(Central Illinois–jc)  –  Severe weather moved into Illinois over the past 12 hours. Wind damage was reported in the Peoria area with downed trees and some power lines. Bloomington reported some of the same with downed tree limbs. High winds and several rotation citings were also reported in DeWitt, McLean and Ford Counties. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois legislature voted to provide motorists an option at the DMV of a four-year or eight-year driver's license. They also approved the option of having a digital driver's license. Both passed unanimously out of both chambers and headed to the governor for further action.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois voter integrity groups warn non-citizens that registering to vote in federal elections is a felony. The warning comes after U.S. House Republicans passed the SAVE Act to increase protections. President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the measure if it passes the Senate and reaches his desk. The SAVE Act, if passed by the Senate and signed by the president, would require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, in person, when registering an individual to vote in a federal election. This requirement would extend to Illinois' current automatic voter registration process.

(Chicago–jc)  –  Whether the top of the ballot in November's election helps or hurts down-ballot candidates depends on who you ask. November is expected to be a rematch between former President Donald Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden. Trump is expected to get the Republican nomination in Milwaukee this week. Biden's future as the Democratic Party's nominee is in question, though he has been adamant he will remain in the race. Illinois Governor J B Pritzker believes strong lower candidates help Biden at the top...

Illinois Governor J B Prizker. 68th District State Representative, Republican John Cabello of Machesney (ma-chez-knee) Park says the democrats have gone so far "left" in ideas and policy, that voters are moving to Trump...

68th District State Representative Republican John Cabello of Machesney Park.  The Republican National Convention has started in Milwaukee Wisconsin. The Democratic Convention is set for Chicago in mid August

(Urbana-jm) – With a rare, double emergence of cicada broods in Illinois completed, researchers are now looking at the damage caused by the phenomenon. Researchers at the University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences are requesting that fruit growers report any sustained damage done to trees, bushes or vines. The most visible damage would be slits on small branches. Researchers say the slits would weaken a branch to the point that it would snap off during windy conditions.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign teenager who has been missing since Saturday has now been found. 15-year-old Damien Andrews was located on Monday evening. During the search, Andrews was considered endangered. Police say that when he was found, he was confirmed safe.

(Fisher–jc) The Fisher Community Fair saw another great week of fun, food, livestock judging and entertainment. Fisher Fair President Todd Cotter says they have already started planning for 20-25...

Fisher Community Fair President Todd Cotter

(Onarga-jm) – An Onarga sex offender was arrested by Iroquois County Sheriff's Police last week.  45-year-old Jonathan Rose reportedly failed to register his new address, according to law.  He was in violation of the sex offender registry act.

(Washington-jm) – Two different crops are acting like twins. Gary Crawford reports...

(Crescent City–jc)  – The opening ceremonies at the Iroquois County Fair take place at 7 tonight. The 20-24  Iroquois County Fair  queen pageant is also set for 7 tonight  WPXN's Joel Cluver has the story.

(Springfield-jm) – More than 1.5 million Illinois consumers may soon be paying a lot more for water. According to the Citizens Utility Board, Aqua Illinois and Illinois American Water customers are affected by proposed rate hikes, which could cost households nearly $30 a month. The Illinois Commerce Commission is expected to rule in November on the proposed rate increases by Aqua. The ICC ruling for Illinois American's proposal is slated for December.

(Northern Illinois–jc)  –Parts of northern Illinois shook Monday as a 3.4 magnitude earthquake struck in the early morning hours Monday. The earthquake was centered northwest of the DeKalb County village of Somonauk. According to the United States Geological Survey, the trembler had an estimated depth of about 6 miles. The earthquake could be felt as far as Joliet.  

(Milwaukee–jc)  – Day one of theRepublican National convention is complete. Capitol News Network's Hannah Michaels, reports...

