(Springfield-jm) – There is growing opposition to carbon capture projects that some say threaten drinking water supplies in Illinois. A new Illinois law requires corporations to provide an alternative drinking source if it becomes contaminated from the injection and storage of CO2. But Pan Rickert, with Eco-Justice Collaborative, said there is one issue that wasn't addressed in the legislation which is sole source aquifers like the Mahomet that supplies water to nearly a million people in over a dozen counties. Rickert's group released poll results that showed 82% of Illinois registered voters say they oppose private corporations' use of eminent domain for their private carbon dioxide pipeline and sequestration projects, and 89% think carbon capture and storage poses a serious risk of carbon dioxide leaks, potentially at lethal levels. State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet, said he has filed legislation that needs to be passed immediately he said would protect the aquifer from CO2 injection.

(Washington-jm) – The corn market is providing buyers and sellers with a few little surprises. Gary Crawford reports...

(Paxton-jm) – Illinois State Police arrested a Paxton man for Dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material. After the receipt of a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the state police began an investigation regarding the dissemination of child sexual abuse material.Preliminary facts gathered through the course of the initial investigation led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Brett M. Sorensen, 37. On Tuesday, Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 agents arrested Sorensen and executed a residential search warrant in Paxton. Sorensen is being held pending an arraignment hearing in Ford County.

(Paxton–jc) City of Paxton leaders continue to work on the city's zoning map. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says they continue to provide the proper information needed in the upgrade...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Undated-jm) – An early childhood program will reach three new counties in Central Illinois this winter. The Regional Planning Commission of Champaign County announced the Head Start program will offer services in five new centers in Vermilion, Iroquois, and Ford Counties. It's made possible through an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Grant money will cover start-up costs, building renovations, and daily service. Officials say around 300 new children will have access to the program. The program is geared toward low-income families. The plan is to start operations beginning November 1st.

(Springfield-jm) – Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington, a long time farmer, talks about the purpose and the importance of the week...

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington. 

(Paxton–jc)  Today's WPXN Business of the Day is the Paxton Swine and Dine. The event started 12 years ago as a backyard challenge by friends and has grown to a signature event for the city of Paxton, says Swine and Dine Committee member Alan Meyer...

Paxton Swine and Dine Committee Member Alan Meyer

Leah Moore says the event draws thousands of people to Paxton each year and it's also a chance to showcase the city...

Paxton Swine and Dine Event Chairperson Leah Moore.

The event starts at 5am on Saturday in downtown Paxton with the grilling competition. Kids games, a bags tournament, car show and music also hilite the day in Paxton

WPXN will broadcast On the Sidelines program Saturday morning at 7am to kick off the event. The Paxton Swine and Dine is the WPXN Business of the Day, today

(Springfield-jm) – Whether commercially available semi-automatic rifles now banned in Illinois are common or too similar to military grade firearms was the focus of Day 2 of the bench trial of Illinois' gun and magazine ban. On preliminary grounds, the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the state last year, saying commercially available rifles that Illinois banned in January 2023 are too similar to military grade rifles and are able to be regulated. Now up for final judgment in the Southern District of Illinois federal court, day two of the bench trial was dominated by James Ronkainen, a former longtime engineer and director of firearms development and production for Remington. He said there are material differences between modern sporting rifles and military spec firearms.

(Washington-jm) – The world will have ample supplies of soybeans next year. Gary Crawford reports...

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois is set to receive more than $135,000 in federal money to fund specialty crop research. Illinois State Senator Paul Faraci and the Illinois Department of Agriculture announced today that the money would come from the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. According to Faraci, the goal of the grant is to grow more fresh produce and to make it more accessible to everyone. The grant will focus on improving specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables and herbs, and crops that help to make Illinois agriculture healthier and more diverse.

(Rantoul–jc)  It's Bike to work in one area village on Thursday. Bike to work day is Thursday morning in Rantoul says Village of Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith...

Village of Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Mahomet-jm) – As the school year begins, students in Mahomet-Seymour Community Schools are facing limited classroom space. The district has announced that it's turning to voters this November, proposing a $112.8 million dollar question on the ballot. The money, if passed, will serve to help the district build a new 2nd and 3rd grade building, as well as demolish the existing junior high and build a new one.

(Paxton–jc)  Tickets remain available for the Paxton Chamber of Commerce Wine and Chocolate Walk set for Saturday October 5th in the city. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says only 250 tickets will be available...

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper

WPXN News Notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile tomorrow from 9-9:30 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at Runnings in Watseka and from 1:30-2 at Milford Town and Country.

A Family Caregiver Support Group will take place tomorrow from 1:30-2:30 at the Watseka Public Library.