moeller says wage discrepancies are even broader for minority women.

(Milford-jm) – A former University of Illinois employee has been sentenced to a 2nd chance program after she fraudulently used her university credit card for personal purchases. Rebecca Nash of Milford received the sentence after pleading guilty to credit card fraud. Nash used her university credit card to make several personal purchases. In total, she still owes the university $10,446 which will be taken out of her retirement. If she completes the terms of the 2 year program, she will have no criminal record.

(Rantoul–jc)  The village of Rantoul is undertaking a “streetscape” program for the downtown area. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the investment to the downtown area is over 5 and one half million dollars…

Rantoul Village Mayor Chuck Smith.

(Champaign-jm) – To commemorate the achievements and contributions of older adults, State Senator Paul Faraci is asking residents to submit their nominations for the 2023 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame. The Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding accomplishments in community service, education, the labor force and the arts. Eligibility is based on an individual’s past and present accomplishments, and the candidate must be a current Illinois citizen or a former citizen for most of their life. Posthumous nominees are also considered. Nominations for 2023 inductees must be submitted by June 1.

(Washington-jm) – The world is producing more wheat than expected, especially one major wheat growing nation. Gary Crawford reports…

WPXN News notes…

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, March 16th from 5-7 pm at their station located at 134 W. State Street. Cost is $10 for adults, $6 for kids 6-13. Deliveries are available in town by calling 217-202-6441.

(Springfield-jm) – Roughly 40% of fourth graders in Illinois read below the basic level, and state lawmakers want to pass a plan this spring to improve literacy. Third graders who can't read proficiently are four times more likely to drop out of school. The Annie E. Casey Foundation also found that third graders lacking basic reading skills are six times more likely to drop out of high school if they come from a low-income family. State Representative Laura Faver Dias told the House School Curriculum & Policies Committee that her proposal could require the Illinois State Board of Education to develop a comprehensive literacy plan and modify the reading improvement block grants program. 

(Springfield-jm) – Court cases challenging two major state laws are now before the Illinois Supreme Court, but Governor J-B Pritzker says he remains confident that both will be upheld as constitutional. After a Macon County judge ruled the recent law banning assault weapons is unconstitutional, the Supreme Court agreed to an accelerated schedule for appeal. Oral arguments are set for May, and the Governor says the state expects to prevail…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor says the same goes for the no-cash bail portion of the Safe-T Act. Oral arguments will be heard today.

(Sadorus-jm) – A 17-year-old from Ford County is under arrest after he was accused of stabbing a man in Sadorus late Friday night. The stabbing happened at a party. Deputies found a 19-year-old with three stab wounds to his lower back. A preliminary investigation indicated that a physical fight broke out at the party between the 17-year-old and his 15-year-old girlfriend, both from the Paxton area. When the victim intervened and tried to break up the fight, officials said, the 17-year-old stabbed him with a knife. The 17-year-old was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated domestic battery. 

(Springfield-jm) – There was some big news recently about the lawsuits against the state’s new gun law.  A Macon County judge ruled the gun ban unconstitutional and a temporary restraining order was already in place.  It appears that attorneys for the state will appeal to the Supreme Court. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County is cleaning up its finances. Board members voted unanimously to fix a 6-year-old mistake on the books. A memo from the county treasurer says back in 2017 and 2018, bank reconciliations weren’t completed in entirety. That means certain activity wasn’t recorded – things like chargebacks and wire fees. The shortages add up to just over $27,000. The resolution that passed will amend the budget and move money over from the fund balance to cover the shortage.

(Washington-jm) – U.S. corn exports are lower than most experts had expected. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – A new study shows that Illinoisans are getting one of the largest amounts of federal tax refunds in the country.  SmartAsset found that for the 2021 tax year, Illinois ranked fifth in the country with an average federal tax refund of $1,739. To determine where taxpayers receive the largest refunds, SmartAsset analyzed the average dollar amount of 2021 federal tax refunds for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Though it did not play a role in Illinois' rankings, they also examined state and local income tax refunds for tax year 2020. The study also found that Illinois had the second-lowest average state and local tax refund out of all states in 2020 at an average of $581. 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is signing a new law guaranteeing Illinois workers up to 40 hours of paid leave each year. Illinois is now the third state in the nation with such a law, ensuring employees that need to tend to a sick child, go to a dentist appointment or get their car fixed can do so without losing money, or their job. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who cared for her mother with Alzheimer’s Disease, says having this paid leave time will help ease the burden when life gets in the way…

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. The law takes effect next year and workers will be able to use the time for any reason.

(Broadlands-jm) – A man from Broadlands in Champaign County is wanted after Crime Stoppers said he failed to appear in court related to sex offender registration. Bert Zeanah was arrested in 2020 on a charge of failing to register as a sex offender. A court hearing was scheduled in 2021, but Zeanah did not come to the hearing. A warrant for his arrest was issued that day and he has been on the run since. Zeanah is described as being White with gray hair and brown eyes. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds.

(Urbana-jm) – Whether coming back from spring break or just starting fresh, it’s important for kids to develop healthy eating habits. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has some tips for parents…

My plate dot gov has good suggestions to fill out your plate.

(Watseka-jm) – Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver reminds citizens that the County Clerk’s office will be open for Grace Period Registration and Voting now thru April 4, 2023. During this grace period, an unregistered qualified elector may register to vote (two forms of I.D. will be needed) and also a registered voter may submit a change of address form in person at the County Clerk’s office. Office hours for Grace Period Voting are as follows: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday, April 1st office hours are from 8:30 a.m. – noon. Additionally, the County Clerk’s office will be open for Grace Period Voting & Registration from 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

(Washington-jm) – 2023 began with a big agricultural export sales month. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – There’s a push in the General Assembly for gas stoves sold in Illinois to come with a warning label. The label would alert users to the risks of asthma and other respiratory illness from gas stove emissions. It’s sponsored by Representative Anne Stava-Murray of Downers Grove, who says this is not about restricting people’s choices…

State Representative Anne Stava-Murray of Downers Grove. If eventually passed and signed into law, the label requirement for gas stoves sold in Illinois would kick in next year.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois’ statewide average SAT scores declined by 10 points in reading and 13 points in math from 2021 to 2022. Since 2019, before the pandemic, the average statewide SAT score in Illinois has dropped 11 points in reading and 23 in math. The Illinois Policy Institute released a comprehensive review of statewide SAT scores. Thousands of 11th-grade students will take the SAT this April to both give the state an assessment of proficiency for Illinois high school students and provide students with a score to use for college applications. Illinois requires all high school juniors to take the SAT to graduate from high school. Among Illinois’ 20 largest school districts based on enrollment numbers in 2022, only nine beat the state average in reading and 10 in math.

(Springfield-jm) – Electronic cigarettes would be banned from indoor use under a bill that cleared a Senate committee. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Smoke Free Illinois Act. It needs to be updated to prohibit vaping indoors and within 15 feet of entrances, says Dr. Tabatha Wells, Board Chair for the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians…

Illinois Academy of Family Physicians Board Chair Dr. Tabatha Wells. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for a vote.

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man has been sentenced to 16 and a half years for possessing a gun that could be turned fully automatic. Anthony Flynn received the sentence after pleading guilty to possession of a machine gun by felon after police found him in possession with a handgun that had a fully automatic switch. In exchange for his guilty plea, charges of armed violence were dismissed.

(Paxton–jc)  Ford County officials are seeking cash bids for custom farming for the county’s farm acres. Ford County Board member Cindy Ihrke says the county has three plots and provides some background on the land…

Ford County Board Member Cindy Ihrke. Bid packets are available on the counties website along with other information.

(Urbana-jm) – UIUC’s Illinois Neurodiversity Institute is looking for freshmen starting in the fall to join their program. The four-year program aims to help students on the autistic spectrum and other neurodiverse students of any major achieve success academically, socially and professionally. Some components of the program include a pre employment seminar course, and an Academic Strategies course their first semester.

(Springfield-jm) – New legislation takes aim at deepfakes. Deepfake technology is used to create very realistic digital imitations, sometimes for a fun parody but other times for nefarious reasons, says Representative Mary Edly-Allen of Libertyville…

State Representative Mary Edly-Allen of Libertyville. Edly-Allen’s bill lets victims seek civil damages.

(Springfield-jm) – More than 50,000 car seats have been recalled for safety issues that could lead to an increased risk of injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Dorel Juvenile Group is recalling certain Safety 1st onBoard 35 Secure Tech, Maxi-Cosi Coral XP, Maxi-Cosi Mico XP Max, Maxi-Cosi Mico XP, Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe+, and Maxi-Cosi Infant Base child seats. The recalled car seats have manufactured dates ranging from May 1, 2020, to February 28, 2023.

(Springfield-jm) – March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month. Severe weather in Illinois ranges from blizzards and ice to tornadoes and flooding. That’s why it’s important to be prepared, says State Emergency Management Agency Spokesperson Kevin Sur…

Illinois Emergency Management Agency Spokesperson Kevin Sur. Sur also recommends keeping all important records and documents in a secure waterproof container and making an inventory of your possessions.

(Champaign-jm) – A Gibson City man is facing multiple charges in Champaign County. 67 year old Robert Schaub is facing aggravated fleeing and eluding and possession of cocaine after leading Champaign County deputies on a pursuit. Schaub was one of 17 individuals arrested in 2008 for a rural drug trafficking and conspiracy ring and had been sentenced to 35 years in prison.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Lottery broke a record when it came to sales during the first half of the fiscal year. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – A 16 year old will spend the next 7 years in juvenile prison. The 16 year old received the sentence for his role in the robbery of a Champaign CVS. He was also involved in a string of other robberies and home invasions.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J.B. Pritzker said that despite his million-dollar donations to two Illinois Supreme Court justices last year, they are independent and should not have to recuse themselves from two high-profile cases before them in which the governor is a defendant. Pritzker donated a total of $2 million from two separate accounts to then-Illinois Supreme Court candidates Mary O’Brien and Elizabeth Rochford. Those candidates are now justices on the bench of seven who will hear separate challenges to the state's no-cash bail provision next week and to the state's gun ban and registry in May. Responding to a question about the donations, Pritzker said it was "ridiculous" to suggest that anyone who received money from him should have to recuse themselves. 

(Springfield-jm) – If an Illinois lawmaker has her way, gas stoves sold in the state next year will be required to include labels warning the public about emissions. State Representative Anne Stava-Murray’s, of Downers Grove, House Bill 3572 would require all new gas stoves sold in the state starting in 2024 to have a warning label detailing the asthma risks associated with gas stove emissions. She added that this is a labeling bill and does not ban gas stoves or prevent anyone from buying gas stoves. The gas stove debate began earlier this year when Richard Trumka, Jr., a U.S. Consumer Product Safety commissioner, said in an interview that gas stoves posed a “hidden hazard” and suggested the agency could ban them.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Republicans are calling for real ethics reforms to be passed this spring. This is one of the GOPs top priorities, saying it’s time to enact real reforms and end corruption in government. Representative Blaine Wilhour of Effingham says that should start with exposing and eliminating conflicts of interest…

State Representative Blaine Wilhour of Effingham. Republicans also want to give the Legislative Inspector General more power to investigate claims of fraud and abuse. They propose a resolution that prevents any portraits of former House Speaker Mike Madigan from being put up in the House.

(Champaign-jm) – Parkland College has announced a new partnership with AGCO Corporation. AGCO Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision agriculture technology.  Starting in Fall 2024, the college will construct a new $6 million training center on its campus. The construction was made possible by a $5 million donation from AGCO Corporation. The facility will house a new Service Technician Associate in Applied Science degree program. It will provide students with instruction specific to AGCO-branded equipment such as Fendt® and Massey Ferguson® and provide education in general ag concepts.

