(Springfield-jm) – The Liberty Justice Center filed a First Amendment lawsuit to challenge a recently enacted Illinois law that would prohibit companies from holding mandatory meetings where "religious or political matters" are discussed.
On July 31, Illinois enacted what the group is calling the misleadingly titled "Worker Freedom of Speech Act," even though it does not actually protect workers' freedom of speech, but rather attorneys say it infringes on employers' free speech rights. The lawsuit argues that the legislation violates the First Amendment and should therefore be enjoined.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker is turning up the heat on Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell. Campbell and his department are facing scrutiny after a deputy shot and killed a woman who'd called for help with a possible prowler near her home. Sean Grayson is charged with murder in the death of Sonya Massey, and his since been fired. But Pritzker says Sheriff Campbell should do more...
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Investigations into Grayson's history show he bounced between 6 different police departments in 4 years-after he received 2 DUIs. Massey's family is calling for Campbell's resignation and this week Pritzker joined them. In a statement, Pritzker's office said Campbell's resignation would allow the community to heal, and restore trust in the department.
(Bayles Lake-jm) – Multiple area departments battled a structure fire in Bayles Lake Thursday evening. Loda, Buckley and Paxton were called to the fire on Tappen Road just after 10 pm.
(Gibson City–dm)-The 4th annual Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services Summer Bash takes place on Saturday, August 17th with headliner Bret Michaels. Opening act for Bret Michaels is 70's rock band Jefferson Starship. Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby tells us more.
Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby.
(Champaign-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci is encouraging Champaign County residents to dispose of their household hazardous waste at a free collection event on Saturday, August 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the State Farm Arena.
(Washington-jm) – Changes take effect next month within the Farm Service Agency's Farm Loan Programs - changed designed to improve borrower financial flexibility. Rod Bain reports...
(Springfield-jm) – A U.S. Department of Agriculture official is highlighting the importance of farmers markets in Illinois. The USDA reports there are 290 certified farmers markets in Illinois, from Carbondale to Bloomington to the Chicago area. USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt said farmers markets play a vital role in providing access to fresh, locally grown produce and other agricultural products while supporting the health and well-being of communities. The Illinois Farmers Market Association was founded in 2012 to connect the growing number of Illinois farmers markets, market managers, producers, and consumers and provide coordinated resources, technical services, and training to ensure the continued sustainability of Illinois farmers markets.
(Springfield-jm) – A new report out shows the state owes billions of dollars in bills and other debt. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City shares the staggering numbers...
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Piper City-jm) – Ford County Public Health Department has confirmed the first mosquito to test positive for West Nile virus. The health department collected a positive mosquito batch on August 08, from Piper City. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year.
(Paxton–dm)-Like most area counties, Ford County is looking for election judges to help out on election day. Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick has more information
Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick.
(Vermilion County-jm) – It is once again time for the public auction of Vermilion County delinquent properties. This pertains to real estate properties that were delinquent for 2020, and mobile homes that were delinquent for 2021 and prior real estate taxes. Vermilion County, as Trustee, will be offering for sale approximately 253 real estate properties and 102 mobile homes. The public auction is Monday evening, August 12th at 6pm, at VFW Post #728 in Danville; and bidding will start at $750.00 per item.
(Washington-jm) – Low prices are bringing Ag. export revenues down. Gary Crawford reports...
WPXN Weekend News Notes...
The St. Joseph Community Festival will take place tonight through Saturday. Tonight its carnival rides, games, vendors and food from 5-10 pm, bags tournament at 5:30 pm, little prince and princess contest at 6 and the SJO FFA kiddie tractor pulls starting at 6:30. On the 10th, the St. Joseph Stanton Fire Department will have their pancake breakfast from 6:30-10:30 am, antique car show from 9:30-11:30, Mutt Show at 10:30, garden tractor pull at noon, community parade at 3, carnival rides, games, vendors and food 5:30-10 and fireworks at dusk.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-10 am at the Fountain Valley Mobile Home basketball courts and from 10:30-11 at the Ludlow community center.
The Harvest Moon Twin Drive inn in Gibson City will hold their back to school bash tonight and tomorrow. Activities include a cardboard car contest, inflatables and more.
The Shop in the Park in Cissna Park will take place tomorrow from 9-1.
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the First Lutheran Youth Group tomorrow from 10-2.
The Culpepper and Merriweather Circus will be in Onarga's Durham Park on Sunday, August 11th with show times of 2 and 4:30.
