(Springfield-jm) – Reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court granting "absolute immunity" to the president of the United States when acting in his core constitutional duty is getting reaction from Illinois elected officials. Monday’s ruling comes in response to former President Donald Trump's claim that he has presidential immunity against the charges brought against him over actions he took as president. He is the first former president to face criminal charges. Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, said no one should be above the law, “not even a sitting United States President.” Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, praised the decision on social media.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill on Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk would allow for electrified security fence construction without the need for local government permission. House Bill 2154 prohibits local governments from requiring a permit before installing a battery-charged fence on nonresidential property. The measure, if enacted, would apply to both electrified fencing for agricultural use and electrified security fencing to prevent trespassing. Opponents say they worry the legislature is stepping on local governments' toes.
(Champaign–jc) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire at an apartment building in the 500 block of E. Columbia Ave.just before midnight on Monday Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire inside this eight unit apartment building. Firefighters responded to the report from a passerby of a fire at this multi-family residence. Once on the scene, firefighters reported a growing fire and went inside to investigate. The cause of this fire was accidental and was attributed to energized electrical equipment. There were no firefighter or occupant injuries reported. The occupants will be displaced as a result of this fire.
(Paxton–jc) As we celebrate our freedoms this week with the 4th of July, the city of Paxton is taking pride in a project that celebrates the Ford County city. Inspired by local artist Nate Grice with funding from the Grove brothers, the I-Love-Paxton block letters sign sits at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. In the first of a three part series, WPXN news takes a look at the project. Grice Signs of Paxton Owner Nate Grice says the history of Paxton was part of his inspiration for the project…
Grice Signs of Paxton Owner Nate Grice. The place is a picture spot for individuals and families to become the I in the I-Love-Paxton Block letters sign.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding an armed robbery. On June 26, at approximately 4:25 a.m., a male victim was walking along the sidewalk on North Market Street near the I-74 Overpass when a subject blocked his pathway. The victim walked in the roadway to avoid the subject and the suspect followed, brandished a handgun, and demanded the victim’s phone and backpack. The two males struggled when a vehicle approached, and the victim was able to enter a nearby business. The suspect fled on foot southbound on Market Street. The suspect was described as a younger black male, 5’7” and approximately 130 lbs. He was last seen wearing a baseball cap, black shirt, and dark pants.
(Springfield–jc) Roadside mowing has started and state officials remind the motoring public to drive safely. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story…
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign City Council is set to vote on changing the timeline of a downtown construction project. The city council approved a $12 million grant from the state in May to transform the parking lot at the intersection of Neil and Washington Streets into a new plaza. Proposed amenities for the space include a pop jet fountain, kiosks for local retailers, and a public lawn. The city wants construction to start next month, but is considering requiring some work on the project to stay away from the licensed outdoor dining area and alongside the buildings until September 15. A vote is expected tonight.
(Springfield-jm) – The state treasurer's office has returned $2 billion worth of unclaimed property since Mike Frerichs took office in 2015. Treasurer Frerichs says he looked to simplify the process when he took office…
State Treasurer Mike Frerichs.
(Undated-jm) – Fourth of July weekend is one of the most-traveled days of the year for Americans. This year, Illinois may see an especially busy amount of traffic. AAA predicts almost 71 million people nationwide will travel 50 or more miles this upcoming week. This includes 4.1 million Illinoisans, which will set new records. Officials say families with small children should check car seats and pack an emergency kit.
(Washington-jm) – Most categories in USDA's latest Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report showed year over year increases, yet producers are holding back in one year. Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois could become the latest in a string of states to enact a measure seeking to save renters money on repeated application costs with House Bill 4926 on Gov. Pritzker's desk. The measure would amend the Landlord and Tenant Act to allow a tenant to use what’s called a reusable tenant screening report when applying to rent properties. Proponents say the bill can save renters money by letting them get their own basic screening from a third party. The screening is good everywhere for up to 30 days. The screening must include income, rental history and any evictions. According to the proposed law, a reusable screening report does not have to include someone's criminal history. The report will be made available to landlords at no cost and will have to be prepared by a consumer credit reporting agency.
