(The Center Square) – Illinois may join a growing number of states that would equip public schools with silent panic alarms in case of an emergency.   New Jersey was the first state to pass what is being called Alyssa’s Law in 2020. Six other states followed suit and 13 more are considering similar legislation. Alyssa’s Law is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, who was killed in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

 

(Springfield–jc)  –The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the first case of measles in the state. The measles diagnosis involves an adult in southern Illinois and was confirmed through laboratory testing. I-D-P-H said it is working to identify potential locations for exposure to see whether anyone else was exposed. Measles symptoms may take from seven to 21 days to emerge and include rash, high fever and red, watery eyes.

 

(Springfield–jc) The Illinois House is considering legislation that would have the state’s Department of Children and Family Services maintain a human trafficking unit. Several state lawmakers are working with the Illinois State Police on the issue. Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelley says a human trafficking unit is needed…

 

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelley

11th District State Representative  Ann Williams, Democrat Chicago, is the House sponsor of Senate Bill 2323. Williams said the Department of Human Services worked with the Illinois State Police in 2023 to form a working group with more than 60 stakeholders and state agencies

 

(Decatur–jc)  –Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker joined T-C-C-I Manufacturing this week to announce the grand opening of its Clean Energy Innovation Hub.The facility is a $45 million project that aims to bolster the North American supply chain by onshoring electric vehicle component manufacturing, providing training and research opportunities. As part of the project, TCCI invested more than $20 million to revamp its Decatur facility, creating 50 new jobs in the process.

 

(The Center Square) – One of several examples the U.S. Department of Justice gave of how federal officials have been obstructed by Illinois’ migrant sanctuary policies involves an illegal alien released from jail later being accused of murder. Illinois Governor J B Pritzker countered saying the state does not obstruct…

   

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker. In a statement of material facts for its motion for summary judgment against Illinois's migrant sanctuary laws, the U.S. Department of Justice says the federal government has exclusive authority over immigration laws and enforcement. 

 

(Springfield–jc)  State leaders are talking, again, about a death tax. Dean Abbott has more…

 

(Rantoul–dm)-The Rantoul Exchange Club is sponsoring their Memorial Day Flag Garden again this year. Rantoul Exchange Club Spokesperson Janet Brotherton has more information.

Rantoul Exchange Club Spokesperson Janet Brotherton,  The flag garden will be located at the rocket at Rt. 45 and Boreman in Rantoul.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  An open house to honor current Rantoul Mayor Charles Smith is set for May First. Village officials say the open house is May First from 3pm to 6pm at the village hall on Tanner Street in the village. Smith has served the village in many roles for several decades, including being Mayor.

 

 

(Illinois–jc)  –  Operation Lifesaver, in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration, announced Thursday more than $219,000 in competitive rail safety awareness grants to Operation Lifesaver programs in 11 states, including Illinois.

The grants will fund a variety of crossing safety and trespass prevention public education projects aimed at growing awareness and encouraging safe behaviors around railroad and transit tracks. In Illinois, Operation Lifesaver plans to enhance rail safety awareness by partnering with minor league baseball teams to engage families in community discussions.

 

(Bloomington–jc)  Transgenders competing in I-H-S-A Sports. State lawmakers want to know more. WPXN”s Joel Cluver has the story…

 

(Bloomington–jc) The  Illinois State Police  Division of Criminal Investigation Task Force 6 led a human trafficking investigation that resulted in the recovery of a person who had been trafficked. On Wednesday, the Normal Police Department  received a call for service from a local massage spa. Officers encountered a person seeking assistance who identified themself as a victim of human trafficking, and the officers notified State Police. Officers arrived and executed a search warrant at the business. ISP also assisted the victim in getting essential services to help them with their recovery.

(The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says drivers need to change their mindset to avoid distractions. Giannoulias says “distracted driving is the “drunk driving”  of  our time…

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

Giannoulias announced the One Road, One Focus public safety campaign earlier this week.

 

(Loda–dm)-The Loda Sportsman’s Club will be sponsoring a fishing derby on May 10th.  Loda Sportsman Club President Chad Riggleman has more information.

 

 

Loda Sportsman Club President Chad Riggleman

 

(Gilman–jc)  –Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is The Gathering in Gilman. The gift store is located along route 45 in the city. Tomorrow starts their “Junk in the Trunk” events for the year. The Gathering’s Cathy Perzee says Saturday is the first “junk in the trunk”...

She talks about the history of Junk in the trunk”...

The Gathering of Gilman’s Cathy Perzee. The store offers everything from boutique items to candles, flowers, coffees, plus a cafe and fudge too. The Gathering route 45 in Gilman is the WPXN Business of the Day, today

 

WPXN News notes…

Buckley town garage sales are today and tomorrow

 

Paxton Buckley Loda Music Department presents the musical…The Newsies tonight and Saturday night at 7pm and a matinee on Sunday at 2pm. Tickets for the show are only 8 dollars

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their pork chop sandwich dinner tonight from 5-7pm. Cost is $8 and includes a sandwich and a side.

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host Neon Rodeo, a tribute to 90s country tonight at 8pm. Cost is $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

 

Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the PBL Class of 2029 on Saturday April 26th from 10-2.