(Normal–jc)  –Classes will be in session today at Illinois State University in Normal after a report of shots fired last night on campus. Illinois State University police received reports of shots fired during a registered student organization event at the Bone Student Center on campus around 7-40 last night. The shots were fired during a fight in the entryway outside of the event. There is one reported victim, who is not an Illinois State student.  This incident remains an active investigation with police searching for the suspect, who is described as a slender Black male, approximately 5 ft. 10 in., with black, afro-style hair, wearing all black clothing. He was last seen running south from the Bone Student Center. The Bone Center will remain closed today Illinois State University Police Department continues to investigate with assistance from  several other departments. Counseling services are currently available to students, faculty, and staff.

 

(Springfield–jc0  Illinois House Republican lawmakers gathered in the Capitol last week to present legislation protecting women’s sports. In light of a recent Executive Order handed down by President Trump, which prohibits biological men from competing against biological women in sports, House Republicans have continued to work to protect women and have filed legislation to provide those needed protections. Reaction from 88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur…

 

88Th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur 

Last month, House Republican lawmakers sent a letter to the Illinois High School Sports Association to ask for clarification on how current policies will be amended to align with the Executive Order. Instead of action, the IHSA chose to deflect responsibility. That lack of direction has spurred further response from lawmakers. Some in the Illinois House are backing  House Bill 1117, which would require school sports teams to be designated as male, female, or co-ed, with students only being able to participate on teams that match their biological sex

 

(Piper City-jm) – Piper City firefighters were called to a two vehicle accident Friday afternoon. It happened on Route 24 near 1350 East just before 4pm. No injuries were reported.

 

(Champaign–jc) The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a multi-family apartment building in the 1500 block of Kiler Dr. on Friday afternoon  Fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire.    Firefighters responded to a report from an occupant of a fire in this three-story apartment building.  Once on the scene, crews went inside to investigate.  The cause of this fire is accidental .      

              

(The Center Square) – With Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin not seeking another term, Illinois voters will have a chance to pick a new member of Congress next year.  Durbin, D-Springfield, announced through social media that he wasn’t running again Wednesday. Around an hour after, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he’s not ready to endorse anyone.  Thursday morning, Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, announced she is running for Durbin’s seat.

   

Illinois Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton.  Outside his home in Springfield Thursday, Durbin said he isn’t endorsing anyone, but has had conversations

   

US Senator Dick Durbin,  More names are expected to surface among Democrats and Republicans. The primary election is March 17, 2026.

 

(Rantoul–dm)-The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County held their Spring Fling last week. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says the event was very successful….

   

Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford

 

 

 

(The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator says Illinois’ property taxes, which are second-highest in the nation, impact businesses much more than the uncertainty of tariffs.  A House Joint Revenue and Finance and International Relations, Tourism, and Trade Committee Hearing Thursday in Springfield delved into the impacts Trump administration tariffs could have on the state’s businesses. Illinois Retail Merchants Association’s Rob Karr said retailers are at the end of the line for increased costs.

Illinois Retail Merchants Association’s Rob Karr

State Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, noted Illinois has the second highest property taxes in the nation.

State Rep Joe Sosnowski R-Rockford

 

(Springfield–)  –Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker has been contacted by the U.S. Department of Labor to remind him that unemployment benefits are not a handout for those in the country illegally. The letter was sent to all 50 governors in the U.S.

Citing the executive order “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders,” the letter said it is critical that officials ensure American taxpayer dollars do not go toward encouraging or rewarding illegal immigration to the United States.

 

(The Center Square) – With instances of squatting sharply on the rise across the state, an Illinois lawmaker is sponsoring a bill that would give more protections to home owners from squatters. State Representative. La Shawn Ford, Democrat fromChicago, introduced a bill that would give law enforcement the power to remove trespassers from properties where the owner is able to establish legal ownership. The measure has already passed in the Illinois Senate.

 

(Paxton–jc)  City of Paxton leaders celebrated Earth Day on Friday with the planting of two trees in honor of two area residents that passed away. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says to participate in the planting of trees is a tradition in Paxton…
          

Paton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Springfield–jc)  –The Illinois Gaming Board has adopted proposed new rules, including a prohibition on the use of credit cards to fund sports wagering accounts. 

Six other states, including Massachusetts, Iowa and Tennessee, have enacted prohibitions on credit card use in sports wagering or reversed regulations that previously allowed it. At the 5-year mark of sports wagering in Illinois, officials said they are reviewing current sports waging practices and rules to measure effectiveness and identify potential areas for adjustment.

 

(Emmington–jc)  106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington says ag families continue to be affected with the “death tax.” Bunting has an update from earlier this week…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington

 

 

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Houston Plumbing Heating and Cooling of Paxton and Gibson City. The local business has a long history of serving residents in the area. Houston’s Samantha McClellan gives a history of Houston Plumbing Heating and Cooling…

Shw says now is the time to get your air conditioning checked…

 

Houston Plumbing Heating and Cooling of Paxton and Gibson City Employee Samantha McClellan. They are a Factory Authorized and President's Award winning Carrier Dealer. Houston Plumbing Heating and Cooling of Paxton and Gibson City., the WPXN Business of the day, today. 

 

WPXN News notes

Eric Gordon will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday, May 3rd at 7 pm. Food will be available starting at 5:30 pm.

 

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Tuesday, May 6th from 9-930 at the St. Joseph library, 10-10:30 at the old high school ballpark in Ogden, 11-11:30 at the Homer post office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney community building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village office and from 2:30-3pm at The Oaks at Tolono.

 

The Community Service Center in Rantoul will host a Resource Fair on Thursday, May 8th from noon-4pm.

 

The Gibson City Lions Club will hold their puzzle night fundraiser on Friday, May 9th at Countryside Campground. Dinner begins at 6 with puzzles at 7. Cost is $100 for teams of 4.