(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced Tuesday, in addition to modernizing outdated processes, it has reached an agreement to secure a new professional licensing system for individuals whose careers require a license to work in Illinois. The agency has been plagued by lengthy delays in issuing professional licenses. Through an approximately $9 million investment over the next three years, IDFPR will partner with a digital government service provider to implement the new online system.

(Springfield-jm) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed the Veteran's Consumer Fraud Bill into law. The legislation broadens the definition of "veteran or military benefits services" to include any consultation services that would assist in obtaining, changing or appealing benefits decisions. The bill also targets predatory "claim sharks," or non-VA accredited individuals or companies that charge for consultation and filing services.

(Springfield-jm) – Republicans continue to call out Governor J-B Pritzker for his attempts to reach a higher office. Despite not receiving the nod to be Kamala Harris's vice presidential pick, news reports are swirling that the Governor would be interested in a Cabinet position if Harris wins in November. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the Governor needs to focus on issues in the state...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Undated-jm) – An Illinois iLottery player just won $900,000 from the Lucky Day Lotto jackpot. The winner, an online player, matched all five numbers in Sunday's midday drawing. The winning numbers were: 8-14-20-24-27. More than 24,000 winning Lucky Day Lotto tickets were sold for the Sunday midday drawing, amounting to over $963,000 in prizes for Illinois Lottery players. Winners have one year from the date of the winning draw in which to claim their prize.

(Kankakee-jm) – Kankakee Community College is hosting free financial aid workshops for college-bound students and their parents in August. Kendra Souligne, KCC director of financial aid talks about the workshops...

Kankakee Community College Director of Financial Aid Kendra Souligne.

(Vermilion County-jm) – Longtime local business owners Don and Deanna Witzel are retiring from McDonald's after over 40 years with the company. The Danville couple has owned stores in Vermilion County for over 25 years and more recently added a Covington, Indiana location. Blake Linders from Effingham purchased all seven local McDonald's locations. The sale will be final on August 14, 2024.

(Washington-jm) – In a few days we will have a much better idea of the size of upcoming crops of corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton. Gary Crawford reports...

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police recently conducted numerous firearm enforcement details in counties across the state. The enforcement details from June 24 through July 19 focused on individuals who have become the subject of a Firearms Restraining Order or Clear and Present Danger, or received a criminal conviction, among other reasons. Officers completed 192 details and brought 673 people into compliance with state law. As a result of these efforts, 318 individuals transferred firearms out of their possession.

(Springfield-jm) – During the summer when pools are open and lakes, ponds and other bodies of water are more accessible, there is an increase in water-related deaths especially with children. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services reminds parents and caregivers to constantly supervise children whenever they are near water, no matter their age or how well they can swim. In 2023, 20 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental drowning: eight in pools, four in bathtubs, four in lakes, two in ponds, one in a washing machine and one at a water park.

(Springfield-jm) – A new state law will make it easier for people leaving prisons and jails to get I-Ds. Capitol News Illinois reports the Secretary of State's office can now waive the requirements for a birth certificate if a person has previously held a valid Illinois driver's license or I-D. The new law also allows officials to verify a social security number through the Social Security Administration instead of being shown a physical card. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says having an ID is necessary for so many things and most people don't think twice about how important they are...

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. All federal, state and county facilities in Illinois can participate in the program. The Secretary of State's office will be holding educational seminars at correctional facilities to increase awareness and participation.

(Urbana-jm) – Another person has been charged in relation to a pro-Palestine protest at the University of Illinois earlier this year. According to records from the Champaign County State's Attorney, Arthur Paganini is being served a Notice to Appear for charges of mob action and obstructing a peace officer. Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz confirmed Paganini's charges are related to the encampment protests in April. Paganini is the seventh demonstrator to be charged in relation to U of I's encampment protests. The others include: Victor Smith, Elizabeth Sotiropoulos, Joseph Kleckner, Yafa Issa, George Vassilatos, and Christopher Zelle. All seven are facing mob action charges. Sotiropoulos and Kleckner are being additionally charged with obstructing a peace officer, and Zelle has also been charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer.

(Watseka–dm)-Election Day is just 3 months away.  Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver tells us what you need to do if you want to request a mail-in ballot.

Iroquois County Clerk Brein Suver.

(Undated-jm) – Average gas prices in Illinois have fallen 7.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.95/g, according to GasBuddy. Prices in Illinois are 16.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 9.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

(Washington-jm) – One expert sees few long-term agricultural problems from this week's stock market declines. Gary Crawford reports...