(Champaign–jc)  – Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a fume extractor and dust collector outside building “T”, at Parkland College, in Champaign on Tuesday afternoon.  Fire crews were able to quickly get the fire under control.    The building was searched by firefighting personnel to ensure all occupants were safely evacuated while additional crews worked to gain access to the fire inside the equipment and extinguish the fire. There were no injuries reported for civilians or emergency responders.   

 

(Chicago–jc)  –Convicted defendants in the ComEd Four case still face sentencing on five corruption-related charges, even though a federal judge dismissed four counts this week. The four, a former lobbyist and Illinois state representative, a former ComEd CEO and two other former lobbyists, were convicted in 2023. A judge dismissed four bribery-related counts this week, but five other convictions remain. Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is awaiting sentencing on 10 corruption-related counts after his conviction last month.

 

(The Center Square) – The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is expected to question four U.S. mayors about their cities’ immigration policies this morning .Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have been asked to discuss their cities’ migrant sanctuary policies.

 

(Arlington Heights–jc) –The Arlington Heights Village Council voted to move forward with its plan to try to lure the Bears out of Chicago. The board will resume work with an engineering firm to discuss the viability of a new stadium on the site of the old Arlington National race course.The Bears have been publicly advocating for a new lakefront stadium in downtown Chicago, but have kept the Arlington Heights option open, since purchasing the property in 2023.

 

(Springfield–jc)--  One bill in Springfield would ban certain herbicides. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington has some details…

 

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

WPXN news will have more on this issue  later today. 

 

(Chicago–jc)  –Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel isn't ruling out the possibility of trying to get his old job back. Near the end of a nearly hour long interview before the Economic Club, Emanuel was asked if he'd consider being mayor again. He replied that he’s not done with public service. Emanuel served as mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019.

 

(Springfield–jc)  Illinois has the highest tax rates in the country, according to a new analysis. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…

 

 

(Paxton–jc)  A concert, and silent auction, is set to benefit Tunnels-2-Towers. The free event to attend is set for Saturday March 15th at the Cadillac in downtown Paxton. Cadillac First Responders Event Spokesperson Ashley Cage says the event is to honor local first responders and music will highlight the night…

The Cadillac First Responders Event Spokesperson Ashley Cage

 

(Georgetown–jc)  –The Georgetown Fair Board is announcing that Priscilla Block will perform at the Georgetown Fair this summer. Block will perform at the fair on Saturday, July 12th. The duo Roseland will join Block on stage as the opening act.

 

(The Center Square) – U.S. farmers are asking President Donald Trump to resolve issues that led to an escalating trade war, warning that struggling farmers could see higher costs as a result of U.S. policies. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said the measures will hurt rural Americans.Duvall pointed to potash, a key ingredient in fertilizer, as an example. 85 percent of potash is imported from Canada. Farmers want a quick end to what they see as harmful trade measures. Duvall's warning came after a similar message from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the largest business lobbying group in the nation. The U.S. Chamber warned that Trump's trade policies could push up prices for American consumers who are already struggling.

 

(Springfield–jc)  One local state senator is backing a resolution to proclaim 20-26 as Route 66 year in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon talks about the resolution passed in committee yesterday in Springfield…

53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon. The resolution now moves to the full Illinois State Senate. 

 

(Chicago–jc)  –Burger chain Red Robin, with 20 locations in Illinois, could be on the verge of closing dozens of restaurants.According to a recent earnings report, the company is evaluating alternatives for approximately 70 underperforming restaurant locations.The report did not contain a list of the underperforming restaurants, but most are expected to close as their leases expire over the next five years.

 

(Washington–jc)  – The Agriculture Secretary announced plans are in development to build up rural development and strengthen rural communities through a collaborative initiative. Rod Bain reports

(Springfield–jc)  –Illinois House Republicans gave an update Tuesday afternoon on the lawsuit they filed in late January in the Illinois Supreme Court, challenging the legislative map they claim unconstitutionally favors Democrats. Minority leader Tony McCombie says the issue is moving in the right direction…

89th District State Representative and Republican Minority Leader Tony McCombie of Savannah

 

(The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers can expect to spend almost $4 billion on early childhood programs throughout the state over the next two years. The Department of Early Childhood is a new executive agency created last year dedicated to early childhood spending. During a House hearing in Springfield Tuesday, state Representative . Will Davis, Democrat from Hazel Crest, said legislators have important work to do in starting a new agency.

 

(Springfield–jc)  –The first round of voting is now open in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s sixth annual “Makers Madness” contest, a bracket-style tournament in which the public will decide what product earns the 2025 title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. More than 250 unique products from around the state were nominated for this year’s contest, with candidates ranging from agriculture and energy storage equipment to life-saving medical products, and a variety of vehicles.

 

 

WPXN News notes…

The PBL FCCLA will hold a spring craft and vendor show on Saturday, April 5th from 9-2 at PBL High School. Those interested in participating are asked to email charleykaye06 at gmail dot com.

 

Paxton Main Street will hold their pancake breakfast and easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 12th at Veterans Square.

 

Kickin Cancer- Coaches vs Cancer Dinner and Auction will take place on Wednesday, April 16th at 5pm at Gordyville USA.

 

The Loda American Legion Auxiliary will host a craft fair and bake sale on Saturday, March 8th from 9-2.

 

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Loda Immanuel Lutheran Ladies on Saturday March 8th from 10-2.

 

The C-U Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on Saturday, March 8th at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.