(Springfield-jm) – A ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court about a federal bribery statute is expected to impact the high profile trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan as a defense attorney for the ComEd Four found guilty last year expects a retrial. Madigan was charged with 22 counts of corruption in 2022 in a case federal authorities called “Madigan Enterprise.” They alleged over nearly a decade, Madigan used his position as House Speaker to steer contracts and no-show jobs from Commonwealth Edison to his associates in exchange for legislation favorable to the utility company. Madigan was to go on trial in April but with the U.S. Supreme Court taking up a bribery conviction challenge out of Indiana, the judge postponed the trial until October. Wednesday, the Supreme Court issued their ruling in the case Snyder v. U.S. "Although a gratuity or reward offered and accepted by a state or local official after the official act may be unethical or illegal under other federal, state, or local laws, the gratuity does not violate §666 [the federal bribery statute]," Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the majority opinion. The ruling isn’t expected to affect 15 of the 22 counts against Madigan. Madigan faces an additional charge in a case involving a former AT&T official.

(Melvin–dm)-It’s Thursday and Ford County Fair President Steve Meenen tells us about today’s activities at the Ford County fair.

Ford County Fair President Steve  Meenen.  If you are an active military or veteran

You have free gate admission today. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is also set to make an appearance at the Ford County Fair this afternoon. 

(Washington-jm) – Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger endorsed President Joe Biden on Wednesday. Kinzinger, a military pilot who became a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump after the 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, described Trump in a video as a “direct threat to every fundamental American value.” Shortly after Kinzinger announced his decision, Biden shared the video on social media and said he was grateful for the Republicans' support.

(Rantoul–jc)  Plans for a new hotel and a new restaurant continue on the west side of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the timeline for a new hotel could be 9 to 10 months away from completion…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Gifford-jm) – The Village of Gifford announced that their water tower will go offline throughout July. They said the water tower is in need of maintenance. Officials say that the shutdown will not disrupt water service. However, residents should expect lower water pressure. Officials also ask that locals be mindful of water usage. Operations will be paused from July 2 -31.

(Normal-jm) – Volkswagen announced plans to invest up to $5 billion in electric vehicle maker Rivian, beginning with an initial investment of $1 billion. The joint venture aims to create electrical architecture and software technology. Rivian officials said the capital is expected to carry the company through the production ramp-up of its smaller R2 SUVs at its plant in Normal. Shares of Rivian soared more than 50% during after hours trading. The stock has been under pressure due to the company’s cash burn and significant losses.

(Washington-jm) – Some areas of the country are suffering from record-breaking heat. An animal care expert has some advice for dog owners in those areas. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure expanding a slew of tax credits for things like electric vehicle manufacturers, quantum computing, filmmakers and more. House Bill 5005 impacts tax credit programs for the film industry and research and development projects across the state, as well as for the Economic Development for a Growing Economy and Reimagining Energy and Vehicles programs. Pritzker's office said the bill also builds on Illinois’ growing status as a tech hub and reduces red tape for the Blue Collar Job Act, another tax credit program. Opponents of the measure in the Illinois House said the bill is a tax carve out for large businesses at the expense of small businesses. The 2025 fiscal year budget starting July 1 increases taxes another $750 million. There's also an another annual increase in state motor fuel tax. An updated analysis by MoneyGeek, a personal finance site, evaluates how “tax friendly” each state is by calculating the tax burden on the average citizen. The state that scored worst overall was Illinois, where taxes represent about 13% of a median family’s income. Illinois was given an F grade for its tax burden.

(Springfield-jm) – Head Start programs around the state are getting a financial boost. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Sibley-jm) – Sibley firefighters were called to a truck fire Wednesday evening. The call came in just before 6:30 on Route 47 and 1400 north. All the people got out of the vehicle.

(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced intended road projects between fiscal years 2026 and 2030.WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has a look at projects scheduled for the area…

(Melvin–jc)  It’s the second day of truck and tractor pulls, with more fun on the midway and lots of food and the 4-H Auction today at the Ford County Fair in Melvin. . Newly crowned Miss Ford County Fair Queen Kate Wilson says she has been busy helping with ribbons and more and will be there for today’s activities and also has the job of introducing Chris Cagle and Rodney Adkins on Friday night…

2024 Miss Ford County Fair Queen Kate Wilson

(Danville-jm) – State Representative Brandun Schweizer has announced dates for his “What’s Brewing” coffee tour taking place in July. Representative Schweizer is encouraging all constituents in the 104th District to come to his coffee events to ask questions, share concerns, and receive a legislative update. Representative Schweizer will be visiting: Mad Goat Coffee in Danville on July 8th from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Red Wheel Restaurant in Rantoul on July 15th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and Industrial Donut in Savoy on July 22nd from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

(Paxton–jc)  The Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration is set for one week from today at Pells park in Paxton. Paxton Mainstreet Group Executive Director Donna Pepper says park activities start with a 5-K run and then activities start in the park…

Paxton MainStreet Group Executive Director Donna Pepper

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man is facing multiple charges after breaking into a home and stealing a family's dog. Shance Dalton was arrested after a woman reported her door kicked in and then saw Dalton holding the dog and riding her son’s bike.

(Washington-jm) – There's a national plan to help rural communities cope with the effects of climate change. Gary Crawford reports…