(Springfield-jm) – Questions persist around whether Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is or is not being vetted as a possible vice presidential candidate for Kamala Harris. Alongside the names of Democratic governors from several other states, Pritzker's name was brought up in reports earlier this week as a potential vice presidential candidate. Tuesday, Pritzker told MSNBC he had not received any vetting materials. Wednesday, he told CNN he wouldn't share anything from private conversations he's had and if asked to be the running mate it would be hard to resist such a call. Pritzker declined to say whether he's had conversations with Harris's camp about the Vice President position Thursday.

(urbana–jc)  The 20-24 Champaign County Fair continues today and tomorrow. One stop at the fair is the "big pineapple" refreshment stand.  Operator Diane Tholey says her company is based in Southern Georgia, and they travel to fairs and festivals throughout the United States...

Big Pineapple Refreshment Stand operator at the Champaign County Fair Diane Tholey. Tonight is the national country music act Josh Turner at the Champaign County Fair. The concert starts at 7-30pm

(Chicago-jm) – The goal of officials for next month's Democratic National Convention in Chicago is safety for residents and visitors alike. Security is being coordinated between the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, agencies with the state of Illinois, Cook County and Chicago officials from police and fire departments and the Office of Emergency Management. The overall taxpayer cost for the DNC next month and last week's Republican National Convention is $150 million, or $75 million for each convention.  During a joint news conference with federal, state and local officials, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said they are policing to protect the First and Fourth Amendment rights of everyone inside and outside the DNC.

(Springfield-jm) – The state is reminding those who may have unclaimed property about the I-cash program. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City discusses the program and how you can check to see if you have any unclaimed property...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Springfield-jm) – In response to a significant reduction in funding for soil and water conservation districts in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City filed a bill aimed at restoring the $4 million cut in funding through the Partners for Conservation Fund. This will help ensure that these vital districts will receive the support they need to continue their essential work in protecting and conserving natural resources.

(Paxton–jc)  The next first Friday free concert in Paxton is set for one week from today at Veterans Square. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says its another event for the entire community and area...

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper

(Champaign-jm) – Parkland College will host free assistance events for students and families who still need to complete the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA Completion Events will take place at the following times and locations in August. Financial aid professionals will be available to answer questions, guide students and their families through the FAFSA application process and provide personalized assistance. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Room U140; lunch will be provided or Tuesday, Aug. 13, 5:30–7 p.m., Room U140; dinner will be provided.

(Loda–jc)  The 14th annual Loda Truck and Tractor Pull is set for Sunday on the west side of Loda. Spokesperson Alecia Starkey-Whitcomb says the event has grown into an event that draws competitors and crowds from the local area and beyond...

Loda Truck and Tractor Pull Association Spokesperson Alecia-Starkey Whitcomb

(Springfield-jm) – Public forums are being held around Illinois regarding rate hike requests from two water utilities. The Illinois Commerce Commission took input from the public on American Water's proposed $152 million rate hike request at two forums this week. Responding to a request from AARP Illinois, the ICC scheduled five public forums on proposed private water increases this year. Jim Chilsen, communications director with the Citizens Utility Board, said they receive a lot of complaints from Illinois American Water customers. Chilsen noted that Illinois American has won $120 million in additional rate hikes in less than a decade, an $85 million increase in 2022 and a $35 million hike in 2016. Illinois American Water provides water and/or wastewater treatment to 1.3 million residents, including several communities in Champaign County.

(Springfield-jm) – Now that the Illinois General Assembly approved $75 million in another round of emergency rental assistance, many landlords are wondering if the taxpayer-funded rental assistance is here to stay.  The Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance recently held a webinar on the significant developments involving evictions. President Michael Glasser said evicting a tenant is a last resort. Plaintiffs in eviction cases may now use special process servers immediately, and not first place the case with the sheriff for service. Illinois provided over a half billion dollars in taxpayer-funded rental assistance to more than 57,000 applicants in the Illinois Housing Development Authority's rental assistance program last year.

(Champaign–dm): Do you need to reset your mindset with food and weight loss?
Rather than thinking of calories and pounds, try paying attention to your body's cues. It's the concept of intuitive eating. It's still catching on, but it can produce results. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more from a local expert.

 This approach can lead to less binge eating and better body image. Talk to a dietitian or other health care provider to find an eating plan that works for you.

(Urbana-jm) – The national nonprofit Warrior-Scholar Project provides free week-long academic boot camps for enlisted veterans to help them feel more comfortable in educational environments. One of these camps is taking place at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Chez Veterans Center. This is the third time the project has taken place at UI. It is meant to simulate a college "finals week" so participants can have an idea what to expect when they start college. It also helps participants connect with each other so they don't feel alone in not having a traditional college experience.

(Paxton–jc) Impact Life Paxton Blood drive Coordinator Kevin Hanson says there continues to be a need for certain types of blood donation this summer. A blood drive was held on Thursday at the First Lutheran Church. Hanson talks about the different needed types...

Impact Life Paxton Blood Drive Coordinator Kevin Hanson

(Danville-jm) – To support local families as they prepare for the new school year, State Senator Paul Faraci is encouraging residents to attend the Back to School Bash hosted by the Vermilion County Health Department and OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center on Aug. 1 from 2-6 pm. Eleven organizations will attend the event this year. Faraci highlighted the involvement of the Illinois Soybean Association, noting the organization will be providing diapers, diaper rash cream, prenatal vitamins, water, nutrition bars, other snacks and more, ensuring families have access to necessary supplies as they get ready for the school year. In addition to the resources offered by the Illinois Soybean Association, OSF HealthCare physicians will provide physicals and immunizations to fulfill requirements for students entering kindergarten, sixth and ninth grade.

(Urbana–jc)  Livestock and entry numbers at the 20-24 Champaign County fair remain positive for the 9 day run of the fair. CHampaign County Fair Spokesperson Bob Barker says judging was held this week through Thursday...

Champaign County Fair Spokesperson Bob Barker

WPXN Weekend News Notes...

Tonight at the Champaign County Fair its country singer Josh Turner performing at 7:30. Saturday, the final day, its the ITPA truck and tractor pulls at 6.

The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County will hold their annual charity golf outing today at Willow Pond Golf Course. Cost is $300 per 4 person team.

Rantoul will hold their finalFreedom Friday tonight with DJ Silkee performing in downtown Rantoul. There's also inflatables, bags tournament, food and drinks.

The 2024 Top Gun Large Car Shootout will take place today through Sunday in Rantoul.

The Loda Good Ole Days Truck and Tractor Pulls will take place Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday its the parade at 10 am, Little Mr and Miss pageant, kids games after the parade, live music from 4-7 with the Mahomet Music Group, Ridgeland playing from 8-midnight and fireworks at dusk. Sunday at noon starts the truck and tractor pulls.

The Junk in the Trunk flea market at The Gathering in Gilman will take place on Saturday from 9-2.

The Buckley Community Group will hold their Junk in the Trunk on Saturday from 9-2.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting  the Knights of Columbus on Saturday from 10-2.