(Undated-jm) – Cooling centers are gearing up around Illinois in preparation for this week's expected excessive heat. According to AccuWeather, heat indices could be at or near 100 degrees in many areas of the state this week. In addition, residents were advised to be aware of the possibility of severe weather, including high winds, possible tornadoes, hail and flash flooding.

(Urbana–jc)  –Champaign County Coroner Stephen E. Thuney is confirming the death of a 2- year-old boy after an incident in north Champaign on Monday. The child was reportedly separated from his mother around 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon. At approximately 3:17 p.m. he was found nearby, in the pond, at 23 Thatcham Dr. (Carisbrook Apartments) in Champaign by a family member. An autopsy has been scheduled for today. An inquest may be held at a later date. This death is being investigated by the Champaign County Coroner's Office and the Champaign Police Department.

(Springfield-jm) – The 2024 Illinois State Fair is less than two weeks away. Capitol News Illinois reports this year's theme, "It's Showtime", highlights many aspects of the fair and organizers say no matter what you're there for, it's your "showtime." This year's new attractions include a daily circus at Happy Hollow and a ninja obstacle course called the Neutron Ninja Warrior Experience outside the Colosseum. For families with young children, there will be a Fairytales on Ice show at the Orr Building the last weekend of the fair. While there are plenty of new shows and exhibits this year, State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark says one thing her team is always focused on is making the fair affordable...

Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. There is also an old favorite returning this year. A free tram service will run all eleven days of the fair to help guests get around. The Illinois State Fair runs August 8th-18th. You can find more information at state fair dot illinois dot gov.

(Kankakee-jm) – Kankakee Community College is hosting free financial aid workshops for college-bound students and their parents in August. Each workshop will feature giveaways of KCC merchandise and refreshments. The sessions are Wednesday, Aug. 7, 6-8 p.m. in KCC Room M120,  Tuesday, Aug. 13, 9-11 a.m. in KCC Room M120. and Thursday, Aug. 22, Walk-in date, anytime from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Office of Financial Aid, second floor at KCC.

(Gibson City–jc)  The United States of America Miss 20-24 grew up in Ford County. She graduated from Gibson City Melvin Sibley High School and now lives in Nevada and attends the University of Nevada Las Vegas. United States of America Miss 20-24 Bella Rose says the pageant system is one that supports the dreams and desires of women...

United States of America Miss 20-24 Bella Rose

(Paxton-Ludlow–jc)  –  Road construction projects continue in the WPXN listening area. A one block resurfacing project is underway in Paxton. The project is for patching and resurfacing a portion of the street between route 45 at the Paxton Variety Liquor store to the Pop Loft in Paxton. Just south of Ludlow, the 33-74 North road is closed at Route 45 for a road construction project. I-DOT officials and local and state police continue to caution motorists in and around road construction this summer and beyond. 

(Gilman–dm)-One Iroquois County city has several new businesses opening or expanding. Along with a new bank branch coming to Gilman, a new drug store has opened in Gilman.  Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield talks about the positive economic development for the city and area

Gilman Mayor RickTheesfield

(Undated-jm) – Gasoline prices in Illinois have been on the rise and have surpassed a statewide average price of $4 a gallon. According to Triple-A Illinois, the average price of gas in the state is now $4.05 a gallon. The lowest price is in Effingham County at $3.41 a gallon, while the most expensive gas is found in Cook County at $4.45 a gallon. The national average price is $3.50.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed an amended version of House Bill 5142, which mandates that health insurance policies in the state pay for pregnancy and postpartum coverage. The governor said the law ensures competitive Medicaid reimbursement rates for doulas, lactation consultants, home visitors and other community-based providers. Insurance policies in Illinois are also required to cover abortions and pregnancy-ending medications. From 2018-2020, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 263 maternal deaths. About half were related to pregnancy. The most common cause of pregnancy-related death was substance use disorder. The number of pregnancy-related maternal deaths was .01% of the number of total childbirths in Illinois over the three-year period.

(Springfield-jm) – The fiscal year 2025 budget that went into effect July 1st set a record for the amount of spending. However, as 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says funding for soil and water conservation districts were reduced...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Kankakee County-jm) – As more revelations arise about a Chinese company that plans to build a battery plant in Kankakee County, opposition is building. Gotion is slated to receive over $8 billion in federal and state subsidies for its Manteno, Illinois, plant. The company plans to build a facility in Michigan as well, where Illinois U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, took part in a roundtable discussion on Gotion's ties to the Chinese Communist Party. LaHood and U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar have introduced the No Official Giveaways Of Taxpayers' Income to Oppressive Nations Act. A lawsuit to stop the Manteno plant alleging zoning law violations and chemical dangers is being heard by a judge. A decision on whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed is expected on September 30.

(Paxton–jc)  It's still July, but the Paxton Christmas Parade Committee has been busy with preparations for the annual City of Paxton Christmas parade. This year's parade is set for Saturday November 30th at 1-30pm Paxton Christmas Parade Chairperson Dawn Glad says information flyers are being mailed out and are also available at Picket Fence Florist in Paxton...

Paxton Christmas Parade Chairperson Dawn Glad 

(Rankin-jm) – The Vermilion County Sheriff's Department continues to seek information in the search of a missing Rankin man. Frank Lucas, 55, was reported missing on July 11. According to Chief Investigator Michael Hartshorn, Lucas has not been seen since July 8. "He was last officially seen leaving a job site in Champaign County. He was wearing a tan shirt, jeans, brown boots and a tan sun hat," Hartshorn said. Lucas works for a tree service. If anyone has any information, contact the sheriff's department at 217-442-4080.

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16 is raising funds to help support local charities in the Paxton area. It's the 6th annual "Get Out of Dodge" giveaway. Grand prize is a 4 day 3 night trip to Las Vegas. Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16 spokesperson Jim Shearl says the money raised goes to local charity groups...

Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16 Spokesperson Jim Shearl. Tickets are available  at Kirchner Building Centers, Hudson Drug Shop or any lodge member. The grand prize drawing is set for Saturday September 21st 2pm during the Paxton Swine and Dine. 

(Decatur-jm) – An explosion occurred at Archer-Daniels-Midland processing complex in Decatur on Sunday. A spokesperson for the company said a "potential smoldering event" was found at an elevator in the building. Upon investigation, surrounding operations were shut down and the complex was evacuated. The elevator exploded a short time after. The spokesperson said no one was hurt in the incident, however, the elevator sustained some structural damage.