PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — A lawyer says the family of a Chinese scholar will ask a federal jury to recommend that the man convicted of abducting and killing her be put to death. The jury found former University of Illinois doctoral student Brendt Christensen guilty Monday in the kidnapping and slaying of the 26-year-old Yingying Zhang. Zhidong Wang represents Zhang's family. He told reporters shortly after the verdict that the family has already asked prosecutors to request the death penalty.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — "Jeopardy!" champion and professional sports gambler James Holzhauer made his World Series of Poker debut in Las Vegas, planning to donate half of his winnings to charity. Holzhauer won the first hand he played in a No-Limit Hold'em event. He planned to partner later in the day with Poker Hall of Famer Mike Sexton in another contest.
(Iroquois County--jc) Illinois State Police and Iroquois County Sheriff’s police continue to investigate the death of a Watseka man. The death of 38 year Daniel Gutierez happened over this past weekend. He lived in the 200 hundred block of 8th street.
(Paxton--jc) -- A L-G-B-T-Q march is planned for this Sunday in Paxton. The march is planned for an 11 a m start at Pells Park in the City. The event will also move to the downtown area of the city. More information is found by contacting Paxton resident Tyger McClure. The event coincides with the 50 anniversary of the Stonewall riots of New York City
(Springfield--jc) -- Over the past week, there were just 2 days suitable for fieldwork. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says some planting still needs to be done…
State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener.
67 percent of the soybean crop has emerged with 42 percent rated in good to excellent condition. 15 percent of winter wheat has been harvested
MUNSTER, Ind. (AP) — Indiana casinos will compete effectively against a slew of new casino sites in Illinois, the state's governor said. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb called gambling an "uber-competitive industry" after lawmakers in both states approved the legalization of sports betting this spring. Holcomb says the competition is on all the borders of Indiana, not just Illinois. A casino is planned locally in the Vermilion County city of Danville,
(Melvin--jc) -- Ford County has a new queen. She is Evie Ellis of Paxton. This year’s first runner up is Kaitlyn Harders of Melvin and the second runner up is Cheyenne Wise of Loda.
During our Summer Fun Tour Stop number 5 at the Ford County Fair today over the noon, one expected guest is Evie Ellis.
(Bloomington--jc) With a recent report showing that suicide rates among farmers are more than five times the national average, the Illinois Farm Bureau is taking steps to help farmers in need. It is common knowledge that agriculture is a high-stress occupation, that is dependent on the weather The 2019 crops year has proven to be a challenging one for farmers due to wet conditions throughout the Corn Belt. As a result, farmers had to get their crop in quickly, and working long hours to get it done. This is just the latest in a series of problems Illinois farmers face. The Illinois Farm Bureau is taking steps to ensure farmers have access to the help and information they need.
(Ford County--jc) -- A two vehicle accident occurred south of Elliott in Ford County late Monday afternoon. Authorities say those involved were taken to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.
(Undated--jc) -- Illinoisans are flocking to border states to buy fireworks that aren't widely available in Illinois ahead of Independence Day.Fireworks stores in neighboring states depend on Illinois residents crossing the border to buy pyrotechnics. While there are more than 120 state licensed fireworks stores in Illinois, buyers still must get a permit and have an inspection to legally display such fireworks.Justin Bartlett, managing partner with Crossroads Fireworks in Bettendorf, Iowa, said the business gets customers from Illinois.
(Springfield--jc) --Beginning in 6 days, drivers in Illinois caught by police using their cell phone behind the wheel will be charged with a moving violation.That means a guilty infraction will go toward the state’s three-strikes rule that suspends a driver’s license after three moving infractions a year.
(Melvin--jc) Tickets for the Montgomery Gentry Show on Friday night at the Ford County Fair are available. Ford County Fair President Kirk Miller says there are several ways to get your tickets to this national act coming to Melvin…
Ford County Fair President Kirk Miller
WPXN will continue its live broadcasts from the Ford County Fair over the noon hour today. One planned guest is Evie Ellis, the newly crowned Miss Ford County Fair Queen 2019.