(Springfield-jm) – The "Evil Empire" speech was a speech delivered by U.S. President Ronald Reagan to the National Association of Evangelicals on March 8, 1983 at the height of the Cold War and Soviet-Afghan War. In that speech, Reagan referred to the Soviet Union as an "evil empire" and as "the focus of evil in the modern world". State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland honored the event…

State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man on parole for having drugs is being charged with a 2021 shooting. Benjamin Sayles is charged with being an armed habitual offender. Police allege Sayles shot at a group of people on Bradley Avenue.

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana teen has pleaded guilty to his role in a fatal shooting. Thomas Woodson pleaded guilty to aggravated discharge of a firearm, admitting he fired a gun in the direction of Nizeri Carter in November. In exchange for his guilty plea, charges of murder and attempted murder were dismissed. He faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced April 12th.

(Washington-jm) – The Biden Administration has sent its Fiscal Year 2024 budget request to Congress. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton–jc)  Looking at using motor fuel taxes this Spring and Summer and city street projects is one issue for local leaders in Paxton. In updating our story from Thursday, Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the amount of dollars and prioritizing streets is on the list of things to do…… 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Springfield-jm) – The 80-year-old man once called the "Velvet Hammer" for his successful dominance of Illinois politics is arguing the state's bribery and official misconduct statutes are unconstitutional ahead of his corruption trial. Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery and official misconduct as part of a federal indictment. Madigan said he was just doing his job as a politician and that the state's laws are overly broad. His attorneys further argue that "statutes that impermissibly chill such interactions infringe on rights that go to the core of democratic government and violate the First Amendment."

(Springfield-jm) – According to a new report, more than a million people in Illinois will receive new payments from Facebook that stems from a $650 million settlement the company reached in a lawsuit over inappropriate use of biometric data. The Chicago Tribune reported that the payouts stem from the initial $650 million settlement over an Illinois law banning inappropriate use of biometric data that was reached with the company in 2020. According to the Tribune, a second payment of $30.61 was issued to those who cashed their initial payment checks in the settlement, representing more than $40 million left over in the settlement fund from those who did not cash their first payments.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation in the Illinois Senate ensures college students have access to emergency contraception. The bill requires public colleges and universities to have at least one “wellness” kiosk on campus that offers “Plan B” or similar contraception at a reduced price. It’s sponsored by Senator Celina Villanueva of Chicago…

State Senator Celina Villanueva of Chicago. Villanueva says the kiosk could also be stocked with things like condoms, tampons and pregnancy tests. The bill passed a Senate committee and now faces a vote on the Senate floor.

(Urbana-jm) – A grand jury returned an indictment against two Urbana, Illinois, women charging each with one count of wire fraud related to Paycheck Protection Program loans. The indictment alleges that both Tasheena White and Uniqua Whitaker, United States Postal Service employees, engaged in a scheme to submit falsified loan applications and supporting documentation to acquire PPP loans in Spring 2021. White and Whitaker each obtained approximately $20,000 in PPP loans funds. If convicted, the statutory penalties for wire fraud are a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment, up to a three-year term of supervised release, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and restitution.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation sponsored by 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City would help veterans and their families. Senator Bennett explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois Police are investigating after a car was stolen near campus. Officials said the car was stolen from the area of Sixth and Wright Streets. The victim parked their car, but left it unlocked and running while he picked up a food order from a nearby restaurant. The car was stolen while he was doing so. Inside the car was a backpack and laptop that was valued at $370.

(Urbana-jm) – The Eastern Illinois Food Bank gives out millions of meals every year. This year, they’re on track to give out even more with help from a new feature on their website. The food bank partnered with Vivery to create a feature on their website. It lets people search for food banks and pantries. Officials said the new map is easier to use and has more features. All you need to do is go on the website and click ‘try it now.’ You can search for food programs based on address, hours open, and distance. You can also look for a program based on category.

(Washington-jm) – Here's more information about USDA's latest crop forecasts for Argentina. Gary Crawford reports…

The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry tonight from 4-7 pm. Cost is $10 for adults, kids 6-12 are $5.

The Gibson Area Hospital Foundation will hold their 1st annual A Dose of Fashion Show tonight at the Pueblo Lindo Events Center in Paxton from 7-10 pm. Cost is $25.

Paxton IGA will host their cookout benefiting the Shriners on Saturday from 10-2.

(Springfield-jm) – This is Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the Illinois Lottery reminds that help is available. Some of the signs that gambling may be an issue include lying about the habit, needing to borrow money because of losses and thinking about gambling a lot, says Lottery Spokesperson Meghan Powers…

Illinois Lottery Spokesperson Meghan Powers. You can seek out help by either calling: 1-800-gambler or visiting the website: are you really winning dot com. There you will also find a text option.

(Springfield-jm) – A power grid operator that serves Illinois and other states said increased demand will run into reduced capacity to generate electricity. Crain’s Chicago Business quoted a February report, which singled out Illinois’ clean energy bill that was signed into law in 2021. PJM, the regional grid that includes the northeast part of Illinois, estimated the legislation will take several power plants offline by 2030, and the report’s authors doubted the state will meet goals to replace fossil fuel generation with renewable energy sources.

(Springfield-jm) – Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is taking a stance against book censorship with new legislation. Secretary Giannoulias says efforts to ban certain books have been on the rise nationally, and in Illinois. The bill he’s backing ensures only libraries that refuse to ban books will be eligible for funding from his office…

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Gianoulias. During the last fiscal year, the Secretary of State’s Office awarded more than 16 hundred grants to Illinois libraries, totaling over 62 million dollars.

(Champaign-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure through the Senate State Government Committee to rename and expand the ABLE Account Program in honor of the late Senator Scott Bennett. The program, created and passed by Senator Scott Bennett during the 99th General Assembly, allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save money for expenses related to living with a disability without losing access to certain federal government assistance. 

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation in Springfield would address free speech on college campuses in the state. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City is sponsoring the bill…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man who was released from jail on recognizance after being charged with shooting a man in February was arrested in western Illinois. Noah Raices, 23, was arrested in Stark County for criminal trespass at a woman's home, according to Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz. Raices allegedly knocked on the door and window of a 78-year-old woman's home. Raices was arrested holding a potato fork that had come from the woman’s garage. On February 8 Raices allegedly shot a man in the chest in a parking lot at the Town & Country apartment complex around 1:15 am in the 800 block of Oakland Ave. in Urbana.

(Washington-jm) – What were the notable news items within USDA's latest look at crop production forecasts and global commodity supply and demand estimates? Rod Bain reports…

(Rantoul–jc)  The village of Rantoul is looking at an approximate cost of 11 million dollar project for a wastewater plant for the village. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the plant has served the community through the Chanute Air Force base years, but needs to be replaced…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation pending in the Illinois Senate aims to protect child influencers. Even little ones can be seen testing and promoting products online these days, and a bill from Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria ensures they see some of the profits. It requires parents to set aside a certain percentage of the money made by uploading videos of their kids, just like the moms and dads of child actors are required to do…

State Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria. The legislation also lets children, once they hit 18, to request that the videos they are featured in be taken down.

(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decautr participated in a press conference on Wednesday with the Illinois State Rifle Association and House Republican colleagues, to urge Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Governor JB Pritzker to provide more clarity concerning the recent ruling by informing law-abiding gun owners whether or not the Attorney General plans to continue enforcing the firearm ban ruled unconstitutional by an Illinois circuit court judge…

State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur.

(Rantoul-jm) – New technology is helping one police department in Champaign County identify gunshots faster. Rantoul has had license plate readers to help solve crimes, but now, new sensors are the most recent addition to the toolbox to help keep you safe. They’re called Raven gunshot sensors. They’re attached to light poles and have a solar panel on top. When the system hears a gunshot, it alerts officers and 911 dispatchers within 30-60 seconds.

(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian is sponsoring three bills during the spring legislative session which would fund three major infrastructure needs in his district.  Marron said these projects are of major importance to the economic development and future growth in the three largest communities he represents. Representative Marron made a trip to the governor’s office with a letter reminding the governor of an invitation he had extended to the chief executive, to see these projects for himself, with the hope they might find their way into the state budget…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Champaign-jm) – A man with addresses in Rantoul and Champaign has been sentenced to 4 years in prison for breaking into a home. Santito Lindsay was mowing a property in Champaign in August when he broke into the home and stole several expensive pairs of shoes.

(Washington-jm) – U.S. supplies of soybeans are tighter than expected with exports higher than expected. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton–jc)  Looking at using motor fuel taxes to complete street repairs and upgrades is a topic for Paxton City leaders. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says his office along with city councilmen and city workers are looking at potential street projects… 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Springfield-jm) – Stomach flu cases are on the rise in Illinois, some severe enough to send people to the hospital. While most norovirus cases typically occur between November and April in a given year, cases in the Midwest have spiked dramatically since mid-January. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports norovirus, often referred to as the stomach flu, is not related to influenza but is very contagious.

(Springfield-jm) – The University of Illinois Flash Index, a measure of the Illinois economy, increased to 103.4 from 103.1 in January, fueled by strong state revenues. Any figure over 100 is considered growth. According to Professor Fred Giertz, the Illinois economy is still growing moderately after the surge of the recovery from the COVID-19 recession. Giertz said the Illinois and national economies still provide no clear signals of whether a soft landing or modest recession is in store later this year.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association is asking the legislature for a number of changes to help the industry continue to recover from the pandemic. One of the bills the group is pushing protects hotel workers from verbally abusive guests says Association President Mike Jacobson…

Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association President Mike Jacobson. Jacobson says they also want to level the playing field by requiring short-term rental companies to collect hotel taxes and for the state to establish a fund for attracting conventions to Illinois.

(Thomasboro-jm) – Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup has released the identity of the man killed on Route 45 Monday afternoon. Brian Schue, 29, of Rantoul, was struck by a pickup truck while changing a tire, according to the Illinois State Police. Schue was pronounced dead around 6pm on March 6 at a hospital in Urbana. A preliminary autopsy indicated that he died from blunt force injuries related to the incident. The incident is under investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Champaign County Coroner's Office.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man will spend the next eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Bobby Carter, was sentenced after entering a guilty plea. He was given credit for 275 days already served in custody.

(Paxton–jc) – With snow this past weekend, a warm day on Monday and some snow predicted later this week, city roads are taking a beating. City alleys in Paxton are also in need of repair. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says that subject is a concern for city workers…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Champaign-jm) – Plans for a new gas station in Champaign are moving forward. QuikTrip is building a new station on North Neil Street near I-74. This will be QuikTrip’s 5th store in Illinois.

(Washington-jm) – New consumer polls are showing increasing concerns about rising food prices. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois state lawmakers are getting a better idea of what the state's revenue will look like over the next year. The Illinois Department of Revenue and Governor's Office of Management and Budget said they are optimistic about the economic forecast. Financial experts expect to see a recession in the second half of Fiscal Year 2023. However, Illinois leaders believe the country can recover from the slight recession during the third quarter of this year. A recession could lead to a decline in overall economic activity, and House Republicans are concerned about the impact outmigration has on the state's tax revenue.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers are working on legislation that would require full-day kindergarten. Currently, school districts can offer full-or-half day kindergarten, but the measure would mandate the full school day option. The measure is sponsored by state Representative Mary Beth Canty, a Democrat from Arlington Heights. She said the legislation will help boost academic performance. 

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation passed by a House committee Tuesday makes it illegal to get your cat declawed. Unless a veterinarian deems declawing is necessary for the cat’s health, the practice would be banned under the bill. Violators face fines of at least $500. It’s sponsored by Representative Barbara Hernandez of Aurora…

State Representative Barbara Hernandez of Aurora. Opponents say this isn’t needed since declawing isn’t done that much anymore and that cats that have been declawed are less likely to be adopted from shelters.

(Paxton-dg)-A popular Cissna Park coffee shop is coming to Paxton. Kino’s Coffee located downtown Cissna Park will be opening a second location in Paxton on the bottom floor of the historic Clark Building which was the office of the Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce. Opening date is tentative for June or July.

