(Springfield-jm) – The state of Illinois has filed its final briefs in the challenge against the state's gun and magazine ban. Among the state's closing arguments are that restricted items "were designed for military combat," "far exceeds what is commonly used for self-defense" and the law "responds to unprecedented societal concerns." The state says if an injunction is granted blocking enforcement of the law, it should be stayed pending appeal. Plaintiffs argue the law violates the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Judge Stephen McGlynn is expected to issue a ruling in the case soon.

(Springfield-jm) – Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was not an all powerful state politician who corruptly controlled Springfield, but an "incorruptible" man focused on serving his constituents, his defense team told jurors Monday. Madigan's defense attorney Thomas Breen told jurors in his opening statement that Madigan viewed his job as helping people. He wasn't after power or money, as federal prosecutors have contended. Prosecutors opened with a different description of Madigan. They described Madigan as the state's most powerful politician who was only interested in accumulating power, rewarding those loyal to him with no-work contracts and other jobs that required little or no work.

(Fairbury-jm) – A convicted sexual predator was sentenced to 180 days in the Livingston County Jail, served 2 years probation and must register as a sex offender for 10 years. But new charges from this past summer now finds Jeff Sidwell with a seven-year prison term. The 34-year-old from Danville was arrested by Fairbury Police and the CHAOS Task Force while working a carnival in Fairbury. Sidwell pled guilty to Solicitation of a Child and Travelling to Meet a Minor. He was arrested in August while working at the Fairbury Fair. Police reported Sidwell was chatting with an underage girl for sexual purposes on a social media app, planning to meet the female in Fairbury.

(Rantoul–jc)  – The Community Service Center in Rantoul provides two food pantries, one for Champaign County residents and the other for students at Rantoul Township High School. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says they have other services and are also now gearing up for the annual "holiday bureau"...

Community Service Center-Rantoul Executive Director Cindy Crawford

(Gibson City-jm) – Congresswoman Robin Kelly toured One Earth Energy's ethanol production facility in Gibson City, to explore the critical role of carbon capture and storage technology in advancing renewable energy solutions. Since 2009, One Earth Energy has produced ethanol in east-central Illinois, and is expanding its operations to include sustainable aviation fuel production through its subsidiary, One Earth Sequestration, which will develop a Carbon Capture and Storage project to safely capture and store carbon emissions underground.

(Cissna Park–dm)-The National FFA Convention will be taking place this week in Indianapolis and several area FFA chapters will be attending.  Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton tells us about some of the activities the students will be taking part in.

Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton.

(Undated-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have fallen 9.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.37/g,according to GasBuddy. Prices in Illinois are 6.0 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 24.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has declined 1.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.56 per gallon.

(Paxton—jc) Today's WPXN business of the day is the Paxton Christmas Parade Committee. Along with Pride in Paxton, plans continue for the annual November event. Paxton Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad says this year's theme is "The Magic of Paxton"...

She says the parade events are set for the Friday and Saturday afternoon Thanksgiving....

Paxton Christmas Committee Chairperson-Pride in Paxton Dawn Glad

(Champaign–jc)  A traffic accident early this morning along Interstate 74 near Prairie View road in Champaign is slowing traffic at this hour. Police say traffic is being rerouted on Route 150 at mile marker174. Police advise to seek an alternate route in the area this morning. No information on the accident was provided 

(Springfield-jm) – State Republicans are sounding the alarm about a new Illinois Education Association survey that finds almost three out of every five state educators concede they have envisioned themselves walking away from the classroom. In a poll conducted earlier this summer from a pool of 500 active IEA members, researchers found 59% of teachers, professors in higher education and support staff all admit that they have harbored such thoughts.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence released its annual homicide report for 2023, and it shows a 110% increase in domestic homicides from the previous year. The coalition report states 120 people died in 94 separate incidents, with 56% of the victims being women.

(Champaign-jm) – The Mid America Carpenters Regional Council are on strike at the City of Champaign Fire Station 4 over the employment of non-union carpenters on a project to renovate the living quarters for Champaign Firefighters. The Carpenters Union began a strike at the fire station on Monday, stopping all construction work. In a release, the city said that emergency services will not be impeded. The fire companies assigned to Station 4 are on duty and will continue responding to calls as usual.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Research Park is already one of the largest employers in Champaign County, and they're looking to expand. The park is trying to change the zoning of land surrounding Fourth street and Hazelwood Drive to better attract business owners.

(Champaign–dm)-The dry weather has been good for getting the crops out of the fields, but with the dry weather comes a fire hazard.  Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady has some tips to help prevent field fires.

Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady.

(Champaign-jm) – The State Farm Center is proud to announce the addition of the Hall of Fame trio ZZ TOP to its lineup of shows in the Spring of 2025. The iconic group will perform on Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 pm. This marks the band's fourth visit to Champaign and their first since appearing with Lynyrd Skynyrd in October of 2011.  They debuted at the then-Assembly Hall in the fall of 1980. Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday, October 25th at 10 a.m.