(Gibson City-jm) – Three people were hurt after two vehicles collided on Illinois Route 47 near Gibson City on Wednesday. The crash happened a quarter-mile south of the town. State Troopers said their preliminary investigation indicated that a van was traveling north on Route 47 when it was rear ended by a semi truck. Three people who were hurt are said to have only received minor injuries and are recovering at area hospitals.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police is discussing current red flag laws. ISP Director Brendan Kelly says they have carefully analyzed how they handled the review of a clear and present danger report and issuance of a FOID card to the Highland Park shooting suspect.  During a media briefing Wednesday, he was asked if any changes to the process are needed…

 

 

State Police Director Brendan Kelly. Kelly stresses that Illinois red flag laws rely heavily on family members and others reporting their concerns about an individual and then cooperating with law enforcement.

 

(Danville-jm) –  32 hot air balloons will take over the Vermilion Regional Airport in Danville this weekend. Pilots from 14 different states will be with the balloons.  This is part of the sixth annual Balloons Over Vermilion event.  This year, a B-25 bomber from Ohio is going to be on site for people to ride. 

 

(Rantoul-tr) – Freedom Fridays are back this Friday in Rantoul. Rantoul Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Vickery lays out the details for the remaining Freedom Fridays…

 

 

Rantoul Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Vickery

 

(St. Joseph-jm) –  Several animals died in a fire at a home in the 100 block of West Douglas Street in St. Joseph on Wednesday. They received a call about the fire on the back porch at 9:20 a.m. Two chinchillas and some fish died in the fire. Fire officials believe the fire might've been caused by candles left unattended. Crews from several different fire departments responded to the fire, including St. Joseph, Eastern Prairie, Gifford, Philo, Edge Scott, and Ogden Royal.

 

(Bloomington-tr) – The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association will host a 50th Anniversary Reunion on Saturday, July 9th at the McLean County Fairgrounds in Bloomington. There will be a huge number of displays, featuring their museum memorabilia alongside borrowed items from around the state. The Informal social will be decorated much like a school gymnasium with concession type food – Award winning pork chop sandwiches, popcorn, soda, and other food. A cash bar will also be available. A celebratory cake will be cut for all to enjoy as well. You may secure your tickets in advance by going to www.ibcaIllinois.org . Walk - ups are also welcome. 

(Champaign-jm) – Traffic on southbound I-57 near Champaign had to be diverted after an accident with injuries yesterday. State Police say the accident happened at mile marker 238 and traffic was rerouted off at the Olympian Drive exit. There’s no word on what caused the accident.

 

(Springfield-jm) – It’s been a warm and dry start to summer in Illinois. Last month was the 30th warmest June on record, with temperatures one to two degrees above normal overall says State Climatologist Trent Ford…

 

 

State Climatologist Trent Ford. Rainfall was more than an inch below normal in June. Ford says the outlook for the next couple of weeks calls for below normal temps.

 

(Washington-jm) – Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger is getting death threats. In a series of tweets, the Illinois Republican released clips of voicemails and phone calls his office has received recently. Capitol police say they won't discuss potential security measures or potential threat investigations. Representative Kinzinger is one of two Republicans on the House Select Committee investigating the January 6, 2021 capitol insurrection. The other GOP member, Representative Liz Cheney, has also received threats in the past.

 

(Penfield-tr) – The I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club Historic Farms Days gets underway today in Penfield. I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club President Chuck Stelter details a few activities that will kick off their event… 

 

 

 I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club President Chuck Stelter.

Becky Puetz will be broadcasting from the Historic Farm Days over the noon hour today as part of our Summer Fun Tour 2022

 

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois Police officers recovered a stolen, loaded gun and arrested its owner during a traffic stop. Terrain T. Minnieweather of Champaign, was arrested near California and Busey avenues, in Urbana, for possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and illegal possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle. Minnieweather was a passenger of a vehicle that initially was stopped for speeding, police said. Officers searched the vehicle after they said they smelled an odor of cannabis and found a loaded handgun in the glove compartment along with several boxes of ammunition. Police said a records check revealed the gun had been reported stolen out of Chicago.

 

(Undated-jm) – Area communities are receiving several thousand dollars in federal COVID money and are putting it to use improving their communities. We look at communities in Champaign County… Gifford is receiving $142,616 to upgrade their sewer plant. Ludlow is receiving $48,446 that they will add to $340,000 they received from the county to do phase two of their water main project. St. Joseph is receiving $525,286 for the first phase of the stormwater project on Douglas Street.