(Danville-jm) – A 78-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in Vermilion County to sexually assaulting his intellectually underdeveloped great-niece. Roger Deckard was charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault, each of which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for. Those sentences will be served consecutively and he must serve at least 85% of each sentence.

(Undated-jm) – Lakeview College of Nursing has announced those who have received their white coats. Among them are Kaitlyn Goodwin of Hoopeston and Jessica Tillman of Cissna Park.

(Springfield-jm) – With the announcement that COVID disaster declarations will be ending, several programs are also ending. Medicaid changes implemented during the COVID pandemic will be coming to an end in June. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says SNAP benefits have also changed…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee will serve as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s commencement speaker Saturday, May 13 in Memorial Stadium. Competing in four different Olympic games in track and field, Joyner-Kersee is the first woman to win back-to-back gold medals in the heptathlon and the first woman to break 7,000 points in the heptathlon – a world record still standing today. She also is the first African American woman to win an Olympic medal in the long jump. 

(Washington-jm) – Food shoppers are changing the way they shop in response to rising food prices. Gary Crawford reports…

(Thomasboro-jm) – One person is dead following an accident on Route 45 near Thomasboro. Illinois State Police say a pickup truck struck a person changing their tire in the northbound lane of Route 45 just before 5pm. The person changing their tire was taken to the hospital where they later died. The driver of the pickup was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

(Springfield-jm) – There’s another push this year to outlaw “sweepstakes machines” in Illinois. Sweepstakes machines generally look like a kiosk, and the payout is in the form of a coupon that you can exchange for merchandise online or cash from the retailer. But here’s the problem, says Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter…

Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter. Sweepstakes machines have long been used in communities that don’t allow video gaming. Legislation in both the House and Senate bans these types of machines.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in locating a man wanted for sex crimes. Officials said Andrew Kirk, 35, is wanted on a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Bond is already set at $100,000. He is described as being Black, 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 142 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

(Springfield-jm) – The state Supreme Court will decide next week the constitutionality of the Safe-T Act. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says he is eagerly awaiting the decision…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Clerk and Recorder’s Office will host a Veteran’s Resource event next Wednesday. The event will be held on March 15 from 4:30PM-6PM at the VFW 630 at 1303 E Main St., Urbana. Community partners joining in the event include the Veterans Assistance Commission, Champaign County Supervisor of Assessments, The Salvation Army, Regional Planning Commission and a representative from the Danville V.A. Hospital. The event is free and open to everyone.  Information and resources will be shared with veterans from the various organizations at the event. 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign woman was recently defrauded of more than $4,000 after police said she was the victim of check fraud. University of Illinois Police officials said the victim initially wrote a check for just over $400 on Jan. 28 to pay a local plumbing company for recent work at her home. She dropped the check off at a mailbox at the post office located at the intersection of Green and Third Streets, close to the U of I campus. The victim later discovered that the check had been stolen and altered to charge her account with more than ten times the amount she initially tried to pay. The victim notified her bank and police.

(Springfield-jm) – The U.S. Monday announced it is requesting technical consultations with Mexico through the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to resolve issues regarding agricultural biotechnology. Rod Bain reports…

(Gibson City-jm) – A Gibson City man will spend the next 35 years in prison after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. Nicolas Thurman, 48, was sentenced on Monday after his January conviction on a charge of predatory criminal sexual assault. He will be required to serve 85% of his sentence. Ford County State’s Attorney Andrew Killian asked Judge Matthew Fitton for a 48-year-sentence out of the maximum 60 years. In addition to the case of sexual assault he was sentenced on, Thurman is facing a charge of attempted predatory criminal sexual assault involving a different victim. That trial would take place in April.

(Springfield-jm) – A University of Illinois Labor Professor says the idea of a five-day work week is long overdue for an overhaul. Alternative schedules and working remotely really had a chance to shine during the pandemic, so now may be a good time to consider if a four-day work week is feasible. Professor Robert Bruno says pilot studies have shown it can work…

U of I Law Professor Robert Bruno. Bruno says allowing employees to have time for a healthy work-life balance can lower the risk of burnout and worker dissatisfaction. He notes that a shorter work week may be difficult in some industries, but that changes could be made such as holding school year round but only Mondays through Thursdays.

(Urbana-jm) – A pair of University of Illinois students were recently scammed out of more than $3,000 in a false employment scam, U of I Police reported on Monday. Officials said the students responded to an email application for a research position with an “Illinois Community College” and were subsequently asked for money to pay for office supplies. They sent a total of $3,100 in several transactions and received checks for reimbursement, but their bank later deemed those checks to be fraudulent.

(Springfield-jm) – 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City is sponsoring legislation to help students going into college select a career. Senator Bennett explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving a murder cold case. The murder happened on July 23, 2021. Officials said that at 5 p.m. on that date, officers responding to a shooting report found Jayvohn Foster, 26, near the intersection of Edward Hoffman and Newcastle Drives. Foster had been shot in the abdomen and he later died from this injury at a local hospital. Anyone who has information that could help authorities solve the case is asked to submit their knowledge to Crime Stoppers

(Gibson City-jm) – A Gibson City man is behind bars after a shooting Friday night. The Gibson City Police arrested 20-year-old Charles Harwick. He is being charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, and reckless conduct and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.

(Washington-jm) – The latest round of funding has been announced for a USDA lending program aimed to help build production capacity in the meat and poultry processing sector. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – A Macon County judge has declared Illinois’ gun ban and registry unconstitutional, setting up a direct appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. Following a status hearing Friday afternoon in the case, Judge Rodney Forbes signed an agreed order declaring the measure unconstitutional. The state of Illinois, which agreed to the language of the final order in the Macon County case, argues that the appellate court is wrong and wanted to get it before the Supreme Court as quickly as possible.

(Springfield-jm) – Free test prep for college students? That’s an idea introduced at the state capitol. Chicago Representative LaShawn Ford wants state public colleges and universities to provide test preparation for exams like the GMAT for grad  school and the L-SAT for law school, at no cost to students. He says this will help ease nerves and improve test scores…

State Representative LaShawn Ford of Chicago. Ford says he isn’t sure yet how much this would cost the state.

(Springfield-jm) – A higher percentage of Illinois small businesses could not pay their rent in full in February.  The small business network Alignable surveyed thousands of business owners from across the country and found that 35% of small businesses in Illinois couldn’t afford their rent last month, the fourth highest in the country.

(Springfield-jm) – Women can learn more about their reproductive health rights in a new guide from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the State Department of Human Rights.  Now that Roe-v-Wade has been overturned and other states are enacting various reproductive laws, the state wants to make sure women know their rights when it comes to pregnancy, childbirth and abortion. Human Rights Director Jim Bennett…

State Department of Human Rights Director Jim Bennett. The guide offers examples of discrimination in a variety of settings. You can find it online at: dhr dot illinois dot gov, under publications.

(Champaign-jm) – A fallen tree caused a house fire in Champaign according to the Champaign Fire Department. The department responded to a fire at an unoccupied house on South Fair Street around 5:30 p.m. on Friday. A passerby reported smoke coming from the home. Crews found that a fallen tree had damaged the weatherhead of the home, causing a fire in the attic. Crews used multiple hose lines from a distance and were able to confine the fire to the building. No injuries were reported.

(Cissna Park-jm) – A Cissna Park man was sentenced to 7 years in prison on sex assault charges. Timothy Baker received the sentence after being convicted of two criminal sexual assault charges. 

(Springfield-jm) – State Republicans are trying to lower energy costs for working families. One of those pushing for legislative leaders to do something is 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign County-jm) – For weeks, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District has been asking people what changes they want to see at parks. Now, thanks to a $400,000 dollar grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the district will be able to make improvements. They will spend the $400,000 they were awarded at the Buffalo Trace Prairie in Mahomet. It’s across the street from the Museum of the Grand Prairie at Lake of the Woods.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill in the State Capital would increase penalties against people who harm DCFS workers on the job. The proposal would make committing aggravated battery against a DCFS worker on duty a felony for people 21 and up. Supporters of the bill say it will keep workers safe, but they also want to see other reforms to protect employees from working in pairs to more training including in de-escalation techniques.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Prtizker is touting his three year plan to ease the teacher shortage in Illinois. The initiative calls for investing 70 million dollars a year in attracting and retaining teachers across the state. The focus will be on schools that have the most need for staff, says the Governor, allowing them to spend the money as appropriate…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says that include signing bonuses, housing stipends, continuing education and tuition assistance. He’s asking the legislature to approve funding for the program in the new state budget.

(Springfield-jm) – A new rule by the Environmental Protection Agency could result in more demand for ethanol. Under the proposal, gasoline with higher blends of ethanol could be sold year-round in Illinois and other Midwestern states beginning next year. Nearly 40% of the corn grown in the Midwest is used to produce ethanol. Most gas sold in the U.S. is now blended with 10% ethanol, which is allowed throughout the year.

(Springfield-jm) – Preliminary numbers are in and it looks like a mild February wrapped up a weak winter in Illinois. The statewide average temperature last month was 35 degrees. That’s 4 degrees above normal says State Climatologist Trent Ford…

State Climatologist Trent Ford. Statewide average precipitation for February was about 3 inches, nearly an inch above normal. Most of that came in the form of rain. Ford says the outlook for spring leans toward colder and wetter than normal conditions.

(Champaign-jm) – A 19-year-old attempted to use a fake ID to get into a bar in Champaign. According to the University of Illinois Police, Alex Bzdula, of Chicago, attempted to use a fake ID to enter Kam's. When the door attendant refused entry, Bzdula took the business’s $500 identification scanner and threw it into the street.

(Urbana-jm) – A new community is coming to Urbana to help residents who are homeless and vulnerable to sickness. It's called "Hope Village." City Council approved $850,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to cover the project. The purpose of the project is to support people who are in need of constant medical attention while having no shelter to protect themselves.

(Paxton–jc)  –  A new concert facility is coming to the city of Paxton. A group of local businessmen are renovating the NAPA building on State Street in the city. The building was gutted by a fire. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the group plans concerts, a meeting hall and more…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Danville-jm) – Vermilion County’s Supervisor of Assessment Matthew Long has announced he is running for county Recorder on the Republican side. Long has been Supervisor of Assessment since 2010. The current office holder, David Stone, has announced he will not be seeking re-election in 2024.

(Urbana–jc) WPXN news has learned that the Urbana School district building caught fire early this morning. Police say that fire started in a reception area of the building around 2 this morning. Details are sketchy. More information is found on line with WCIA news. 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois has blocked the construction of new nuclear plants since 1987, but that could change this spring. A bipartisan group of state lawmakers wants to remove the moratorium on building nuclear generators and take advantage of new carbon-free technology. Democrats and Republicans on the House Public Utilities Committee said that the state should consider bringing more nuclear plants online to replace coal and natural gas facilities closing due to requirements in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passed in 2021.

(Springfield-jm) – Comptroller Susana Mendoza says the state’s rainy day fund is getting another boost. The stash is vital in times of emergency and just received a deposit of 320 million dollars. That brings the long-neglected fund up to more than 751 million, which is a big improvement says Comptroller Mendoza…

State Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Mendoza says ultimately, she would like to see the rainy day fund be seven and a half percent of the state’s current budget. That would be about three and a quarter billion dollars.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois National Guard says they have “open arms” for the 313, or about 2%, of the state’s service members who were barred from attending drills for not complying with President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate now that the mandate has been rescinded. A spokesman for the guard says only one member was discharged for refusal during the six month period. How many medical and religious exemption requests were filed, accepted or denied wasn’t immediately available.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation banning the use of single-use styrofoam food containers is advancing in the Illinois House. The main goal of prohibiting polystyrene food ware is to reduce pollution, says Glenview Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz…

State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz of Glenview. The bill would be phased in, taking effect in January of 2024 for most restaurants and in 2025 for food pantries, soup kitchens and restaurants with less than half a million dollars in sales. It passed a House committee and now faces a vote on the House floor.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man was arrested in connection to an October 2021 shooting on North Prospect. Derrick Humphery, Jr., 32, was arrested following an investigation into a shooting that occurred on North Prospect on October, 24, 2021. Champaign Police responded to the area of Town Center Boulevard and North Prospect Avenue for a reported shooting with injuries. When they arrived, officers located a 24-year-old man inside a vehicle with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a hospital, where he received treatment. The victim continues to recover from his injuries.

