(Springfield-jm) – Illinois legal cannabis retailers sold more than $1 billion so far this calendar year, achieving the number two weeks faster than the year before. When looking at the fiscal year that ended July 1, Illinois sold more than $2 billion, more than the $1.9 billion sold in fiscal 2023. Cannabis taxes collected and remitted to the comptroller for fiscal 2024 was more than $457 million.

(Springfield-jm) – A hastily changed law that eliminates slated candidates from gaining ballot access without running in a primary was deemed unconstitutional by a lower court, but now an expected Illinois Supreme Court decision could determine if candidates this election are on the Nov. 5 ballot. Thirteen candidates are plaintiffs in the lawsuit Collazo et al v. Illinois State Board of Elections and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, which is currently on appeal before the Illinois Supreme Court. The hastily passed law enacted by Gov. J.B. Pritzker prohibits slated candidates for established political parties from getting their name on the ballot without first running in a primary. A decision could come as early as this week.

(Urbana-jm) – A student involved in the pro-Palestine protests on University of Illinois campus earlier this year has been charged with Mob Action after U of I Police used social media to identify her. According to Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz, Yafa K Issa, 18 of Savoy, was charged with one count of Mob Action, which is a class 4 felony. Issa was seen on video locking arms with other demonstrators to prevent the officers and U of I staff from getting to the tents. She also was seen holding a large sheet of plywood, using it as a shield against law enforcement to push them back.

(Xenia–jc)  Former State Senator and Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is a convention representative for Illinois. The Republican National Convention is set for July 15th through the 18th in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Bailey says he is "embarrassed" for President Joe Biden with the national debate and more...

Former Illinois State Senator and Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey

(Paxton–jc) – The Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16 has been a part of the Paxton community since 1885. The local group meets twice monthly on the third floor of the Commandery building in downtown Paxton. Paxton Masonic Lodge Spokesperson Jim Sherl says  their purpose is to help others in the Paxton community area...

Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16 Spokesperson Jim Sherl. The group is currently in a fundraiser for local projects with the 6th annual "Get Out of Dodge" raffle. Grand prize is a 4 day 3 night trip to Las Vegas. Many other prizes will be awarded on Saturday September 21st which is the annual Paxton Swine and Dine. 

(Urbana-jm) – After a nationwide search, a longtime University of Illinois faculty member has been promoted to the Dean of the Gies College of Business. Dr. W. Brooke Elliott will lead the college, the university announced. She is the 11th dean of the college and the first female dean. Elliot has been a faculty member for the college since 2003. She has taught as a professor in accounting, became the first woman to lead the Department of Accountancy, and oversaw online programs for the college. Before becoming named as the dean, Elliott was the executive associate dean of academic programs at Gies.

(Washington-jm) – Traders are getting ready for several important USDA reports this week. Gary Crawford reports...

(Springfield-jm) – A former Republican state senator and new party candidate for governor has been sentenced for fraud. Sam McCann was sentenced this week to 42 months in prison after having pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of campaign funds, money laundering and tax evasion during a federal bench trial in February. The 54-year-old was also ordered to pay more than $680,000 in restitution. 

(Springfield-jm) – Despite a threat of increased costs to Illinois taxpayers, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed into law what he called the Healthcare Protection Act. 

House Bill 5395 includes a package of proposals designed to restrict methods that insurance companies use to reduce the amount of health care patients receive. Among other things, the legislation would ban step therapy, the tactic insurers use to require people to receive less effective drug treatments before moving to options initially prescribed by doctors. The legislation includes an initiative that targets the elimination of unchecked rate increases in fully insured large-group insurance carriers. The law will make Illinois the first state in the country to ban prior authorization for in-patient adult and children's mental health care. Additionally, the measure mandates that all insurance companies regulated by the state of Illinois disclose treatments requiring prior authorization, facilitating consumers' ability to compare plans when seeking coverage.

(Fisher–jc)  The 20-24 Fisher Community Fair continues today and runs through Saturday. Fisher Community Fair President Todd Cotter says from the queen pageants, to tractor pulls, the midway, kids day and a demo derby; this is what community is all about...

Fisher Community Fair President Todd Cotter. Newly crowned Miss Fisher Fair Queen Phoebe Reynolds of Mansfield says she is having an amazing time...

Fisher Community Fair Queen Phoebe Reynolds of Mansfield.

(Iroquois County-jm) – A seven-month vacant seat on the Iroquois County Board has been filled. Kathleen Perkinson from the rural Onarga-Thawville area, was sworn-in at the County Board meeting. She fills the seat of the late Barb Offill, who passed away January 4. Perkinson's appointment was approved by the full County Board. She had been recommended by the Republican Central Precinct Committee. Perkinson fills the vacant two-year seat thru November 30th. She will have to seek election in November to fulfill the 4-year term.

(Springfield-jc) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker remains steadfast in his support of President Joe Biden despite concerns about the president's fitness. The governor says he supports Joe Biden...

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker. Pritzker was in front of the media earlier this week, since he met with other governors and President Biden last week at the White House. 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.  

(Champaign-jm) – A groundbreaking celebration is planned to kick off the first phase of construction for the Downtown Plaza in Champaign. The ceremony will be held at 1 E. Main St. on Friday, July 12 at 4:30 p.m. The celebration will include remarks from Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen and State Senator Paul Faraci. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be provided by Big Grove Tavern. The Neil Street Plaza Placemaking Plan began after the Champaign City Council spent a year and a half listening to the input and ideas of the community. From this, a plan was enacted in 2019. The vision included establishing a City-owned parking lot and developing a more attractive and accessible public plaza. The second phase will start in 2026.

(Penfield–jc)  Historic Farm Days starts today. I and I Tractor Club President Chuck Stelter says they have another great event planned...

I and I Tractor Club Spokesperson Chuck Stelter

(Vermilion County-jm) – A company which had its plans for a commercial solar energy facility rejected by the Vermilion County Board is now suing the Board. Mural Energy LLC is asking the court for a judicial review of the County Board's vote last month when it rejected plans to erect solar panels over 1400 acres of farmland.  The land is in the southwestern part of Vermilion County in Jamaica and Vance townships. Mural Energy LLC wants a judicial review of the county's vote to commence within 90 days.  The company claims it followed the provisions of Illinois' Commercial Wind Energy Facilities and Commercial Solar Energy Facilities Act. Only six County Board members voted in favor of the project last month.  Thirteen voted to deny placing solar panels over what some say is the best farmland in the world.  Three County Board members abstained, and five were absent when the vote was taken. Lawsuits have been filed in some other Illinois counties where boards rejected similar projects.  But some Vermilion County Board members note the wording in the siting ordinance they approved in May of last year.  It says: ''The decision to grant or deny a permit application is within the sole discretion of the County Board."

(Washington-jm) – This country is importing more foreign food and farm products. Gary Crawford reports...

WPXN News Notes...

The 2024 Fisher Community Fair will take place July 7th-13th. Tonight its 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, its 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 today through Sunday in Penfield. Today its the opening ceremony at 11, tractor parade at 1 and antique tractor pull at 6. On Friday, its tractor games at 10, kids games 12-7, tractor parade at 1 and ITPA pulls at 5. On Saturday, its tractor games at 10, tractor parade at 1, kiddie pull at 2:30 and IPA pulls at 5. On Sunday its the tractor drive at 9, church service at 9:30, tractor parade at 1 and raffle tractor drawing at 2.