(Springfield-jm) – New data shows Illinois' infant mortality rate has decreased. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced in 2021 the infant mortality rate decreased to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to 6.5 per 1,000 in 2018. The agency said the current rate is slightly above the national rate of 5.4 and continues to show racial disparities that persist nationally for infant mortality.
(Springfield-jc) –Some counties are dealing with access to personal information. WPXN"s Dan Mushrush has the story...
(Undated-jm) – Flu and COVID season are likely to overlap this season, and County health officials suggest it's most likely time to get that COVID and Flu shot. And – the vaccines are available in a single dose. Data from the CDC shows just under 50% of Illinoisans received a Flu shot during the 2023-24 Flu season, while only about 25% of adults in the state got a COVID vaccine this year before the CDC approved an updated shot in late August. Unlike the Flu vaccine, the COVID vaccine will not prevent you from contracting the illness. It's goal is to minimize symptoms if you do test positive. Primary care providers and County health departments can provide more info and vaccine availability.
(Paxton–jc) – With the recent opening of Pax-Pop, Game Changer Sports Shop and tomorrow's grand opening of Blush and Velvet, the city of Paxton is booming with new business. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says there is another business set to occupy a spot just north of Blush and Velvet and there is more...
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is reporting the first human case of West Nile Virus in Champaign County in 2024. The affected individual is a resident of Champaign in their 60s, who tested positive for the infection in September.
(Champaign–dm)-With the Harvest starting, you're going to notice a lot of farm equipment on the road. Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady reminds us to be patient...
Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady
(Kankakee-jm) – The prosecution is resting its case; the defense team to present its side in the case of two Bradley police officers who were shot in-the-line-of-duty while answering a call to barking dogs in a vehicle. It was December 29, 2021 when the shooting occurred, killing Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and seriously wounded her partner, Tyler Bailey. Charged with murder and attempted murder is Darius Sullivan.
(Champaign–dm) It's the every-so-often to-do list: Replace the smoke alarm batteries. Check the 401-K. Now here's a new one: make sure your kid's car seat is being used properly. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more.
Visit the OSF Newsroom for a visual guide on installing and using car seats
(Paxton–jc) – Another new business is coming to Paxton on Saturday. A women's boutique is opening in downtown Paxton called Blush and Velvet. Blush and Velvet Owner Dawn Stack already owns The Bijou Salon in the downtown area and says the grand opening is set for Saturday...
Blush and Velvet Store owner Dawn Stack.
(Champaign County-jm) – Staffing 911 dispatch centers is a growing national problem, and it has struck Champaign County hard. According to the National Emergency Number Association, 82% of dispatch centers are experiencing staffing shortages. In Champaign, members of the dispatch team are becoming increasingly burned out, due to the long hours and low staffing.The director of the county dispatch center, Ralph Caldwell, says that center only has seventeen of the thirty-three positions permanently filled.
(Paxton–jc) Today's WPXN Business of the day is Hudson Drug and Hallmark Shop of Paxton. Fall is here and its time for flu shots, covid shots and shingles shots too. Hudson Drug and Hallmark Shop Owner Andy Hudson says they are hosting flu clinics around the area over the next several weeks...
Andy Hudson says some vaccinations can be done at the same time ,while others should be spaced out...
Hudson Drug and Hallmark Shop Owner Andy Hudson
(Springfield-jm) – An appellate court has denied another attempt by the state to delay a case challenging Illinois Firearm Owner's ID card. Guns Save Life sued the state alleging the FOID card is unconstitutional. Last year, a Sangamon County Judge sided with the state, ruling that the law is constitutional. Since then, the state motioned for three extensions to file a response, which were granted. In September, the state motioned to pause the case in order to await the outcome of a different FOID card challenge in front of the Illinois Supreme Court. The appeals court said the state has had enough delays and the case they're waiting for is not similar to the Guns Save Life challenge of the FOID card. Oral arguments in that case are set for Nov. 14.
(Rantoul–jc) – Village of Rantoul leaders are working with two companies that are set to build in Rantoul this fall and winter. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says Culvers is bringing a new restaurant to Rantoul and Busey Bank is building in the same area of town. Smith says groundbreaking is coming soon...
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(Champaign-jm) – A woman from Champaign will spend almost three decades in federal prison after she was convicted of drug distribution charges. U.S. District Judge Colin Bruce sentenced Malaia Turner, 36, to 27 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
(Paxtom–dm)-Early voting for the November 5th election started yesterday. Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick has more information.
Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick
(Urbana-jm) – A United States Postal Services letter carrier was robbed by a man with a gun, according to the Urbana Police Department. UPD said the robbery happened around 7:50 p.m. in the 2400 block of Prairie Green St. on Monday. The letter carrier attempted to talk to the man, but he grabbed the keys from the carrier's bag. The carrier gave the man the keys as he was holding a gun. After the man grabbed the keys, he ran out of the apartment building. The carrier is not hurt, according to UPD. Police say the person they believe is responsible is a black man around 20 years old. They say he is 5'8"-9" tall with a thin build.
(Gilman–jc) The 20-24 harvest is underway in Illinois. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire says crops look good, with some crops ready and others still green...
Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Circuit Clerk's office will be hosting Amnesty Week from October 14 to October 25. During that time, anyone who has a balance due on a criminal, traffic, DUI, ordinance violation or conservation violation will be able to pay their total due minus any late fees and collection fees which have accumulated. This does not apply to any fines and costs which have already been paid, or any tax refunds which have been applied against what is due and owing. Individuals who wish to participate in this program may ask for a quote in their case or cases by sending an email to cccircuitclerk@co.champaign.il.us. The email needs to include the individual's name with middle initial, their address, their phone number, their email address, and their case number or numbers.
WPXN News notes...
The final 2024 Junk in the Trunk flea market at The Gathering in Gilman will take place on Saturday, September 28th from 9-2.
The final Buckley Community Group will hold their Junk in the Trunk on Saturday, September 28th from 9-2.
Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Loda Methodist Men on Saturday, September 28th from 10-2.
The 2024 Clinton Apple and Pork festival will take place on Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th.
