(Springfield-jm) -- Fiery statements were made by Governor JB Pritzker during his testimony to a Congressional hearing on COVID-19 on Wednesday. The Governor urged federal lawmakers to adopt a nationwide face-covering requirement as cases continue to climb exponentially in some states. Pritzker also urged Congress to continue federal funding for the National Guard’s COVID response and a federal bailout for state and local governments to cover lost revenue due to the pandemic.The Governor also criticized the Trump Administration for not implementing the Defense Production Act earlier in the pandemic. 

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- You now have a little more time to renew your driver’s license, ID card and license plate sticker. Expiration dates had already been extended to October 1st due to Secretary of State offices being closed during the pandemic. That’s been extended again to November 1st says Spokesperson Henry Haupt…

 

 

Illinois Secretary of State Spokesperson Henry Haupt. Haupt reminds that there are several things you can do online such as renewing your vehicle registration at: cyber drive illinois dot com.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 980 new cases of COVID-19 and 36 additional deaths Wednesday. That brings the state’s total number of cases to 149,432 and total deaths to 7,099. McLean County reported 8 new cases bringing their total to 290. Vermilion County reported 4 new cases bringing their total to 82. Kankakee County reported 16 new cases bringing their total to 1,406. Iroquois County reported 1 new case bringing their total to 170. Champaign County reported 5 new cases bringing their total to 980.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- According to numbers from the Illinois Department of Public Health, 210 cases have been in Rantoul, 63 in Mahomet, 53 in Clifton, 20 in Watseka, 18 in Chebanse, 17 in Fisher, 16 in Onarga, 15 in St. Joseph, 13 in Paxton, 11 each in Gibson City and Ashkum, 10 in Hoopeston, 8 in Gilman, 7 each in Crescent City and Danforth, 6 each in Ludlow, Beaverville, Donovan and Milford, 3 in Thomasboro, 2 in Foosland and 1 each in Dewey, Gifford and Penfield.

 

(Urbana-jm) -- A Thomasboro man has been arrested on sexual assault and domestic battery charges. 34 year old Mark Frandle was arrested by U-S Marshals on four counts of criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated domestic battery. Police say Frandle allegedly sexually assaulted a woman twice in June and allegedly choked her in March. Bond was set at $250,000.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- There is diverging progress in the corn and soy crops. Stephanie Ho and USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey have the details…

 

 

 

(Rantoul-cf)-- Rantoul Police were notified of three vicious American Bulldogs in the 1400 Block of Mather Drive at 8:45am Wednesday. The dogs rushed the residence as the caller attempted to leave for work. Animal Control arrived at the scene assisted by a Rantoul Officer. Animal Control arrived and exited his vehicle with four American Bulldogs at the scene. The Rantoul Police Officer arrived on scene and tried to distract the dogs using his siren. The dogs did not change behavior and continued to swarm the animal control officer, who attempted to retreat around the side of his van. The dogs attacked the animal control officer pinning him against his van, and biting his arm and legs. The Rantoul Police Officer discharged 5 shots and struck all four of the dogs. Two of the dogs died at the scene, and two were transported to the University of Illinois Emergency Vet-Med Clinic. The Animal Control Officer was bitten several times in the arms and legs and was transported to Carle Foundation Hospital for Treatment. 

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- A planned peaceful protest was held last night in downtown Paxton. The protest, organized by PBL grad Matt Harper, took place outside city hall from 6-8 pm calling for the end of white silence.

 

(Chicago-jm) -- The Illinois Attorney General's Office has filed a motion to dismiss Count I in a lawsuit brought by Representative Darren Bailey against Governor Pritzker. A Clay County judge ruled last week the Governor’s executive orders ended April 8th. In the motion filed this week, the Attorney General says the Clay County judge's ruling on July 2 was a non-final and non-appealable ruling because one of the counts wasn't resolved, Count I. Count I focuses on whether Pritzker's April 30 proclamation and June 26 proclamation meet the definition of a disaster as defined by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. A court hearing for the Attorney General 's motion to dismiss is set to begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 17.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning about the dangers of extreme heat. The best way to protect yourself is to really stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if you’re working outside says Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike. She says signs of trouble can appear quickly…

 

 

Illinois Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache and cool and clammy skin. It should be treated by moving the person to a cool spot and giving them fluids. Heat stroke is the most serious and includes a high fever. In that case, seek medical attention immediately and do not give fluids.

 

 

(Hoopeston-jm) -- A Milford woman has been charged with forgery in Hoopeston. Hoopeston Police say they were called to a business after Antoniette Spine allegedly tried to pass a fake $100 bill. 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 980 new cases of COVID-19 and 36 additional deaths Wednesday. That brings the state’s total number of cases to 149,432 and total deaths to 7,099. As for recovered and active cases...in McLean County 248 have recovered with 26 in isolation and 2 hospitalized. In Vermilion County 50 have been released from isolation, 28 are in isolation with 2 hospitalized. In Kankakee County 1,034 have recovered, 309 cases are active with 10 hospitalized. In Livingston County 46 have been released from isolation with 7 active cases. In Ford County, 31 have been released from isolation, 8 remain in isolation with 1 hospitalized. In Iroquois County, 149 have recovered with 16 in isolation. In Champaign County, 832 have recovered, 131 cases are active with 7 hospitalized.

 

 

(Champaign County-jm) -- Champaign County reported an additional death Wednesday bringing their total number to 17. That’s five deaths in the past week. According to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department, they are two males in their 70s, a female in her 70s, a male in his 80s and a male in his 90s and all had underlying health conditions.

 

 

(Fisher-cf)-- This year’s Fisher Parade will start at the Fisher Fair Grounds, and the entry fee is $5. The entry fee will all go to the Fisher Food Bank says Fisher Fair Secretary Jill Hardesty…

 

 

If you would like to donate food items at the parade, you can do so at the south gate. All participants will line up by 6:30 on Friday afternoon, and follow the parade route, says Haresty…

 

 

 

Fisher Fair Secretary Jill Hardesty

WPXN will be broadcasting in Fisher on Friday afternoon starting at 4-30 with our very own Becky Puetz

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- Summer projects are moving forward at Rantoul Township High School. The foods room is getting a complete makeover, the district is expected to replace a west wing chiller later this month or early next month and will be replacing three interior doors.

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- Senate Ag Committee Chairman Scott Bennett of Champaign is promoting new grants to support dairy farmers. The grants are through the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance and total $220,000. The deadline to apply is August 14th. Those selected will be notified on September 4th.