(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker remains steadfast in his support of President Joe Biden despite concerns about the president's fitness. Pritzker was in front of the media for the first time Tuesday since he met with other governors and Biden last week at the White House. Pritzker said the president was "fully engaged." Biden's poor debate performance with former President Donald Trump last month sparked a flurry of concerns from Democrats, including Illinois U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, who said Biden should step down. Other Democrats aren't so sure if Biden will persist amid questions of his physical and mental fitness. Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, told Axios "we'll see" if Biden is the future for Democrats. Pritzker wouldn't speculate.
(Springfield-jm) – A new law allows Illinois school districts to get reimbursed with taxpayer money for sending their troubled students to both public and private special education programs. Senate Bill 3606 was signed by the governor earlier this month and seeks to allow school districts to be reimbursed when sending troubled students, with an Individualized Education Plan, to either private day care centers or public day care centers. Some raised concerns about the potential for an additional $120 million cost to the taxpayers.
(Royal–jc) A worker trapped inside a grain bin in Royal had to be rescued on Tuesday morning. Royal, Ogden, Urbana and Homer fire departments and emergency personnel were called to the scene. The employee was helped from the bin by emergency workers.
(Hoopeston–jc) Where's Waldo?...One area bookstore was one of 300 in the nation to be chosen to be a "where's Waldo" contest stop. Boxcar Books and Vinyl in downtown Hoopeston is currently a start location to find "Waldo" in the city of Hoopeston. Boxcar Books and Vinyl owner Emily Brown says to stop by the store and pick up an information card and then go looking, lots of prizes and a party are set for July 27th...
Boxcar Books and Vinyl Owner Emily Brown.
(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department is investigating after 12 cars, all parked in the same garage, were broken into over the weekend. Department officials said the cars were parked in the garage of an apartment building located in the area of Main and McCullough Streets. A door to the garage was left unsecured on July 6 and at some point after 3 a.m., a suspect got inside the garage and started breaking car windows to get inside.
(Roberts–jc) Next Tuesday, the Ford County Office of Emergency Management is hosting a hazard mitigation planning meeting. Ford County E-M-A Director Terry Whitbird says all municipalities, schools, fire protection districts and all public organizations are invited...
Ford County Emergency Management Agency Director Terry Whitebird. The meeting comes to order at 6pm on Tuesday July 16th in the Roberts Gym.
(Undated-jm) – Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County is now accepting applications for those who need safe and affordable housing. Applications for their 2025-2026 build period will open Tuesday at 10 a.m. then close two weeks later on July 23 at 5 p.m. They will be available online and in-person at the Champaign ReStore located at 1914 Glenn Park Drive. Habitat for Humanity is also partnering with the Village of Rantoul to make their first 2025 project a new home build in Rantoul. Further inquiries can be directed via email to family@cuhabitat.org or phone at 217-819-5113.
(Cissna Park–jc) The July Shop the Park event is set for Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Rachel Bauer says there will be a wide variety of items from crafts and homemade items to household items and food...
Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Rachael Bauer.
(Springfield-jm) – In June, nine Illinois companies announced a total of 1,017 jobs affected by mass layoffs. A policy analyst and economy expert says more people are relying on themselves for employment. A "mass layoff" under the Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act is a reduction in force at a single site of employment of 25 or more full-time employees if they constitute one-third or more of full-time employees at the site, or 250 or more full-time employees. According to the WARN report, in May, over 1,100 jobs were slated to be lost in Illinois. John Deere, Aramark and Lagunitas Brewing all made the list of companies who had mass layoffs. Now, in June, more John Deere and Aramark layoffs were announced and the Jelly Belly Candy company was added to the list this month.
(Chicago-jm) – Federal prosecutors and defense attorneys said they won't seek to delay the high-profile corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, despite a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of a federal bribery statute that makes it a crime for state and local officials to accept gifts valued at over $5,000 from a donor who had previously been awarded contracts or other government benefits thanks to the official's efforts. The nation's highest court narrowed the scope of the federal bribery statute to exclude gratuities – payments or rewards made after an official act. The 6-3 decision could affect how prosecutors across the country pursue public corruption cases. In the case of Madigan, both defense attorneys and prosecutors said they plan to continue forward with a scheduled trial date on October 8.
(Springfield-jm) – Several new laws took effect July 1st. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about some of those new laws...
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has detected West Nile Virus in local bird and mosquito populations. CUPHD recommends following these practices to stay safe: Drain standing water around your property, Mosquito-proof your home, Apply EPA approved insect repellent,
Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks as weather permits, especially when outside at dusk and dawn
(Loda–jc) Several groups are working together to see a two day event in Loda on the final Saturday and Sunday in July. The Loda Truck and Tractor pull Association and those with Loda Good Ole Days are planning a parade, music and a Sunday pull. Loda Fireworks and Parade Organizer John Zalaker says they are selling tickets for a golf cart to help fund the weekend..
Loda Fireworks and Parade Organizer John Zalaker.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crimestoppers is asking for assistance in a shooting investigation. On June 27th at approximately 12:34 am, Champaign Police were called to the 700 block of South Mattis Avenue for a report of a shooting with injuries. On arrival, officers located a 25 year old male with a potentially life threatening gunshot wound to his upper leg. Anyone with information is asked to call Champaign County Crimestoppers at 217-373-TIPS.
(Melvin–jc) The 20th annual Knight for Christ fundraiser is set for August 24th at the Ford County fairgrounds in Melvin. Money raised goes to support Christian education at Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley. Knight for Christ spokesperson Larry Abbe says donations are being accepted and also reservations for the annual event...
Knight for Christ Event Spokesperson Larry Abbe
WPXN News Notes...
The 2024 Fisher Community Fair runs through the 13th. Today is children's day all day, armband night on the midway at 6 at the ITPA pulls at 6:30. On Thursday it's Bingo at 6:30 along with the Philo Country Music Show also at 6:30 and ITPA pulls at 7. On Friday its $25 armband special starting at 6 and country singer Sawyer Brown at 7. On Saturday, it's the 5k at 8 am, mutt show at 9, car show at 11, drone racing from 1-3 and demolition derby at 6.
The 2024 Historic Farm Days in Penfield will take place July 11-14 in Penfield. On Thursday it's the opening ceremony at 11, tractor parade at 1 and antique tractor pull at 6. On Friday, it's tractor games at 10, kids games 12-7, tractor parade at 1 and ITPA pulls at 5. On Saturday, it's tractor games at 10, tractor parade at 1, kiddie pull at 2:30 and IPA pulls at 5. On Sunday, it's the tractor drive at 9, church service at 9:30, tractor parade at 1 and raffle tractor drawing at 2.
