(Springfield-jm) – A veteran Illinois lawmaker is in opposition to recently introduced legislation that would make it a crime for government officials to knowingly fly an upside down flag on government property. State Representative Harry Benton has introduced legislation that would prohibit politically motivated efforts that disrespect the flag. Benton is responding to a local incident in which a Will County official flew the American flag upside down after Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts. Steve Balich, supervisor of Homer Township in Will County, reportedly ordered the national flag outside the Homer Township offices to be flown upside down after the conviction of former President Donald Trump. Benton’s House Bill 5860 would make it a crime for a government official to knowingly cause the national flag to be displayed upside down on government property. Benton also filed House Bill 5861, which goes beyond making it a crime to fly an upside down flag but also makes it punishable by a fine of up to $25,000. Benton said in a news release that both of his bills, House Bill 5860 and House Bill 5861, clarify that the flag may only be flown upside down in situations where there is dire distress or extreme danger to life or property, the purpose for which such display is prescribed in the U.S. Flag Code.

(Springfield-jm) – The 2024 Kids Count Data Book was released this week. Terri Dee reports…

(Springfield-jm) – On Wednesday Don Tracy, the Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, announced his resignation. In a resignation letter Tracy said that while he enjoyed the three and a half years he spent in the role, he would have preferred to have spent less time on "intra party power struggles." Tracy plans on resigning upon the election of his successor.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is reporting a data breach. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says several thousand people could possibly be affected…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Undated-jm) – With dangerously high levels of heat forecast across the state of Illinois this week, including heat index forecasts approaching 100 degrees, the Illinois Department of Public Health is warning Illinoisans to take preventive actions to avoid heat-related illnesses. The department is urging Illinoisans to take precautions and protect themselves, their families and their pets from overheating and heat-related illnesses. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s in Illinois for several more days.

(Rantoul–jc)  Rantoul Village leaders are taking a pro-active approach to providing power to the industrial business within the village. A transformer issue earlier this month was one reason leaders are looking to provide more  power to the infrastructure in Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the village has invested a large amount of money for more equipment…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Rankin–dm)- As part of Rankin’s Independence Day Celebration, the Rankin Lions Club will host the 25th annual truck and tractor pull at Centennial Park on Friday June 28th.  Tractor pull track announcer Tom Theesfield has information on the different classes that will be pulling.

That’s tractor pull track announcer Tom Theesfield.  If you would like more information about the tractor pull, you can contact Shane Diskin at 217-304-1920.

(Springfield-jm) – Several U.S. oil and corn industry lobby groups are suing the Biden Administration over its plans to slash planet-warming tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks. The coalition argues the regulations will cause economic harm. Dave Loos, Illinois Corn Growers Association director of Biofuels, says higher octane fuels could be a solution. The EPA finalized new rules for models of semi-trucks, buses and other heavy-duty vehicles released from 2027 to 2032 in a bid to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Loos said another requirement that up to 56% of all car sales be electric between 2030 and 2032 is unrealistic. Loos said the final rule would result in over a billion bushels of corn lost by 2033. Illinois is the second leading state in corn production behind Iowa. The other states’ corn associations involved in the lawsuit include Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The EPA’s summary predicts the final rule will cost $870 billion in vehicle technology. The lawsuit argues the rule’s astronomical price tag requires congressional authorization.  Other groups involved in the lawsuit include the National Corn Growers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers.

(Springfield-jm) – As Congress prepares to start work on a new Farm Bill this week, hunters and anglers say billions of dollars in investments in private-lands conservation are at stake. Mark Richardson reports…

(Champaign County-jm) – A rural intersection in Champaign County will be undergoing construction today that will lead to the closure of at least one of the streets. The Champaign County Highway Department said culvert replacement will be taking place at County Roads 900N and 1350E until 6 p.m. During this time, CR 1350E will be closed completely while CR 900N — the Philo Slab — may be reduced to one lane of traffic.

(Paxton–jc)  Pells Park in Paxton will be full of activities on July 4th with the annual Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration event. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper talks about giveaways, food and entertainment …

Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper

(Urbana-jm) – After a contentious two-night debate, Urbana City Council has decided to add no new patrol officers to its police force. A new Deputy Chief and training Sergeant will be the only positions added. The decision came after Chief Larry Boone called for more staff and resources in next year's budget. Chief Boone said his officers are burnt out and working too much overtime.

(Rantoul–jc)  The village of Rantoul is growing and that means more power will be needed for new businesses, homes and factories over the next 10 years. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says village leaders continue to look at the power and water needs for those in Rantoul…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Washington-jm) – What does USDA’s latest look at beef production and steer prices reveal regarding 2024 and 2025 forecasts? Rod Bain reports…

WPXN News Note…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold their foodmobile today from 9-930 am at Edge Insurance Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park Onarga, 11-11:30 Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at Runnings in Watseka and from 1:30-2 at Milford Town and Country.