(Springfield-jm) – Be warned—flu and respiratory illnesses are spreading across central Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that respiratory illness levels have increased from moderate to high. Children ages 5-17, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk. Emergency visits and hospital admissions are rising due to the flu. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms of illness—such as a fever, runny nose, sore throat, or cough—get tested and treated sooner rather than later.

 

(Urbana–jc)  Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer has released information on two individuals who have died from gunshot wounds after a shooting incident in Urbana on Saturday night.7 year old Darnell “DJ” Wicks,, was pronounced dead at the Carle Foundation Hospital on Saturday night. 43 year old Melvin Braxton, also on Saturday night at Carle Foundation Hospital. Autopsies are set for this week. These deaths are being investigated by the Urbana Police Department, Illinois State Police, and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.

 

(Springfield-jm) – At the Illinois Gaming Board’s first meeting of the year, it reported that the State and local governments earned more than $1.7 billion in tax revenue from Illinois’ 16 licensed casinos, 8,700 video gaming terminals, and 14 operating sportsbooks in 2024. This is excluding December sports wagering numbers.

 

(Danville-jm) – A Kankakee man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the shooting deaths of two Danville men in 2021. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office prosecuted Gregory Burns, who was found guilty of murder for the death of Leslie Fisher. Raoul's office reports Burns and two co-defendants, Ezell Fulton and Darryl Jordan, confronted four men in a liquor store drive-thru in unincorporated Danville about a stolen handgun in September 2021. During the confrontation, Burns shot and killed two of the men while wounding two others. The murder weapon was later found in Burns' apartment.

 

(Emmington–jc)  –  The process is broken on how Illinois sets up its house and senate districts. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington, says redistricting is a subject that needs to be decided by a fair court of appeals process…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington.

 

(Springfield–dm)-In the first two weeks of being in office, President Trump began an independent audit of federal spending, ended federal DEI policies and took actions on immigration.  Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker Friday blasted the Trump administration, vowing to fight a recent lawsuit that the U.S. Department of Justice filed against the state and Chicago over the state’s migrant sanctuary policies.

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.  State Representative. Blaine Wilhour,  of Beecher City, said it’s been a sight to behold watching Democrats in Illinois reacting.

State Representative  Blaine Willhour, Republican from  Beecher City

 

(Springfield–jc)  – Sales of cannabis in Illinois are at an all time high.The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation on Thursday announced that over $2 billion of cannabis products were sold in 2024, a two and one half percent increase from the previous year.The sales came from the 244 adult-use cannabis dispensaries in the state. According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, the state collected more than $490 million in sales taxes.

(Springfield–jc)   After saying we should not resort to tax hikes to balance our state budget last week, the Governor has now conveniently walked back his statement and said it’s something he would consider. 88th District State Representative Regan Deering, a Republican from Decatur says Illinoisans already pay the highest effective taxes in Illinois…

88th District State Representative Republican Regan Deering of Decatur.

 

(Urbana–jc)  – Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer has released the name of a man killed in a motor vehicle crash on Thursday near Broadlands. 83 year old Junior Evans, of Sidell, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash that happened near 2700 E. and 100 N. in Champaign County, the accident happened just before 5pm Thursday. An autopsy was held on Friday This death is being investigated by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.

 

(Hoopeston–jc)  The Hoopeston Library is giving away seeds for Spring. 

The Seed Library provides free garden seeds to any interested residents. Now entering its fourth year, the Seed Library has been a popular way for people to get started gardening or to try something new. Last year, more than 30 people visited and the library gave away more than 100 packets of seeds. Contact the Library is Hoopeston for flowers seeds to vegetable seeds and more.

 

 

CHAMPAIGN – In order to perform a sanitary sewer repair, A&R Mechanical Services is closing a portion of Market Street in Champaign  just south of Logan Street. Work began on Friday as is expected to be completed by this Friday.

 

(Chicago-jm) – The Department of Justice is suing Illinois, Chicago and Cook County because of their sanctuary policies. The lawsuit, claims the state’s immigration laws as well as Chicago’s and Cook County’s policies, interfere with the federal government’s ability to enforce federal immigration law saying it violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. That clause says that federal laws take priority over conflicting state laws.

 

(Paxton–jc)  Ford County leaders will look at the role of the Ford County Administrator when they meet tonight in Paxton. Electronic notepads for board members, a solid waste ordinance and county farm leases are also agenda items. The Ford County Board meets at 6 tonight in the Sheriff’s board room at the courthouse in Paxton. 

 

(Urbana-jm) – The Champaign County Coroner’s office has shared the name of the victim from a Friday night shooting in Urbana. The Coroner said, 18 year old Sherman McCraney Jr. was pronounced dead at Carle Hospital just before 9 p.m. on Friday. An autopsy is scheduled for today. The shooting remains under investigation. Urbana Police responded to the 2000 block of Vawter Street for a report of a shooting with injuries around 8:22 p.m.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  Bids for the high school football field is one topic for Rantoul Township High School board members when they meet tonight in monthly session. Board members will also look to approve a 10 year contract with the Upchurch Group to complete the Health Life Safety Survey. The board will also recognize Elijah Neitzel (“N-eye-tzl) as student of the month. The Rantoul Township High school board meets at 6 tonight at the high school.

 

(Champaign–dm)-Here’s something new to bring up the next time you visit your health care provider: Should I undergo a C-T calcium score screen to take stock of my heart health? It’s not for everybody, but it could mean the difference between a long, healthy life and finding yourself on an operating table. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more.

People aged 40 to 65 or people with a family history of heart disease are candidates for this screening, but anyone can ask their provider about it.

 

(Springfield–dm)-In the first two weeks of being in office, Trump began an independent audit of federal spending, ended federal DEI policies and took actions on immigration, all things House Speaker Emannuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, criticized on the House floor last week...

State Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, said Democrats continue to try and distract from what he said were their failed policies.

State Representative Chris Miller Republican from  Oakland.

 

(Springfield–jc) – With tariffs put on hold for the time being, Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker is working the phones with officials from Mexico and Canada.

The governor’s office said Pritzker spoke with the Consul General of Mexico regarding the economic relationship between Illinois and Mexico and the importance of preserving trade in sectors like agriculture and machinery. Pritzker also spoke with Canada’s ambassador to the United States.

 

(Gibson City–jc) – Gibson City leaders are looking to approve a request from Les Marti to replace a business sign at 706 South Sangamon Avenue when they meet tonight. Board members will also look to approve a  new city clerk. The Gibson City,  city council,  meets at 7 tonight in the city council chambers. 

 

WPXN news notes…

 

The Loda United Methodist Church will host a Valentine’s Senior Meal on Monday, February 10th at 10:30 am.

 

The 2025 Crop Management Conference will take place Wednesday, February 12th at the I-Hotel in Champaign from 7-4. Cost is $100. Call 217-265-5321 to register.

 

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Coffee and Connections on Wednesday, February 12th from 8-9 am.