(Springfield-jm) – A new report shows that forever chemicals, or PFAS, are contaminating drinking water supplies in communities all around Illinois. Research by the Environmental Working Group shows that many Illinois communities have levels of PFAS above the proposed limit. New data from the EPA shows 7,457 locations identified with PFAS in their water supply. With only two-thirds of water systems that will be tested under the rule, the results, added to existing data, show that over 130 million Americans are at risk from drinking water tainted by PFAS. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 140 public water systems in Illinois have tested positive for PFAS, but officials warn the number could be much higher.

(Chicago-jm) – The Democratic National Convention is underway in Chicago. President Joe Biden was the keynote speaker last night. Members of the Illinois democratic delegation welcomed Democrats from across the country to the Windy City. Governor J-B Pritzker talks about his reasons for being a Democrat and why he's supporting the Harris/Walz ticket...

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Former President Barack Obama is the keynote speaker tonight. The election is November 5th.

(Undated-jm) – Champaign-Urbana received significant growth from travel and tourism last year according to Experience Champaign-Urbana. Data from 2023 shows increases across spending, job growth, and taxes generated for the local economy. The group reports that travel and tourism supported 5,033 jobs (2.7% increase), generating $172.7 million in payroll (7.4% increase), plus $19.3 million in local taxes (11.5% increase) were generated through $666.9 million in visitor spending (9.5% increase). The counties supported by Experience Champaign-Urbana in 2023 include Champaign, Douglas, Ford, Moultrie, and Piatt.

(Paxton–jc)  –  The new playground equipment project in Paxton will be getting its picture taken this fall. The Little Tikes Corporation is sending a crew to take pictures of the project for its next catalog. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says picture day is coming soon...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Undated-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that school districts across the area will receive over $4 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years. The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district's total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

(Gibson City–dm)-Gibson Area Hospital and Health Service sponsored their 4th annual G-A-H-H-S Summer Bash last Saturday, featuring Bret Michaels and Jefferson Starship.  Gibson Hospital Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby talks about a very popular event with 8 thousand people attending....

Gibson Area Hospital and Health Service Director Bill Kirby.  Kirby says they are now working on next year's,  Summer Bash  

(Urbana-jm) – The Marching Illini will take center stage at State Farm Center on Sunday, October 20, following last year's return after a decade-long hiatus. The Nation's Premier College Marching Band, directed by Barry L. Houser, will perform at 3:00 p.m. the day after Illinois Football takes on the Michigan Wolverines as part of the 100-year Anniversary of Memorial Stadium. Tickets go on sale to the public Thursday at noon CT online at  StateFarmCenter.com/MarchingIllini, over the phone at 866-ILLINI-1, or at the Illinois Ticket Office at State Farm Center.

(Washington-jm) – Corn and soybean condition ratings continue to be very good. Gary Crawford reports...

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers have passed a law banning vaping companies from targeting teens in advertising by marketing or promoting electronic cigarettes resembling school supplies such as highlighters, markers or erasers. The changes come at a time when lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in Springfield have been bombarded with complaints about students bringing vapes into schools that could easily be mistaken for such common items. The new law is set to be enforced by the Illinois Department of Revenue, the Attorney General's office and local law enforcement. At the same time, Senate Bill 3098, which will ban electronic cigarette companies from allowing anyone under 21 to order vaping products online or by mail, is also slated to soon take effect.

(Chicago-jm) – All eyes are on Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention. The four day convention kicked off yesterday with dozens of speakers and a keynote speech from President Joe Biden. Tonight former President and Illinois Senator Barack Obama will take the stage. Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch is part of the Illinois delegation welcoming Democrats. He hi-lites the Harris-Walz ticket and the reason he believes people should vote Democrat in November...

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch. The election will take place November 5th.

(Urbana-jm) – A Seymour man is behind bars on a charge of child abduction thanks to the quick thinking of an 11-year-old girl. Hunter Simmons was arraigned Monday and faces over a decade in prison if convicted. Urbana police said the victim was walking home from school when she noticed a white pickup truck following her. During the investigation, the child provided police with her phone because she was recording while she was walking. Police were able to see the vehicle's license plate in the video, which was registered to Simmons.

(Rantoul–jc)  –  School is back in session for most schools in the area. For Rantoul City, St Malachy's and Rantoul Township High School, school days started last week. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the village has been busy making sure children have a safe pathway to school...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is issuing a final call for residents to participate in the Community Health Needs Assessment survey, which will close on August 30. The survey marks the first step in developing a comprehensive Community Health Plan that will guide local health initiatives, services, and funding priorities in Champaign County. The survey offers Champaign County residents a unique opportunity to share their insights and concerns about the health issues that matter most to them, directly influencing the future of local healthcare. The feedback collected through this survey will play a pivotal role in shaping future health strategies, guiding efforts to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and enhance the overall well-being of Champaign County residents. The surveys will be collected and combined with secondary data with plans to be completed by January 2026.

(Paxton–jc)  There are tickets available for the Paxton Masonic Lodge 416-s...Get out of Dodge Fundraiser. Paxton Mason Lodge 4-16 spokesperson Jim Shearl says this year's winner will be heading to Las Vegas...

Paxton Masonic Lodge Spokesperson Jim Shearl. Tickets are available at Hudson Drug and Hallmark of Paxton, Kirchner Building Center or from any Mason.

(Vermilion County-jm) – This fall's November 5th Election Day may be right around the corner; but believe it or not, it's already time to start thinking about next spring's Consolidated Elections. Starting Tuesday morning at 8 AM, the Danville Vermilion County Clerk's Offices will have petition packets ready for interested candidates.  The Clerk's office is on the main level of the Joseph G. Cannon Building at 201 North Vermilion, the Commission's office on the lower level.

(Washington-jm) – The latest dairy outlook from the Agriculture Department reflects opposite directions for production and prices. Rod Bain reports...