(Paxton–jc) The investigation into a social media post concerning students at a Paxton Buckley Loda school is set to wrap up sometime today or tomorrow. Local police will be providing information about the incident, once the investigation is complete. WPXN news will update this story as more information becomes available.
(Springfield-jm) – As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, it's causing a lot of uncertainty in the global oil market. The Illinois Fuel & Retail Association says that the uncertainty and risk mean that Illinoisans can expect to pay more at the gas pump. Right now, the average gas price in Illinois is $3.87, according to AAA. Last month, it was $3.54.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is asking the state’s five pension systems about divesting from any Russian companies. Across the state employee, university and teacher pension systems, Illinois holds nearly 100 billion dollars in assets. The Governor wants to make sure none are tied to Russia in light of the country’s attack on Ukraine. He’s awaiting a response…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says he isn’t sure if the pension systems have any Russian investments but if so, the state must take action if possible.
(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,841 new COVID cases and 40 additional deaths. The state’s seven day positivity rate remained at 2 percent. Vermilion County reported 14 new cases. Champaign County reported 17 new cases. Ford County did not have a report.
(Springfield-jm) – The State Police are ready to protect the public and the right to peaceful protest as several convoys are set to roll through Illinois. Some of the convoys are well organized and in touch with the state police, while others are more grass roots efforts, says Sergeant Joey Watson…
State Police Sergeant Joey Watson. State police urge the public to use travel apps that show up to the minute traffic updates to help avoid congestion around the convoys.
(Urbana-jm) – The Champaign County Fair Board is announcing the headlining act for the 2022 Champaign County Fair. Headlining the grandstand on Friday, July 12 is the Grammy-Nominated country music artist Cole Swindell. Swindell will be joined that night by Michael Ray, who performed at last year's Paxton Swine n Dine. Up-and-coming artist Ashley Cooke will be opening the show. Tickets will go on sale Friday, March 4 at 8 a.m.
(Champaign-jm) – Around 100 teachers and community members came out to a Unit 4 school board meeting to share their thoughts about the ongoing bargaining between the district and the Champaign Federation of Teachers. Teachers filled the meeting room with signs asking the district for more support and to be listened to. The main issue over the contract is with an extended elementary day. The district is pushing to extend the school day by 50 minutes, but teachers say there aren't enough resources to do it. The union could begin a strike as early as March 21.
(Springfield-jm) – There is about a month left in the Spring legislative session. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City discusses some of the bills he is sponsoring…
106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Champaign County–jc) – Traffic was backed up for over 3 miles along Interstate 57 Monday. An accident in the northbound lanes around mile marker 237 near Curtis Road was the reason. State Police continue to remind motorists to slow down around accident scenes.
(Champaign-jm) – The University of Illinois Police is asking the public to help pick a name for their new puppy. According to UIPD, their new therapy dog is a 6-month-old Samoyed. He is described as very “fluffy and lovable.” Police said they asked the Illinois Student Government to submit choices for names. The top-four names are Kirby, Allen, Morey and Shelden.
(Washington-jm) – What are the prospects for U.S. ag exports to China? Stephanie Ho reports…
(Springfield-jm) – A new measure was passed to the House by the Senate for the elimination of using the word "alien" when referring to immigrants in law-based settings. State Senator Mike Simmons of Chicago is fighting to remove this barrier to full inclusion for immigrant communities in Illinois. Senate Bill 3865 would remove the use of the term "alien" in any Illinois law when referring to immigrant communities and referring to commerce outside of Illinois and the country.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Public Health Director Dr Ngozi Ezike is leaving her position later this month. Dr Ezike became a recognizable name as she helped guide the state through the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor J-B Pritzker has high praise for his director after her three years of service to the state…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Ezike says her immediate plans are to take a breather and reconnect with herself as well as her husband and four kids. Governor Pritzker issued a proclamation designating March 1st as Dr Ezike Day in Illinois.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Fair is announcing part of the Grandstand concert lineup. Some of the acts scheduled for the State Fair in Springfield include Sam Hunt, Brooks and Dunn, TLC and Shaggy, Jon Pardi, Disturbed and Sammy Hagar and the Circle. Fair Manager Rebecca Clark says they are off to a good start in creating a diverse lineup…
State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. Tickets for these concerts go on sale Friday, March 11th at ticketmaster dot com. The Illinois State Fair runs August 11th through the 21st.
(Champaign-jm) – A 22-year-old student of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accused of biting a bar employee’s arm during an altercation. According to police, an officer on patrol saw several people fighting outside a bar on East Green Street early Tuesday morning. Police said they arrested Teryn Chambers after this incident happened.
(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest in a retail theft. The theft happened on February 16 at the Illini Union Bookstore. The suspect was photographed on store cameras. Anyone who has information is asked to call 217-333-1216.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers are working on a way to address teacher shortages in the state. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington says some of these ideas could help other industries facing shortages as well…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.
(Champaign-tr) – On Friday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m., University of Illinois assistant professor of materials science and engineering Dr. Nicola Perry will present "Ceramics That Breathe: New Materials Development for Sustainable Energy." Kaler Lecture tickets are $2 or free for Friends of the Staerkel Planetarium.
(Danville-jm) – The Illinois Gaming Board has reached out to Danville Development, LCC for the prospect of a casino in Danville. The Board invited Danville Development, LCC to a public meeting on March 10, 2022, to discuss a preliminary finding of suitability. Danville Development, LCC will present virtual outlines of the company's suitability and address the necessary requirements for the Golden Nugget Danville Casino.
(Washington-jm) – A top USDA trade official says reaching the projected record agricultural export value of 183,5 billion dollars will be a tremendous milestone, but he's looking to an even higher milestone. Gary Crawford reports..