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department is asking for help in identifying a pair of thieves who stole from a store in the area. The two suspects were captured on the store’s security cameras as they were leaving. Both appeared to be White; one was wearing a black Reebok hoodie and khaki pants with holes in the knees and thighs, along with a face mask and baseball cap. The other was not masked, displaying a mustache, and was wearing a brown jacket, blue jeans and a black stocking cap.

(Champaign-jm) – A Pesotum man is facing up to 30 years in prison for arson. Brandon Schultz was charged with aggravated arson after admitting he set a fire at an apartment complex in Champaign to raise awareness about homelessness in the community.

(Washington-jm) – What does USDA see for dairy production, supply and prices for this year? Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Attorney General Kwame Raoul highlighted changes to the Military Veterans Assistance Act that improve oversight of county veterans assistance commissions and allow the Attorney General’s office to enforce the act. The Military Veterans Assistance Act was amended and passed by the Illinois General Assembly in May 2022 and established minimum funding requirements for county veterans assistance commissions  that are located throughout Illinois.

(Chicago-jm) – A major rehabilitation project on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago kicks off March 20th. The estimated 150 million dollar project includes fixing 36 bridge structures, installing new signage and LED lights and pavement repair. Illinois Department of Transportation Spokesperson Maria Castaneda says this will be done over three construction seasons…

IDOT Spokesperson Maria Castaneda. I-DOT says commuters can expect travel delays and are urged to take public transportation if possible or alter their schedule to avoid peak hours.

(Undated-jm) – After above average temperatures for Illinois on Wednesday, a blast of winter will affect parts of the state on Friday. The National Weather Service reports the system will arrive tonight in the form of rain. During the day Friday, the rain will change over to snow for areas west of the Illinois River and north, affecting Chicago. Some areas may receive several inches of wet, heavy snow. 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is announcing nearly 60 million dollars in grants for local park and recreation projects in Illinois. The money will help fund 118 projects, such as extending a hiking trail and replacing an outdoor public pool in Peoria and building a new park in Benld (ben-eld) , says Governor Pritzker. He notes that 25 percent of grants are going to distressed communities…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Funds are available through the OSLAD, or Open Land Space and Acquisition Development Program, and this is the largest round of grants in the program’s 36 year history.

(Paxton-jm) – A traffic violation in Ford County led to the discovery of 12.5 pounds of cocaine.  39-year-old Jose De Jesus Belendez is jailed in Paxton.  Ford County Sheriff's Police report a K-9 sniffed out the cocaine inside a duffle bag inside the car.  The contraband had a street value estimated at $150,000.

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Park District is asking for a million dollars in COVID relief funding from Champaign County. The park district wants to use the money for a new health and wellness center. Current ideas include indoor and outdoor recreational features, like baseball diamonds and basketball courts. The district says they’ll still be collecting feedback from the community about the project.

(Champaign-jm) – The 14th annual Prom Benefit for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank will be held on Saturday, March 4 at the Hilton Garden Inn from 7 – 11pm. This year’s goal is to raise 375,000 meals for food-insecure individuals and families in the Foodbank’s 18-county service territory. At any given time, more than 100,000 people in eastern Illinois, including 1 in 6 children, do not have access to enough nutritious food to support a healthy lifestyle.

(Washington-jm) – The U.S. beef cattle herd is already smaller than it was a year ago and one expert says it will get even smaller as the year wears on. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – The trial of four people accused of trying to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to benefit ComEd will be delayed. A U.S. District judge announced Tuesday that the trial will begin March 14 for Madigan confidant Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former City Club President Jay Doherty, and ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker. The four were indicted in 2020 accused of trying to influence Madigan by arranging for jobs and money for his associates in exchange for legislation beneficial for ComEd. No reason for the delay was given.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois  Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton testified before a U-S Senate committee Tuesday, urging passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. This has been a long road for the Equal Rights Amendment, an initial version was drafted nearly 100 years ago but is still not a part of the US Constitution. It’s time, says Lieutenant Governor Stratton…

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. Stratton says while strides have certainly been made, women still earn less than men and reproductive rights continue to come under attack.

(Danville-jm) – A Vermilion County jury found Nicholas Trimble, 42, of Champaign guilty of six counts of first-degree murder in the murders of Rafael Arevalo, 26, and Omar Roman, 26, both from Danville. The two men were killed in September of 2017. Police responded to reports of gunfire at a home on Harvey Street in Danville where they found Arevalo and Roman already dead.

(Springfield-jm) – Consumers could see another rise in their utility bills. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says Ameren is requesting the raise for both gas and electric customers…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Paxton–jc)  – A Rantou man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a shooting that occurred on Paxton’s north side on February 18th. Police say 18 year old Kaiden McCubbins was arrested by Northern Indiana state police around noon today. To date, four people have been arrested in connection with the Paxton shooting. Paxton Police, Ford County Sheriff’s police, Gibson City police and Illinois State police continue to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call Ford County Crime Stoppers or one of the investigating agencies. More information is found on line with the Ford County Chronicle.

(Mahomet-jm) – A Mahomet man on bond for allegedly forging checks is facing new charges of the same. Matthew Bushman is facing additional forgery charges after police found a printer and equipment to create fake checks. Bushman allegedly tried to cash one of the fake checks at a bank to support his meth addiction.

(Springfield-jm) – County estimates are out for 2022 Illinois corn and soybeans. Counties with the highest average corn yields per acre were Stark, Woodford and Ogle, says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. As for corn production…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. McLean County was also the top county for soybean production nationally, with 21 point 2 million bushels. Other high soybean producing counties in Illinois include Iroquois, Champaign, Livingston and LaSalle.

(Washington-jm) – Growers with different ag production goals and backgrounds offer their ideas of what new and improved market opportunities for them might look like. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois-based insurance company is once again raising rates. State Farm, headquartered in Bloomington, reportedly is raising rates for Illinois drivers by 6.5%. The hike will add about $60 a year for most policyholders. Last year, State Farm increased annual premiums by nearly $70. It is estimated the company insures about one in every three Illinois drivers. 

(Springfield-jm) – The State Department of Public Health is launching a new coalition to eliminate cases of Hepatitis in Illinois. The group is backed by a federal grant and will come up with strategies to address the rising number of Hepatitis B and C cases, says Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey…

State Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey. Claffey says viral Hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants.

(Urbana-jm) – A U of I student has been sentenced to 2nd chance probation for stealing from a campus student organization. Nubaira Kabir received the sentence after pleading guilty to stealing more than $10,000 from the Illinois Trial Team. Kabir was treasurer of the student organization.

(Paxton-jm) – The collapse of a wind turbine near Paxton is leading to concerns over a new law signed by Governor J-B Pritzker that takes away local ordinance control when it comes to wind and solar projects. Under the legislation signed by the Governor, counties can no longer have regulations more restrictive than the state. Counties have 120 days to change their ordinances to align with the state’s guidelines.

(Champaign-jm) – Parkland College’s truck driving program is changing locations. It’s moving from the Rural King lot in Champaign to the Atkins Group facility on Bloomington Rd. off of Mattis Ave. The new lot’s 75,000 sq. ft. will help expand the commercial driver’s license program to more students.

(Springfield-jm) – County estimates are out for 2022 Illinois corn and soybeans. The state really made a strong showing when it came to soybean production, says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Illinois had the top five counties in the U-S for corn production. McLean County, with nearly 71 million bushels of corn, was the leader last year, followed by Iroquois, Livingston, LaSalle and Champaign Counties.

(Washington-jm) – This year farm sector debt is predicted to grow faster than the value of farm sector assets. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is partnering with Google to enhance the visitor experience. Google will spend 10 weeks looking at how they can put artificial intelligence, augmented reality and extended reality technology to use at the facility. Museum Spokesperson Chris Wills gives an example…

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Spokesperson Chris Wills. Additionally, the museum will work with Google to provide a more inclusive visit for the hard of hearing, visually impaired and guests who don’t speak English.

(Springfield-jm) – A new bill could require high school juniors and seniors to take a stand-alone, one-semester course about finances. Senate bill 1266 was introduced earlier this month by Senator Kimberly Lightford. It proposes that, before getting a high school diploma, juniors and seniors would have to learn how to manage money. The course would cover banking, bill payment, investing, managing credit, paying for college, taxes, and more.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is urging passage of legislation ensuring the families of fallen officers receive likely benefits from the state. Here’s the problem: The Line of Duty Compensation Fund provides benefits to families who lose a law enforcement officer, firefighter or other first responder, but some years it runs out of money. That means payments are delayed, which isn’t right says Comptroller Mendoza…

State Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Mendoza is pushing bills that set up a continuing appropriation for the fund, so that it’s not at risk of running out. The measures also gives families more time to file a claim.

(Charleston-jm) – The EIU University Professionals of Illinois IFT Local 4100 union, which represents advisors, recruiters, annually contracted faculty, faculty, counselors, and lab coordinators, will vote to authorize a strike on March 8-9 after nearly one year of bargaining and little movement in mediation. The primary issues on the bargaining table are salary and workload demands that directly impact the availability of service to students. The Illinois Federation of Teachers said that a “yes” vote would give the EIU UPI bargaining team the power to file official strike authorization paperwork with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board if no agreement can be made at the bargaining table. The next bargaining session is scheduled for March 10.

(Washington-jm) – U.S. and European Union agricultural officials shared insights on a collaborative platform and its role in facilitating discussion and resolution of ag issues and challenges. Rod Bain reports…

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man ended up behind bars after officials say he started a fire in the jail lobby. Jail records show 44-year-old Gabriel Lee has been charged with aggravated arson. Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman says the suspect walked into the lobby. and poured an unknown flammable liquid onto the carpet, then set it on fire. Heuerman says Lee is known to suffer from mental health issues and admitted to taking methamphetamine. He says Lee caused a similar incident in December when he set his hat on fire in the jail lobby.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police is issuing another warning about the “Move Over” Law after a third trooper was injured this year. The trooper and K-9 partner were in their squad car on the shoulder of I-55 in Will County investigating an accident Monday morning. Another car, failing to move over, struck the vehicle. The trooper was taken to the hospital and has since been released. The K-9 officer was uninjured. This continues to be a dangerous issue, says State Police Trooper Josh Robinson…

State Police Trooper Josh Robinson. Move Over or “Scott’s Law” requires drivers to switch lanes when they see a vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road. Fines range from $250 to $10 thousand.

(Springfield-jm) – Two Illinois state senators recently reintroduced a state bill that would require some Illinois politicians to undergo gun safety training. Republican State Senator Neil Anderson, reintroduced Senate Bill 2106, and State Senator Andrew Chesney, has since co-sponsored the bill. The bill would mandate any member of the General Assembly who wants to introduce a bill “pertaining to a firearm" to complete firearm training requirements under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, range safety officer training, and a basic knowledge test of firearms.

(Springfield-jm) – A lot of people are turning to milk alternatives, but a University of Illinois Extension Nutrition Educator says not all are created equal. Cow’s milk remains the gold standard as far as nutrition goes, says the Extension’s Jenna Smith. The most comparable substitute Soymilk…

U of I Extension Nutrition Educator Jenna Smith. In contrast, almond milk has about 50 percent less calories than non-fat cows milk, but just one gram of protein compared to around 9 grams in regular milk. Smith says while pea milk and flaxseed milk aren’t as popular, if they are fortified with calcium and vitamin D they also closely align with cow’s milk. Her best advice is to check the carton label to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need.

