(The Center Square) – Within a week of President Donald Trump being sworn into office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers working with multiple federal agencies have arrested nearly 1,000 people set to be deported. In a period of six days, federal agents arrested 956 illegal border crossers and made 554 detainer requests with local jails, ICE reported. Those working with ICE include agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Marshals Service.
(Washington–jc) – What are the data points that go into the monthly food price outlook. In the first of a two day series, we get the explanation from U S D A Economist Megan Sweitzer ...
U S D A Economist Megan Sweitzer. On tomorrow's morning news Sweitzer takes a look at food numbers for 20-25.
(Springfield-jm) – A coalition of after-school program providers, families and students called on Governor JB Pritzker to release $50 million to fund their programs Monday. Advocates said state lawmakers approved the funds for their grants, but the Pritzker administration never distributed the money. Over 27,000 Illinois students lost their after-school programming this school year, and more than 2,000 staff are out of jobs due to the lack of grant funding.
(Paxton–dm)-The 9th annual restaurant week is going on now thru Saturday. The event is sponsored by Experience Champaign Urbana, and features more than 60 area restaurants, including 2 here in Paxton. Experience Champaign Urbana Chairperson Terri Reifstack tells us more.
There are also two restaurants in Rantoul participating.
Experience Champaign Urbana Chairperson Terri Reifsteck
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign County Crime Stoppers is looking for the public's help in finding a robbery suspect from earlier this month. The robbery happened around 4 p.m. at the Sally Beauty Supply store located at 2016 North Prospect Avenue. An employee helped the suspect choose items and took them to the front counter of the store. The suspect ordered the employee to go to the back of the store, then grabbed the merchandise valued at almost $400 and fled. The suspect is described as a 60-65 year old black male with facial hair and is around 6 feet tall. Security footage from the store shows the suspect wore an orange ballcap, a blue Illinois hoodie and jeans. He also left in a white sedan.
(Paxton–jc) It's a bit warmer today, but winter has been tough on city vehicles in Paxton with the spread of salt. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the council did approve the purchase of a new truck bed to help operations in the city...
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(The Center Square) – A Republican state senator is looking to require voter ID in Illinois. State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said requiring voter ID is popular.
Rose feels the signature check thing is ridiculous, it's absolutely ridiculous. After voters sign for their ballots, poll workers currently compare them to the signatures when they first registered. Rose's bill goes beyond requiring photo ID to vote. He also wants to eliminate ballot drop boxes and make ballot harvesting a crime.Senate Bill 181 provides "that any person who, during an early voting period, gathers on behalf of another and submits to an election authority more than 3 vote by mail ballots shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
(Cissna Park–jc) What can farmers expect from the grain markets and what decisions will be made for the 20-25 crop year? Illinois Grain Seed and Equipment Company of Cissna Park spokesperson Aaron Kaeb talks about the volatility in the market and options for farmers this year...
Illinois Grain Seed and Equipment Company of Cissna Park Spokesperson Aaron Kaeb.
(Undated-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois are unchanged in the last week, averaging $3.23 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. Prices in Illinois are 4.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 4.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
(The Center Square) – The U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has launched an investigation into sanctuary jurisdictions and the impact of their policies on public safety and federal immigration enforcement. Committee Chairman James Comer, Republican from Kentucky, sent letters to the Democratic mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver and New York City requesting documents and communications related to their cities' sanctuary policies. He also called on them to testify at a hearing scheduled for Feb. 11, saying "citizens of all four cities have suffered due to sanctuary policies."
(The Center Square) – The White House says deportation flights have begun. In Illinois, the Pritzker administration is conducting a "know-your-rights" campaign for foreign nationals in the country illegally. At an unrelated event Friday, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said they're working across state agencies to promote the "know-your-rights" campaign. Making sure people know what they should do if an agent shows up and asks them for a proof of citizenship and a proof of residency," Pritzker said. He's not aware of the Trump administration communicating with state agencies, Pritzker said. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Revenue announced it began accepting and processing 2024 tax returns Monday. Illinois is also participating in the free IRS Direct File program this year. Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically as early as possible and choose direct deposit to ensure the fastest processing and issuance of refunds. If a taxpayer files an error-free Illinois return electronically, they can expect to receive their direct deposit refund in approximately four weeks.
(Watseka–dm)-Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka is observing Heart Month in February by offering several coronary tests at reduced prices. Iroquois Memorial Business and Industry Outreach Director Mary Kay Lavicka tells us about the arterial screenings that will be available.
Iroquois Memorial Business and Industry Outreach Director Mary Kay Lavicka. You can call to make an appointment at 815-432-7733
(Farmer City-jm) – A 16-year-old, and a 17-year-old have been accused of robbing a Casey's General Store with a toy gun. The Farmer City Police Department received a report of armed robbery at Casey's General Store. Casey's employees told police that the two suspects had entered the store, stole alcohol, and that one of the suspects had displayed a handgun during the incident and battered an employee. The suspects fled the store on foot and were last seen running northwest towards the old railroad right-of-way. Officers found both suspects a short time later near the intersection of High Street and Route 150.
(Springfield–jc) –Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is urging people to check the I-CASH missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them to claim. The state treasurer is legally required to return unclaimed property to its owners or their heirs, no matter how long it takes. The agency has returned more than $2.2 billion in unclaimed property since 2015.
(Paxton–jc) A craft and vendor show is set for Saturday February 8th in Paxton to support a Christian camp this summer. Living Word Church in Roberts event spokesperson Melanie Bauer says it will be a fun day of food, crafts and vendors...
Living Word Church in Roberts event spokesperson Melanie Bauer. More vendors are welcome to set up at the event. Information is found by calling Melanie Bauer at 217-379-7852
(Iroquois County-jm) – The Iroquois County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, outlining projects and activities to reduce damage caused by severe weather and other natural hazards, will be available for public review and comment starting Thursday, February 13. A public form will be held in conjunction with the Iroquois County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee meeting at the MABAS 37 Building, 103½ Main St., Crescent City from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, February 13. Individuals can come and review the Plan at any time during the forum. Those unable to attend can still review the Plan and provide comments without participating in the public forum. The Plan, along with a summary sheet and a comment survey, will be available for review at the Iroquois County Clerk's Office and on the County website. The comment period will remain open through February 27.
WPXN News notes...
The St. Joseph Ogden FFA auction is set for Saturday, February 1st with the dinner and silent auction at 5 with the live auction beginning at 6pm.
Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley will hold their spaghetti lunch on Sunday, February 2nd from 11-1. Meal includes spaghetti, green beans, garlic bread, dessert and drink. Cost is a freewill donation.
The Cissna Park Development Board will host Dueling Pianos at the Cissna Park American Legion on Saturday, February 15th. Social hour begins at 5pm, dinner at 6pm with dueling pianos from 6:30-9:30. Cost is $65 per person or $500 for a table of 8. Call Rachel Bauer at 815-954-4806 for tickets.
The PBL Athletic Boosters will host a Glow Bingo at the Pueblo Lindo on Saturday, February 22nd. Doors open at 5:30 with Bingo beginning at 7.