(Springfield-jm) – State lawmakers approved a plan this spring expanding the number of ailments pharmacists can test and treat. However, the Illinois State Medical Society is upset with lawmakers as they believe pharmacists are not properly trained for this type of care. Illinois pharmacists are now allowed to administer tests for the flu, COVID-19, strep throat, lice and RSV. Lawmakers and industry leaders believe this is a great change for customers and pharmacists because many medications for those conditions are readily available at pharmacies. The Illinois State Medical Society is frustrated that Democratic lawmakers passed legislation in the final days of session to allow pharmacists to implement the test and treat system. They argue that pharmacists do not have proper training to provide certain exams or diagnose illnesses.

(Crescent City–dm)--The Iroquois County Fair kicks off today just north of Crescent City.  Fair Spokesperson Deb Krones tells us about some of the activities going on at the fairgrounds.

Iroquois County Fair Spokesperson Deb Krones. 

(Rankin-jm) – The Vermilion County Sheriff's Office is actively looking for a man who has been missing since last week. The Vermilion County Sheriff's Department says Frank Lucas was last seen by his family on Monday, July 8, and they reported him missing three days later. The search so far has been focused on the Rankin area. Anyone who has information on Lucas' whereabouts is asked to contact the Vermilion County Sheriff's Department at 217-442-4080.

(Undated-jm) – Could volunteer fire departments across the state face the risk of losing those who keep you safe? One Central Illinois lawmaker wants to make sure that doesn't happen. A proposal from OSHA looks to expand protections for first responders including firefighters, but it focuses on increasing training requirements, medical screenings for all first responders, and more inspections of emergency vehicles. Departments warn that it could be too expensive to implement, and one Illinois lawmaker says it could put you at risk with fewer firefighters on the job. Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet initiated a resolution a couple months ago, with bipartisan support expressing the state of Illinois' opposition to the proposed regulations as presented.

(Ford County-dm) – The Ford County is scheduling a second meeting to develop a hazard mitigation plan for the county. Ford County EMA Coordinator Terry Whitebird tells us more...

Ford County EMA Coordinator Terry Whitebird. 

(Champaign-jc)  One person was injured in a one vehicle accident in the northbound lanes of Interstate 57 Monday morning. Police say the accident happened near the Tolono exit of i-57 when a semi tractor trailer overturned. Police say the driver lost control of the rig and the semi traveled into the median. No word on the extent of injuries was provided by state police.

(Washington-jm) – Soybean prices face downward pressure. Gary Crawford reports...

(Hoopeston–jc)  One Vermilion County bookstore is one of only 300 bookstores in the nation chosen to participate in the "Where's Waldo", find Waldo contest. Boxcar Books and Vinyl is located in downtown Hoopeston. The contest started on July first and runs through July 26th with a party giveaway at Boxcar Books and Vinyl on July 27th. Boxcar Books and Vinyl Owner Emily Brown says stop by to get your entry and then head to participating businesses and find "waldo"...

Boxcar Books and Vinyl of Hoopeston  owner Emily Brown. 

(Paxton–jc)  – Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16 is raising money for local charity projects with its 6th annual "Get Out of Dodge" Giveaway. Paxton Masonic Lodge Spokesperson Jim Sherl says the grand prize is a trip to Las Vegas...

Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16 Spokesperson Jim Sherl. Tickets are 40 dollars each or three for one hundred dollars. More prizes will be given away and only 300 tickets will be sold. The drawing date for the prizes is Paxton Swine and Dine on Saturday September 21st.

WPXN News Notes...

The 2024 Iroquois County Fair gets underway tonight with the fair queen pageant at 7.

The Ford County Emergency Management Agency will host their second Hazard Mitigation Meeting tonight at 6 pm at the Roberts Gym in Roberts.

The Gibson City third Friday car cruises will take place on Friday, July 19th with cruising starting at 5 and live music by Not Petty, a Tom Petty tribute band from 6-9 pm.

Rantoul will hold their third Freedom Friday on Friday, July 19th with the band The Woodchips performing in downtown Rantoul. There's also inflatables, bags tournament, food and drinks.