(Undated-jm) – The National Weather Service has confirmed at least 3 tornadoes touched down in the area Monday. Two of the tornadoes were reported near Champaign while the third was reported east of Paxton. National Weather Service personnel are working to determine whether a fourth tornado touched down between Rankin and East Lynn, where a barn was damaged. There were no other reports of damage from yesterday's storms.

(Washington-jm) – Agricultural leaders of both the U.S. and the European Union expressed the importance of their efforts to address issues associated with the conflict in Ukraine, and its impacts on that country's agriculture. Rod Bain reports…

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving a retail theft of iPhones. Police said the theft happened on December 6, 2022, at the T-Mobile store located at 61 East Marketview Drive in Champaign. Three people are believed to be responsible: a female who approached the counter and asked to purchase five iPhones, a male who distracted an employee and grabbed the phones from the counter and another male who held the door open for the other two suspects. The stolen phones are valued at $4,500. The female appeared to be Black and was wearing a yellow cap, a black coat, light-colored jeans and orange shoes. The males also appeared to be Black; one was wearing a black hat, a gray sweatshirt, black pants and black shoes while the other wore a maroon sweatshirt, black pants and black shoes.

(Springfield-jm) – For the second week in a row, no Illinois counties are rated at a high level for COVID-19 transmission. 20 counties are at medium risk, up from 19 the previous week, says Illinois Department of Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey…

Illinois Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey. State Public Health officials are also announcing a new telehealth test to treat service through the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Patients who test positive for COVID can call: 217-545-5100 to be screened and prescribed medication if necessary.

(Springfield-jm) – Another storm is bearing down on Illinois. The weather system is expected to bring heavy rain to many parts of the state today, with winds of 40-50 mph possible. Due to the lack of snow this winter, moisture and streamflow conditions are not expected to contribute to spring flooding.

(Springfield-jm) – What was once just a couple of riverboats, Illinois gaming is now a multi-billion dollar industry. The state’s various gaming opportunities generated one point four billion dollars in tax revenue last year. There are 12 casinos in Illinois now with more to come, and the state is home to the largest network of video gaming terminals of its kind in the U-S says State Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Furchter (fruck-ter). As for sports wagering…

State Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Furchter. One area that continues to struggle is horse racing, especially with the closing of Arlington Park in 2021. There are currently only two racetracks that offer live racing, one in Cicero and one in Collinsville.

(Champaign-jm) – A pair of departments in the City of Champaign will have a new home starting this week. The city announced on Friday that the Neighborhood Services Department and the Equity and Engagement Department will be relocating to new offices located in downtown Champaign. Currently located in the City Building at 102 North Neil Street, the two departments will relocate a few blocks over to 205 West Park Avenue.

(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur believes there are areas of the state which lack properly qualified teachers for dual credit classes, and that is why he is sponsoring legislation   which he believes will help fill those teaching gaps by encouraging further education and endorsements. Under Caulkins measure, the ‘Teach Illinois Scholarship Program’ will be extended to include those teachers who are preparing to teach dual credit courses within a high school and commit to obtaining a master’s degree in order to teach the dual credit courses. Representative Caulkins explains the bill…

State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur.

(Champaign-jm) – Many Ameren Illinois customers in the Champaign area will see new energy upgrades throughout the spring and fall. Ameren Illinois said they plan to replace steel pipelines and natural gas services with modern, corrosion-resistant polyethylene material, upgrading approximately 4.2 miles of natural gas pipelines from the 1960s. The upgrades will also affect 430 individual customers’ natural gas services. Work will happen on the west and southwest side of Champaign between Southwind Dr. to Windsor Rd. and from Scottsdale Dr. to S. Mattis Ave. Ameren Illinois said the upgrades cost more than $3 million. All work should be completed by the end of November, weather permitting.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is out with a new forecast for U.S. agricultural exports and imports for 2023. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – State lawmakers are getting a closer look at Governor J-B Pritzker’s program to prevent and end homelessness. There are more than 120 thousand people experiencing homelessness in Illinois, and the goal of “Home Illinois” is to bring that down to zero, said State Homeless Chief Christine Haley at a House committee hearing…

State Homeless Chief Christine Haley. The Governor wants to see a 350 million dollar investment in the program, for things like street outreach, rental assistance, more shelter and permanent supportive housing and a new initiative to help homeless adults find and keep a job.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois’ credit rating got upgraded from worst in the country to tied for the worst in the country with New Jersey. S&P Global Ratings upgrade is the seventh time in the last two years Illinois credit rating was upgraded.

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Other suggestions include adding more residential and inpatient beds and addressing the shortage of behavioral healthcare workers. Governor Pritzker says a long term goal is to implement universal screenings for mental health challenges in schools. The report is the product of an initiative launched last year.

(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois student is out $500 after University Police officials said he was a victim of sexual extortion. Officials said that an unknown individual contacted the victim through social media and encouraged him to send intimate photos of himself. After receiving the photos, officials said the individual threatened to send them to the victim’s social media contacts if he didn’t pay. The victim compiled with the demand. Since mid-January, University of Illinois Police included seven other instances of sexual extortion in their reports, the most recent of which also resulted in $500 being lost. However, other scammers have demanded up to $5,000 to keep photos private.

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans continue to criticize Governor J-B Pritzker’s budget proposal. One of those is 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – One year ago, the City of Champaign began the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint. The Champaign City Council voted to approve a grant to support the goals of the blueprint. The council approved the $334,440 grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority; the grant was allocated to the city by State Representative Carol Ammons. Over the past several years, gun violence became a forefront problem for the city of Champaign. This prompted city leaders to create the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint that went into effect last year. It seems to be working, 2022 gun violence numbers were down 50% from 2021 in Champaign. The blueprint has three goals in hopes to lower gun violence in the city, which the new grant will allow the city to work alongside new and continuing organizations to achieve those goals.

(Washington-jm) – Farm income in 2023 is probably going to fall below last year's record high. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 14 attorneys general, are opposing a gas supply company's request for a special permit to ship cryogenic liquefied ethane in rail tank cars from a facility in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, to undisclosed locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ethane is a colorless, odorless and highly flammable hydrocarbon gas that is commonly used in the petrochemical industry.

(Springfield-jm) – A group of state legislators introduced a bill to phase out the use of styrofoam products in Illinois. The EPA estimates that Americans throw away almost 70 million plastic foam cups every day and 22 million pounds of plastic enter the great lakes each year. This legislation comes as part of Illinois' ongoing fight against climate change.

(Springfield-jm) – As tax filing season ramps up, one state Senator is hi-liting changes to the Illinois earned income tax credit. Lawmakers voted to expand the credit last year, says Chicago Senator Omar Aquino…

State Senator Omar Aquino. Taxpayers now eligible for the credit include those with an Illinois taxpayer identification number of “I-TIN”, rather than a social security number. Aquino says these are often undocumented workers who are paying state and local taxes.

(Champaign County-jm) – A Paxton man is facing drug charges. Benjamin Mason is charged with possession with intent to deliver cannabis following a traffic stop on Route 45 near Thomasboro. Police say Mason was a passenger in the vehicle that was stopped for a traffic violation. Police say they found 581 grams of cannabis. Mason faces penalties ranging from probation to 3-7 years in prison.

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen was happy when he heard Governor Pritzker’s budget proposal. During his budget address, Pritzker pitched a seven percent increase to university budgets and a 100 million dollar increase to the MAP Grant Program. Killeen says the university system asked for 10 percent. Killeen said he also wants more stability going forward. Instead of waiting year to year to find out what the University system will get from the state, Killeen wants a multi-year funding plan, with a set increase every year.

(Springfield–jc)  –  A gun ban lawsuit continues in the state of Illinois. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting says filings to overturn the new law remain in the courts…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington

(Champaign-jm) – In order to complete sidewalk installation for Central High School North Fields, Stark Excavating is closing one westbound lane of Church Street between New Street and Elm Street. The closure began on Tuesday, February 14, and will reopen on Friday, March 3, 2023, weather permitting. Westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in the area.

(Washington-jm) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack outlined for reporters Thursday the next steps in dealing with Mexico's proposed ban on GM corn and this country's reaction to it. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – As Governor J.B. Pritzker tours the state touting his proposed early childhood investments, some Republican lawmakers say taxpayers are not getting a good return for their money. In his latest budget proposal, Pritzker wants to spend $250 million in early childhood education programs, and another $100 million on facilities. In the next school year, the program would add an additional 5,000 preschool spots across the state. He said a University of Chicago study shows it is a worthwhile investment saying we get $7 of savings for every one dollar that we invest in early childhood Republicans say in 2022, despite an increase in spending, students in Illinois reading at grade level was at 30%, and students doing math at grade level was at 26%.  Illinois spends over $16,000 per student, far more than neighboring states. Illinois has 852 public school districts, the fifth-largest number in the country. Together they account for nearly two-thirds of the local property taxes that local governments across the state collect each year.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is joining the Reproductive Freedom Alliance. The Alliance includes Illinois and 19 other states, seeking to exchange ideas about how to better protect women’s health rights, says Governor Pritzker…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. The Governor says one area he would like to work on with his colleagues is protecting out of state women seeking an abortion when they go back home.

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Association of REALTORS reported that home sales in the Champaign County area fell for the fourth consecutive month in January. The average home sale price for the Champaign County area was $187,415 in January 2023, down almost 10% from $207,628 in January of 2022. Champaign County area home sales totaled 127 units in January, down about 29% from 179 home sales in January of 2022.

(Urbana-jm) – New research into methamphetamine and opioid use recently discovered a “staggering increase” in the number of deaths tied to co-use of the two drugs. A recent study led by U of I professor Rachel Hoopsick found that the U.S. methamphetamine mortality rate skyrocketed fiftyfold between 1999 and 2021. 61% of these deaths involved co-use of meth with either heroin or fentanyl. Data from the CDC showed that 52,397 deaths were attributed to meth use in 2021, compared to just 608 in 1999. Much of the increase in meth-related mortality happened between 2010 and 2021, with no signs of it slowing down.

(Paxton–jc)  The city of Paxton is partnering with the Visit Champaign County group to look at ways to bring visitors to Paxton and look at the travels of those visitors. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says Terri Riefsteck of Visit Champaign County met with the council…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold. City leaders used 5 thousand dollars from the cities Motel-Hotel tax to fund the investment with the group.

(Mahomet-jm) – Big changes may be coming to Mahomet in the coming months. The Village of Mahomet said a $28 million non-binding bond referendum will be on the April 4 ballot. This would fund the construction of an indoor recreation facility and an outdoor pool. The proposed indoor recreation center is approximately 40,000 square feet. The center would include 2 multi-activity gymnasiums, an elevated track, a multipurpose room, and group exercise and fitness spaces. The outdoor pool would feature a zero-depth entry pool, slides, and lap lanes. A non-binding referendum is a question that is included on a ballot with the intent of taking the pulse of the community which may give direction for future steps. Mahomet voters will be asked whether they support a bond referendum for the proposed construction project, but the results are non-binding, or advisory only.

(Washington-jm) – Will farmers boost acreage of most crops this spring? USDA has just given its answer to that question. Gary Crawford reports…

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Carter Ferguson from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

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Cissna Park FFA Member Carter Ferguson

We were also able to talk with Owen Pree from Iroquois West’s FFA Chapter

Iroquois West FFA Member  Owen Pree

Georgia Busboom from Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Rantoul FFA Member Georgia Busboom

Madison Freed from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today

PBL FFA Member Madison Freed 

We were also able to talk with Cole Pruitt from St. Joe Ogden’s FFA Chapter

St. Joe Ogden FFA Member  Cole Pruitt

Jenna Clemmons from Fisher High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Fisher FFA Member  Jenna Clemmons

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The Parkland College Theatre will perform Blithe Spirit today through Sunday.