(Springfield-jm) – Two new measures that Gov. J.B. Pritzker says L-G-B-T-Q affirmation is now law. One lowers barriers for someone seeking to change the gender on their birth certificate from another state. Another bill requires certain nonprofits to disclose the demographics of board members. Pritzker announced he signed House Bill 5507. Effective immediately, the measure lowers the barriers for an Illinoisan to get a court finding of fact to change the gender on their birth certificate from another state. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, Senate Bill 2930 Pritzker signed requires certain nonprofits to disclose the demographic information of their boards if they grant more than $1 million a year to other organizations.
(Champaign–jc) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire at an apartment building in the 600 block of Crescent Drive this morning at 3. Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire inside this three-story multi-family residence. Firefighters responded to the report from an occupant of a fire at this multi-family residence. Once on the scene, firefighters reported heavy fire coming from a second and third floor balcony. Crews deployed multiple hose lines as this fire was upgraded to a second alarm. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control. The cause of this fire remains undetermined as investigators are still on scene conducting their investigation.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted 59 bills Monday that touch on elections, hunting, mobile home park residents, criminal justice, education and more. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…
(Champaign-jm) – A “mobile DMV” will soon be rolling up to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. The Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV will arrive on July 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Officials will be able to provide drivers license renewals, new ID cards, REAL ID cards, and stickers for purchase. To see a list of required documents to bring, visit the Secretary of State’s website.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign community is invited to take part in a quick survey on a possible reconstruction project for Parkland Way. The project would address the overall experience for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists on the road, as well as accessibility and safety. Parkland Way is located within Dodds Park between Mattis Avenue and Parkland College. As the construction discussion continues, the Champaign Park District, Parkland College, and Champaign County Regional Planning Commission want the public to join in. They ask community members to answer a four-question survey online to better gauge needs and preferences.
(Paxton–jc) Plans for the 40th Old Fashioned 4th of July event are set for Pells Park in Paxton on Thursday. Event Spokesperson Donna Pepper says there is a 5-K, car show, worship service, games, bounce houses, and plenty of food…
Paxton MainStreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. Fireworks are set for Dusk on Thursday evening at Bixby Park.
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Board has approved putting a tax increase on the November ballot. The tax increase would amount to taxpayers paying 25 cents for every $100 they spend. The county says the money raised would only go to public safety.
(Washington-jm) – USDA has lowered its food price forecast. Gary Crawford reports…
WPXN News Notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold their foodmobile today from 9-9:30 at the St. Joseph Library, 10-10:30 at the Ogden old high school ballpark, 11-11:30 at the Homer post office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney community building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village hall and 2:30-3 at The Oaks in Tolono.
Rantoul fireworks will take place on Wednesday, July 3rd at 9 at the Rantoul Airport.
Paxton’s Old Fashioned 4th of July will take place on Thursday, July 4th with the 5k beginning at 8 am, Community Worship Service at 9:45, car show from 10-2, antique tractor show and vendors at 11, Bingo from 11-1, kids games at 11:30, kids zone bounce houses 11:30-3, The Back Paiges 12-2, penny scavenger hunt from 1-2, 6-9 vendors at Bixby Park and fireworks at Bixby Park at 9.
Rantoul will hold their 4th of July parade on Thursday, July 4th at 9:30 am.
Sibley will hold their 65th annual 4th of July celebration on Thursday, July 4th with a breakfast at 7:30 am, fishing derby at 8:30, parade at 11:30, climbing all from 1:30-3:30, FunBelievable Balloons from 2-4, Bingo 3-5, face painting 3-6, inflatables 4-7, golf hole in one at4, model airplane and boat show at 4, food trucks at 5, evening entertainment by Train Wreck at 6:30 and fireworks at dusk.