The Kempton Fire Department will hold their pancake and sausage breakfast on Saturday from 7-1 at the Kempton Legion Hall. Cost is $9 for adults and kids are $2.

First Lutheran Church of Paxton will hold a blood drive on Saturday from 10-2. Appointments are required by contacting Kevin Hanson at emtcoor at hotmail dot com.

The Iroquois West FFA Alumni Auction will take place on Saturday in the Iroquois West High School Gym. Dinner starts at 4 with the auction beginning at 5.

The Chatsworth Fire Department will host their annual pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday from 7-1. Cost is a freewill donation.

The Gibson City Lions Club will host their annual pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday from 8-12:30. 

(Springfield-jm) – New legislation lets multiple occupancy restrooms be used by all genders. Currently, it’s technically illegal to have a public restroom with more than one stall be open to all genders. A bill from Representative Katie Stuart of Edwardsville doesn’t require the change but sets standards for places that wish to establish gender neutral bathrooms…

State Representative Katie Stuart of Edwardsville. The measure has been approved by a House committee and now faces a vote on the House floor. State law already allows single occupant restrooms to be gender neutral.

(Springfield-jm) – Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 158,010 deer during all of 2022-2023 archery and firearm seasons that concluded Jan. 15. The total deer harvest for all seasons is an increase of more than 11,000 deer from the year before. Hunters took about 45% females and 55% males. Sixteen northern Illinois counties were open to the special CWD season, which is used to assist in slowing the spread of chronic wasting disease in the Illinois deer herd.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Lottery is announcing record sales for the first half of the fiscal year. The lottery posted one point eight billion dollars in sales from last July through December. The increase was driven by two jackpots, Mega Millions and Powerball, both worth over a billion bucks. To add to the excitement, a winning ticket was sold in Illinois, says Director Harold Mays…

Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays. The lottery also made millionaires out of 34 Illinois players during the six month period.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court on March 14 will hear the appeal of a lower court's ruling that the state's no-cash bail law is unconstitutional. The law was put on hold by the state's high court just before it was to take effect statewide Jan. 1. A Kankakee County judge found the law unconstitutional after dozens of state's attorneys sued to block the measure.

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Bill 1393 advanced through the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday. The bill proposes to lower the minimum population required for a county to create or maintain an office of county auditor from 75,000 inhabitants to 70,000 inhabitants. It’s sponsored by State Senator Paul Faraci of Champaign…

State Senator Paul Faraci.

(Undated-jm) – Heavy rain yesterday caused flooding across the area. Several roads throughout Ford and Iroquois County had water over them. The National Weather Service reported up to 4 inches of rain had fallen across the area.

(Undated-jm) – Emergency crews around the area were busy Wednesday afternoon. Paxton crews were called to a car versus semi accident on I-57 south of Paxton. Ludlow crews were called to an accident on Route 45 on the southeast side of town. Traffic had to be diverted through Ludlow. 

(Paxton–jc)  –  The city of Paxton is paying off a working bond early. That means some savings says Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold. The city will save over 27 thousand dollars with the early payment.

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man has been sentenced to 6 and a half years in prison for having a loaded gun during a traffic stop. Raytrell McDonald received the sentence in Champaign County court after a trooper stopped the vehicle he was a passenger in for a traffic violation on Route 45 near Thomasboro. In exchange for his guilty plea, a charge of aggravated battery to a police officer was dismissed. Authorities say McDonald allegedly shoved the trooper into traffic and fled.

(Urbana-jm) – Carle Foundation Hospital is unveiling new safety equipment. The hospital’s emergency room has a new weapon detection system. The hospital says it will protect the safety of both patients and staff.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA is surveying farmers about their planting plans. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office is warning the public about earthquake relief related scams. If you’re looking to support earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, be careful about where you are sending your donations, says Charitable Trust Bureau Chief Kristin Louis…

Charitable Trust Bureau Chief Kristin Louis. Louis says you should be wary of people soliciting you for donations in cash or who can’t explain exactly how the money will be spent. She notes that legitimate charities will be able to provide written information about their group.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Agriculture is encouraging Illinois farmers to set aside time to recognize Grain Bin Safety Week this week and review safety practices while working in and around grain bins. According to researchers at Purdue University, more than 900 cases of grain engulfment have been reported with a fatality rate of 62% in the past 50 years ending in 2010. Officials said it only takes 4 seconds for a full grown adult to sink to their knees in flowing grain and 20 seconds to be completely buried in grain.

(Springfield-jm) – The 3-0-9 telephone region is getting an additional area come Friday. The current 3-0-9 area code covers several counties including Henry, McLean, Rock Island, Peoria, Tazewell, Whiteside and Stark. A new 8-6-1 overlay will also be put into use, but probably not for several months, says George Light with the Illinois Commerce Commission…

George Light with the Illinois Commerce Commission. When an overlay is activated, Light says that usually means people in the area will need to dial 10 digits instead of 7. But since the 9-8-8 suicide hotline was launched last year, everyone is already dialing the full phone number.

(Springfield-jm) – Last week in his annual State of the State/Budget Address, Gov. J.B. Pritzker revealed his 2024 budget proposal — laying out a vision for a second term in office that includes ambitious funding plans for early childhood education and higher education. However, State Representative Dan Calkins pointed to figures that show State General Fund Spending for education in 2019 was at $8.4 billion, and $9.3 billion in 2022.  At the same time, students reading at grade level dropped from 37% in 2019 to 30% in 2022.  It also showed students doing math at grade level in 2019 at 32%, and dropping to only 26% in 2022….

State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur.

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County’s municipal elections may be 40 days away, but people can vote as early as today as polls open at the Brookens Administrative Center. Brookens, located at 1776 East Washington Street in Urbana, will be operating a polling location in its Putman Meeting Room. Any eligible voter will be able to vote there regardless of their home precinct or what location is listed on their voter registration card.

(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois Police officer was credited with saving a person last week when that person fell unresponsive from an apparent overdose. U of I Police officials said the incident happened Friday night at the McDonald’s located near campus at 616 East Green Street. The officer administered Narcan to the individual, whose health stabilized following this intervention.

(Rantoul–jc)  If you have seen some lights on at night at the Rantoul Sports Complex, there is a good reason. It’s the start of a busy season on Rantoul’s west side. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says Parkland College’s baseball team played games in Rantoul this past Saturday…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith. Parkland College’s baseball team will also have games at the Rantoul Sports Complex early Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. 

(Urbana-jm) – The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois is in the process of bringing nuclear energy back to campus for the first time in 25 years. Through the Department of Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering, the university is applying for a license to construct and operate a new microreactor on campus for research purposes. A microreactor is a small reactor that utilizes a fission chain reaction to produce one to 20 megawatts of heat energy. It would be underground and near the Abbott Power Plant on the west side of the school near the railroad tracks in Champaign. The university previously operated one from 1960 to 1998.

(Hoopeston-jm) – A Hoopeston woman was arrested for retail theft. Patrice Booker was arrested by Hoopeston Police after being called in reference to a theft at the Dollar General. 

(Washington-jm) – Cattle producers now have a new tool that could help them make better and more informed marketing decisions. Gary Crawford reports…

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Sophia Roelfs  from the Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Rantoul FFA Member Sophia Roelfs

Victoria Colatta Fisher High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Fisher FFA member Victoria Colatta 

Lexi Putnam from the PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

PBL FFA Member Lexi Putnam

We were also able to talk with Jay Coker from Iroquois West’s FFA Chapter.

Iroquois West  FFA Member Jay Coker

Morgan Sinn from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Cissna Park FFA Member Morgan Sinn

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court on March 14 will hear the appeal of a lower court's ruling that the state's no-cash bail law is unconstitutional. The law was put on hold by the state's high court just before it was to take effect statewide January 1. A Kankakee County judge found the law unconstitutional after dozens of state's attorneys sued to block the measure.

(Springfield-jm) – The USDA’s annual vegetable report is out and Illinois is still tops when it comes to pumpkin production. Nearly 18 thousand acres were planted with pumpkins last year in Illinois, the most of any state. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 97 percent of pumpkins grown were used for processing. For other crops, Illinois farmers planted 65 hundred acres of sweet corn in 2022…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Schleusener says Illinois farmers planted 11,200 acres of snap beans last year, down 22 percent from the previous year.

(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois student is out more than $213,000 after U of I Police said they were scammed over the phone in late 2022 and early 2023. Officials said that on December 14, the student received a call from someone claiming the student was wanted on a Chinese arrest warrant related to international money laundering. The student was instructed to pay an undisclosed amount to resolve the supposed issue. Even after the student paid, U of I Police said, they received several more calls with a demand for money, each with the claim the payment would resolve the matter. By the time of the final call on January 8, the student had lost a total of $213,563.

(Paxton-jm) – The 19-year-old Danville woman who was shot in the head on Saturday has been released from the hospital according to the Paxton Police Department. The Paxton Police Department responded to the area of 600 block N. American St. was assisted by Officers from the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, Gibson City Police Department, and the Illinois State Police. During the investigation, a pistol was recovered at the scene.

(Rantoul–jc) –  Work on a new business complex on Rantoul’s west side continues. The construction crew is working to meet a May deadline for completion. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says recent winds caused some delays …

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

(Champaign-jm) – As part of Champaign-Urbana AgTech Week, Parkland College invites local community partners, ag industry professionals, K-12 educators, and high-school-aged students to join us for the Parkland College AgTech Showcase, Thursday, March 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Markel Brown received the sentence for illegally having a gun. In addition, Brown pleaded guilty to 2 other cases: possession of cocaine and failure to register as a sex offender. In exchange for his guilty pleas, aggravated fleeing and unlawful use of a weapon were dismissed.

(Springfield-jm) – This is Grain Bin Safety Week and the Illinois Department of Agriculture is issuing some reminders to farmers. According to researchers at Purdue University, there have been more than 900 cases of grain engulfment over the past 50 years, killing 62 percent of victims. That’s why its so important to be careful says the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Joe Small…

Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Joe Small. If you absolutely have to go inside the bin, Small recommends making sure everything is turned off and locked and that a harness is used. Ladders should be installed inside grain bins wherever possible for emergency exit.

(Springfield-jm) – A new bill in the capitol would legalize safe spaces to use drugs. The bill would allow the Department of Human Services to license what the bill calls “Overdose Prevention Sites.” People could go to these locations and use illegal drugs under direct supervision, with no fear of criminal prosecution. Opioid overdoses continue to be a leading cause of accidental deaths in the state for those between the ages of 18 and 49. In 2021, 3,013 people died from overdoses. The bill’s sponsor, Representative La Shawn Ford of Chicago, said supervised injection sites are a logical step to help curb those numbers.

(Springfield-jm) – Downstate Senate Republicans are calling for action on rising energy costs. Some families have seen their power bills double over the past year, leaving them with some tough choices. Senator Terry Bryant of Murphysboro says a relief package for Ameren customers that’s been passed but not funded would help. She says at least 200 million dollars is needed…

State Senator Terry Bryant of Murphysboro. Other solutions include cutting bureaucratic red tape so that new power plants can come online more quickly and adding more megawatts of clean, gas-generated power to the grid.

(Urbana-jm) – After weeks of surveys and discussions with members of the community, the City of Urbana has decided how to allocate almost $10 million in ARPA funding. The city council approved 25 organizations in the Urbana area to receive part of the funds.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man is facing 120 years in prison for sexually assaulting a child. Cristobal Cristobal-Mateo was found guilty of 2 counts of criminal sexual assault of a child under 13.

(Paxton–jc)  A blood drive is set for Paxton at the First Lutheran Church of Paxton on Saturday from 10am until 2pm. The event is sponsored by Impact Life of Champaign.  Local blood drive coordinator Kevin Hanson says donors will receive a free gift…

Local blood drive coordinator Kevin Hanson

(Urbana-jm) – OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana has a new person in charge. JT Barnhart takes over as President. Barnhart joins OSF after serving as President of a hospital system in Tennessee.

(Paxton–jc)  The former NAPA building in Paxton and the Humble Hog buildings have been sold. City officials tell WPXN news that a group has bought the NAPA building in downtown Paxton for use as a conference and concert center. The Humble Hog building was also sold on Tuesday. Plans for the building have not been released. 

(Champaign-jm) – In order to complete sidewalk construction at 66 Chester Street, Mayfield Construction will close one eastbound lane of University Avenue between Chestnut Street and First Street.  The closure will begin on Wednesday, February 22, and the lane will reopen on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, weather permitting. Eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in the area.

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Reagan King from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Cissna Park FFA Member Reagan King

Kalynn Maynard from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

PBL FFA Member Kalynn Maynard

Katherine Short with the St. Joe Ogden FFA talks about today’s activities.

St. Joe Ogden FFA member Katherine Short

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. We were able to talk with Garrett Tammen from Iroquois West High School’s FFA Chapter. 

Iroquois West  FFA Member Garrett Tammen

We were able to talk with Pascauline Pongo from Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter.

Rantoul FFA Member Pascauline Pongo

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois could enhance the penalties for impaired drivers who kill someone and injure others. Senator Steve McClure of Springfield has filed the same proposal several times over the past few years, but his plan has never gained traction. McClure hopes to see "Lindsey's Law" passed this spring. McClure wants to honor the life of Lindsey Sharp, a 26-year-old woman hit by a drunk driver in a Springfield Walmart parking lot in 2015. Sharp died from her injuries the day after she was hit. Her five-year-old son was left with a broken arm and her boyfriend was also treated for minor injuries. The driver in Lindsey's case, Antione Willis, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated DUI. However, McClure said Lindsey's boyfriend and son deserved justice too, and his bill would require an additional four to 20 years in prison for anyone breaking the law. While some think this is a common sense change, McClure said his bill hasn't gained support in the past because many Democratic lawmakers are opposed to penalty enhancements.

(Springfield-jm) – Republicans in the Illinois House are laying out their legislative priorities for the year. The House GOP is setting up working groups to focus on several areas. That includes protecting children in the state’s care and improving the business climate in Illinois. Representative Jackie Haas (ha-ss) of Bourbonnais another goal is supporting women and families, such as increasing access to behavioral healthcare…

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State Representative Jackie Haas of Bourbonnais. Another item on the Republican agenda is helping students get back up to speed after the pandemic.

(Champaign-jm) – From changes in owners to changes in locations, Champaign businesses are going through transitions and even closures in early 2023. Lodgic Everyday Workplace in Champaign is publicly for sale. The restaurant portion closed in December. Another big change is coming to Champaign’s Dick’s Sporting Goods location. Dick’s Sporting Goods and Field & Stream’s next door would be closing temporarily to allow for the space to be remodeled before reopening soon as a new concept store called House of Sport. They will reopen Dick’s Sporting Goods temporarily in the former Bed, Bath and Beyond store. Tuesday Morning in Champaign is also planning to close in the near future. That store is located on E. Marketview Drive near Barnes and Noble.

(Gibson–jc)  –  The Gibson Area Hospital Foundation is set to host an initial fashion event in Paxton next month. The fundraising group will host a “Dose of Fashion” on Friday March 10 in Paxton says event spokesperson Dan Boyce…

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Gibson Area Hospital Foundation Spokesperson Dan Boyce. 200 tickets will be sold for the event. To date around 100 tickets have been sold. Find the group on line or call the hospital for ticket information. Tickets are 25 dollars each. 

(Danville-jm) – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a Danville, Illinois man was sentenced to 85 years in prison for first degree murder in the death of a Vermilion County man. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Denzel Aldridge, 24, who was found guilty in October of first-degree murder in the death of 25-year-old Roosevelt Anderson. Vermilion County Circuit Court Judge Charles Hall sentenced Aldridge to 80 years in prison for first degree murder and five years in prison for the possession of a weapon by a felon.

(Springfield-jm) – Republican state Senator and former Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey says he’s seeing his worst nightmare come true in the form of Governor J.B Pritzker’s proposed $49.6 billion state budget. Bailey says the governor is pushing a bridge to higher taxes for everyone in the state and using COVID and federal money to advance his own agenda. Bailey continues there will come a day when these bills are due and the only way to pay will be to raise taxes on everyone or drastically cut services. At a time when many fear a recession could be just around the corner, Pritzker's $49.6 billion spending plan is an increase of nearly $3 billion over what he asked for as part of last year’s proposal. The plan includes adding billions in spending on new programs like universal pre-K and setting aside billions more for emergencies.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding eligible taxpayers to take advantage of the senior citizens tax deferral program. The program works like a loan, allowing qualified seniors to defer all or part of their property taxes, says Revenue Spokesperson Maura Kownacki (kuh-nacky)...

State Department of Revenue Spokesperson Maura Kownacki. Seniors have until March 1st to apply. They will need to get an application from their local county collector’s office.

(Undated-jm) – Parkland College and Danville Area Community College are reporting enrollment numbers are up. Parkland College reports full time student enrollment is up 7 percent, with 3013 full time students compared to 2,811 last year. Danville Area Community College reported a 21 percent increase in full time student enrollment.

(Paxton–jc)  –  Officials with the Paxton Park District have been working since last summer to continue to open and operate the local swimming pool this year. Paxton Park District Director Cody Evans says last year a large group of businesses stepped up and several projects have started already this year to prepare for a swim season in Paxton…

Paxton Park District Director Cody Evans

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving a credit card fraud that happened last month. Officials said that on January 26, three people used stolen debit and credit cards at various businesses in both Champaign and Urbana. During the course of this spending spree, they charged over $7,000 worth of electronics, clothing and gift cards. The suspects are described as: a Hispanic male with a medium build in his 30s or 40s, a White male with a heavy build in his 20s and a Hispanic male with a thin build in his 20s.

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Hope Watts from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

PBL FFA Member Hope Watts

We were also able to talk with Ben Slois from Iroquois West High School’s FFA Chapter. 

Iroquois West  FFA Member Ben Slois

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters.  Jacob Fox from Rantoul High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Rantoul FFA Member Jacob Fox

 Lacey Murray from Fisher High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what goes on today.

Fisher FFA member Lacey Murray

Riley Maul from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.

Cissna Park FFA Member Riley Maul

Hallie Harms with the St. Joe Ogden FFA talks about today’s activities.

St. Joe Ogden FFA member Hallie Harms

(Paxton-jm) – A Danville teen was injured in a weekend shooting in Paxton. Police say the unidentified 19 year old woman was taken to the hospital after being shot in the head in the area of Chestnut and American Streets Saturday night. A pistol was recovered at the scene. Paxton Police, Gibson City Police, Illinois State Police and the Ford County Sheriff’s office are investigating the incident. More information is found on line with the Ford County Chronicle.com

(Springfield-jm) – Sports betting was up 51% to $795 million in revenue in Illinois in 2022. According to the American Gaming Association’s “State of the Industry” presentation, the commercial gaming industry saw a record $60 billion in revenue last year. Legislation has been filed during the spring legislative session that would make online casino gambling legal in Illinois.

(Springfield-jm) – A federal judge denied the state’s motion to delay a response to a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on certain guns and parts. The state requested that delay in the case brought by the Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois and others. Federal Judge Stephen McGlynn denied that request and ordered the state to respond by March 2.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is hitting the road to tout his proposed “Smart Start” early childhood development program. The first stop was at Springfield’s Early Learning Center where the Governor said that in the first year of the initiative, five thousand new preschool spots will be added across the state. There’s also a plan to provide child care workers with better pay…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Smart Start adds funding for early intervention and home visiting efforts and dedicates capital dollars to expand or build new early childhood facilities.

(Buckley-jm) – The Iroquois County village of Buckley is receiving a $5 million grant from the state for wastewater infrastructure. Buckley will be constructing a new sanitary sewer system that will include sanitary sewer, two pump stations, and sanitary sewer force main. All septic tanks will be abandoned as part of this project. In all the state awarded over $21 million to 6 communities in the state.

(Urbana-jm) – A Champaign County Sheriff’s deputy is on administrative leave after prosecutors accused him of domestic battery against his wife. Edward Moody was booked into the Champaign County Jail and has since been released. State’s Attorney Julia Reitz said he was having a disagreement with his wife over a cell phone. During that altercation, Reitz said, Moody pushed his wife and closed the center console of their car on her hand.

(Washington-jm) – What are some of the trends associated with the 2023 edition of USDA's annual report on the number of farms and land in farms in our country? Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – The Environmental Protection Agency is looking to expand biofuel volumes. This means an increase in production for producers in Illinois. The Illinois Renewable Fuels Association supports the proposal to increase the amount of required biofuels that are added to U.S. transportation fuels in the next three years.

(Springfield-jm) – Both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly return to Springfield Tuesday. Lawmakers are in session most weeks through the scheduled adjournment mid-May. They're tasked with negotiating a state budget before then with a start date for the spending plan being July 1, 2023. This is the 103rd General Assembly.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is signing a new law to make it easier for Illinoisans to change the gender on their birth certificate. Under the law, those not identifying with the gender on their birth certificate can get it updated without a doctor’s note, says Senator Laura Fine of Glenview…

State Senator Laura Fine of Glenview. Previously, someone wanting to make this change would have to get certification from a doctor that they’ve had gender reassignment surgery or other clinical treatment.

(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul Police Department has released body camera footage and recordings of radio traffic, from an officer-involved shooting incident on February 6. According to police, Azaan Lee, 21, of Champaign, was fatally shot by one bullet from his own gun during a struggle between him and officers for that weapon, according to investigative findings by the Champaign County Multi-Jurisdictional Investigative Team, led by the Illinois State Police. Authorities report Rantoul Officer Jose Aceves fired three shots from his duty weapon after hearing Lee’s gun fire, but none of those shots struck Lee. Rantoul Officer Rikki McComas was also involved in the incident. Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz made a preliminary ruling on Tuesday, that the officers’ use of force was justified based on the MJIT’s independent investigation.

(Vermilion County-jm) – Vermilion County voters will have a familiar question on the April 4th ballot. They’ll be asked to approve a 1% sales tax increase that would benefit county schools. Voters rejected the referendum in 2018 and 2020. But the majority of rejections came from the city of Danville where 43% of county students live. Hiring school resource officers and mental health professionals is also a priority.

(Washington-jm) – USDA recently announced a rule proposal to modify its Women, Infants, and Children program to allow for online ordering of products. Rod Bain reports…

Over 670,000 FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country next week. Dylan Zwilling from Fisher High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what that have going on today

Fisher FFA member Dylan Zwilling

Morgan Sinn from Cissna Park High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what activities they have scheduled this week.

Cissna Park FFA Member Morgan Sinn

With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Hope Watts from PBL High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on this week.

PBL FFA Member Hope Watts

Aubrey Wagner  from Iroquois West High School’s FFA Chapter talks about the importance of FFA.

Iroquois West FFA Member Aubrey Wagner

Talon Miller with the St. Joe Ogden FFA talks about today’s activities.

St. Joe Ogden FFA member Talon Miller

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is one of the top sports betting states in the country, and a gambling insider says online casino gambling would be even bigger. A bill has been introduced at the statehouse that would legalize internet gaming. State Sen. Cristina Castro filed Senate Bill 1656, which proposes the initial cost of an internet gaming license would be $250,000 with applications limited to Illinois casinos and racetracks. Licensed operators would be taxed at 15% of adjusted gross gaming revenue that would be directed to the State Gaming Fund.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker gave his state of the state and budget address Wednesday. The Governor wants to provide more resources on mental health for families…

The Governor is also wanting to invest in ending homelessness in the state…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Republican lawmakers are critical of new spending in the Governor’s proposed state budget. The GOP says they hope to work with Democrats on issues like education but say the three billion dollars in new spending is not a good idea. Senator Dave Syverson of Cherry Valley…

State Senator Dave Syverson of Cherry Valley. Republican legislators say they want to tackle structural reform issues like property taxes and pension debt as well as the needs of the developmentally disabled.

(Springfield-jm) – The Secretary of State will close their offices and facilities for President’s Day. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced all of his offices will be closed either Saturday or Monday, depending if the facility is on a Monday through Friday or a Tuesday through Sunday schedule.

(Ludlow-jm) – Two semi’s collided on I-57 near Ludlow Thursday afternoon. The incident happened around 3:30. Both semi’s ended up in the median. No injuries were reported.

(Champaign-jm) – The City of Champaign is pleased to share details about the effectiveness of Automated License Plate Reader technology in addressing felony crimes in our community. Even as the technology was being installed, they proved to be highly effective investigative tools and aided Champaign Police in 54 investigations. This includes felony arrests in three homicides, the arrest of two suspected arsonists, and the recovery of 17 stolen vehicles. Thirteen of these crimes also involved illegally possessed firearms. Champaign Police also successfully used the technology to locate and ensure the safety of an endangered missing person.

(Washington-jm) – Applications are being accepted for participation in a late Spring USDA-led agricultural trade mission to Japan. Rod Bain reports…

(Buckley–jc)  –  The annual chicken dinner carnival and auction is set for St John’s Lutheran School in Buckley on Sunday. The event opens at 3-30 with the chicken dinner from 4pm to 7pm Event Spokesperson Kari Stachura says they plan for a big crowd…

St John’s Lutheran School Spokesperson Kari Stachura. This is the main fundraiser for the Christian based school in Buckley. The event also includes a silent and live auction and a carnival for kids.

(Springfield-jm) – Food pantries are bracing to feed more hungry people in Illinois.  

In March, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program card holders in Illinois will see reductions of $55 to $250 per person. Two million people in one million Illinois households currently receive SNAP benefits.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker gave his state of the state and budget address Wednesday. One of the topics Governor Pritzker wants to address reproductive services in the state…

Governor Pritzker is also calling for additional funding for the Illinois Department of Public Health to track emerging diseases…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Republican lawmakers are critical of new spending in the Governor’s proposed state budget. There’s about three billion dollars in new spending in the plan, which doesn’t sit well with the GOP. They say it’s not wise as the nation faces a potential recession. Representative Joe Sosnowski of Rockford adds that the Governor’s budget doesn’t tackle some major problems…

State Representative Joe Sosnowski of Rockford. Republicans want to see action on property taxes, pension debt, supporting the developmentally disabled and creating a better business climate

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man was arrested Thursday in relation to the shooting of Taveon Davis last November. 45 year old Daric Davis, no relation to Taveon, was located by United States Marshals and arrested in Champaign. On November 9, police were called to the 1300 block of S. Philo Road just after 7 p.m. They found 24-year-old Taveon Davis with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

(Paxton-jm) – A leaning wind turbine near Paxton came crashing down Thursday evening. The turbine was discovered leaning Wednesday afternoon. The company is trying to determine what caused the turbine to lean and eventually collapse.

(Champaign-jm) – The Parkland College Police Department has installed automated license plate readers at the campus to solve and reduce crime on campus and in the surrounding community. Parkland's Board of Trustees recently approved the purchase and installation of the ALPR cameras, manufactured by Flock Safety. The cameras send a real-time alert to Parkland police when they detect a stolen vehicle or one associated with a wanted subject from state or national crime databases. They also alert police to any vehicle associated with an AMBER or Silver missing persons alert.

(Washington-jm) – This past January offer examples how multiplying market access opportunities for our nation’s food and ag goods is several times a one market-one commodity approach. Rod Bain reports…

(Paxton–jc)  The  WPXN program Scott’s Tips for Success with Scott Allen from Paxton Hardware and Rental will discuss primers and painting on Saturday morning at 7-30am. Allen says paint and primer on new metal doors is one option…

Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen.

Scotts Tips for Success is a 5 minute program on a wide variety of subjects that airs at 7-30am on Saturday mornings on WPXN. 

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The Buckley Sportsmen’s Club Fish Fry will be held tonight from 4:30-7 pm at the Buckley American Legion

St. John’s Lutheran School annual Chicken Dinner, Carnival and Auction on Sunday.

The Parkland College Theatre will perform Blithe Spirit February through Sunday.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker gave his state of the state and budget address Wednesday. One of the Governor’s proposals is “Smart Start Illinois”...

The Governor says the program will help in areas where preschools are not available nearby…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Local reaction is coming in on the Governor’s address yesterday. One of those reacting, newly appointed 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington. Representative Chris Miller of Oakland also reacted to the Governor's address calling it more smoke and mirrors…

State Representative Chris Miller.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man faces up to 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to attempted murder. Aaron Young was accused of being responsible for a drive-by shooting in March of 2022. Young agreed to a plea deal, pleading guilty to a single charge of attempted murder. Charges of aggravated discharge of a firearm were dropped in exchange. Young admitted to shooting a 31-year-old Champaign man on Interstate 74 on the morning of March 26, 2022.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will receive $1.25 million in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funding comes through the Department’s National Institutes of Health and will support research related to addiction and drug misuse.

(Washington-jm) – Farmers, there's still time to respond to the Census of Agriculture. Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana-jm) – The 170th Champaign County Fair in Urbana, Illinois, is happening July 21 – 29, 2023! This year’s headlining grandstand event is a group that, in 2022, brought home the ACM award for Vocal Group of the Year and a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Brothers Osborne will be at the Champaign County Fair on Friday, July 28, 2023! Opening for Brothers Osborne is a country music artist, Matt Stell, known for massive hits like “Prayed for You” and “Everywhere But On.” Tickets go on sale Friday.

(Paxton-jm) – A wind turbine near Paxton is at risk of falling. A picture on social media and other media outlets show the turbine on Paxton’s east side leaning. Crews are trying to determine what caused the tower to lean.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker gave his state of the state and budget address Wednesday. The Governor is calling for increased funding of k through 12 education…

Governor Pritzker is also calling for increased MAP grant funding to make college more affordable…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Local reaction is coming in on the Governor’s address including 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City..

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian also provided his response…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Ridge Farm-jm) – A Ridge Farm man was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections for first-degree murder on Wednesday. Don Smith, 76, was sentenced to 45 years in the IDOC. Smith must serve 100% of the sentence, and his incarceration shall be followed by three years of Mandatory Supervised Release. During the sentencing hearing, Smith informed the Court that he murdered his wife because he believed she was stealing money from him to go on a trip with another individual.

(Normal-jm) – After less than two years on the job, the president of Illinois State University has resigned. Terry Goss Kinzy’s resignation was effective Tuesday and caught the campus by surprise. Kinzy will be paid an additional 20 weeks of salary and her unused vacation time, plus will be able to live in the university residence for up to four months. Kinzy took over in May 2021 from a retiring Larry Dietz, becoming ISU’s first female president. No reason was given for her departure.

(Washington-jm) – There's a bit of good news coming out of China, according to the U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator. Gary Crawford reports…

(Iroquois County-jm) – Zoning issues are becoming more of a challenge for county officials. Last month, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a new law prohibiting county officials from banning or creating a moratorium on new wind or solar farms. Several local officials, including Iroquois County officials, point out zoning decisions are going away and giving the authority to people who have no ties to the local county. Several other lawmakers have also commented that public hearings just don’t matter and that’s not right. Provisions need to be adjusted locally so that compliance is met. County ordinance must be changed within 120 days to meet state compliance.

(Springfield-jm) – Unemployment fraud is costing Illinois taxpayers an estimated $28 billion. CBS Chicago reports testimony from the Inspector General in Washington DC indicates of the $888 billion paid out during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 21% went to scammers. Illinois has never released an amount of money that went to fraudsters. The Office of Inspector General called out Illinois and other states that have yet to provide that information.  

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker will give his annual budget address today. The address is a chance for the Governor to lay out his priorities and spending plan. At his inauguration address last month, he outlined some of his goals…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker also called for making college tuition free for every working class family. There are a lot of factors at play this year. The state is enjoying higher than expected tax revenues but concerns about a recession remain. The budget address begins at noon. You can hear it live online at: illinois dot gov slash live video.

(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois custodian is recovering after he was assaulted while doing his job. University of Illinois Police officials said the custodian reported to them that he was working inside Gregory Hall early Monday morning when he was hit in the head from behind. The custodian was taken to the hospital, but was released and is recovering at home. UIPD officials added that the offender left Gregory Hall after the incident. Officers searched the surrounding area but did not find anyone.

(Urbana-jm) – The man who was pretending to be a maintenance worker around the University of Illinois' campus town has been arrested. Police say Travis  Williams, 31, of Champaign, was arrested at an apartment building in the 300 block of East Green Street, Champaign, for burglary and trespassing. Police initially were called by building staff who saw a suspicious person. Police say Williams matched the description of the offender from previously reported incidents of a man entering unlocked apartments claiming to be a maintenance employee.

(Buckley–jc)  Students and staff of St John's Lutheran School in Buckley invite you to their annual Carnival, Chicken Dinner, Live and Silent Auction. The event is set for Sunday at the school in Buckley. The event opens at 3-30 Sunday afternoon with the chicken dinner from 4pm to 7pm. Event spokesperson Kari Stachura says the event is more than just raising money…

St John’s Lutheran School of Buckley event spokesperson Kari Stachura. Dinner tickets are 10 dollars each. 

(Champaign-jm) – Equity Clinic opened this weekend. The owner is an Ohio doctor and said he already saw the importance of adding it to Central Illinois. Equity clinic is open for appointments between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday – Tuesday. You can reach them at (224) 350-2991 for questions and scheduling.

(Danville-jm) – Just days after they failed to show up for their own home game, the Vermillion County Bobcats hockey franchise based in Danville has ceased operations. The team failed to show up for a game recently against the Quad City Storm. The Bobcats had a 9 and 70 record in two seasons of existence. Vermillion County tweeted that refunds for season ticket holders would be announced in the near future.

(Washington-jm) – What does USDA’s February outlook for U.S. meat production and price show regarding movement trends? Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Proposed measures at the Illinois statehouse could require electric vehicle charging stations in the garage of new homes, a change one builder says would increase costs. House Bill 2206 and Senate Bill 40 require a new single-family residence or a small multifamily residence to have at least one electric vehicle charging station for each residential unit with dedicated parking.

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana woman was arrested for the 96th time on Tuesday. Jacqueline Smith of Urbana, was arrested at 2:12 a.m. Tuesday near Sixth and Green streets, Champaign, for aggravated assault. Police initially were called by a woman who reported that she was walking on the sidewalk when, without provocation, Smith threatened her with a knife. The victim called 911 and walked away from Smith without further incident. Her arrests include prostitution and solicitation, trespassing, theft, aggravated assault, and battery, and resisting a police officer.

(Urbana-jm) – In the light of the shooting at Michigan State University on Monday, the University of Illinois Police Department is urging students to immediately report any unusual activity. From there, police will analyze the reports through their assessment team to understand how to address a threat. Police encourage students to speak up, even though a person or action may seem harmless, and UIPD will investigate it.

(Springfield-jc) – 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet says the state is in an energy crisis.  Rose held a news conference along with other state leaders over the noon hour yesterday to bring solutions…

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet. 

(Champaign-jm) – On February 13, 2023 Champaign Police Department closed Logan Street between Market Street and Water Street due to crumbling concrete from a patch on the railroad structure. The Public Works Department has notified Canadian National Railroad and requested an expedient inspection and determination of the status. Logan Street will remain closed until Canadian National Railroad has provided an "all clear".

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man is facing a plethora of charges. Michael Davis is charged with robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle and domestic battery. Police say Davis allegedly went to his ex’s home, knocked her down and took her phone and car.

(Washington-jm) – While dairy trade forecasts were mixed, production and prices for February mostly pointed in the same direction. Gary Crawford reports…