(Chicago–jc) – The state of Illinois now has a full month to respond to plaintiffs suing the state over the gun and magazine ban. Plaintiffs groups filed their briefs earlier this month in the appeals court supporting the district court’s finding the law violated the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.The appeals court granted the state a delay to respond by July 28.
(Eureka–jc) A Eureka chiropractor was sentenced to 20 months in prison for defrauding Medicare. Federal prosecutors for the Central District of Illinois announced the sentence for 48-year-old Carrie Musselman following her convictions on fraud charges for false claims of services performed on patients. She’s been ordered to repay $2.3 million.
(Springfield–jc0 Fireworks displays in Illinois must have the required state licenses and certifications before the Independence Day celebrations July 4.
The Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources put that reminder out ahead of the holiday. Anyone violating the law could face a Class 3 felony, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
(Urbana–jc) – Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer has released the names of three individuals involved in a motor vehicle crash on Tuesday afternoon near Ludlow in northern Champaign County. In updating our story from Tuesday and Wednesday, deceased at the scene was the driver of a pickup truck, 62 year old Scott A. Meuser, from Paxton, and the driver of a passenger car, 56 year old Joyce R. Surratt,from Paxton. 30 year old Kelsey J. Greider, from Ludlow, was transported to Carle Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Autopsies have been scheduled for this week. The fatal crash remains under investigation by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office this morning.
(Springfield–jc) –Members of the Illinois House and Senate Republican caucuses have asked Governor J-B Pritzker to veto controversial Senate Bill 328 and have also filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County court to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule. Dean Abbott reports…
(Danville–jc)-- Danville Area Community College’s board of trustees will look at charter bus bids and liability insurance when they meet this afternoon in Danville. Parking lot repairs and flood damage repair are also topics for the board. The Danville Area Community College’s Board of Trustees meeting is set for 5-30 Thursday afternoon on campus in Danville.
(Melvin-bp) The Ford County Fair continues this week at the grounds in Melvin and the summer heat is also present this week. Paxton 4-H participant at the Ford County Fair, Shelby Luebchow, talks about how to keep her rabbits, cool, at the fair in Melvin with the ninety degree plus weather …
Paxton 4-H Ford County Fair Participant Shelby Luebchow
One of Shelby’s rabbits was the best overall at this year’s Ford County Fair.
(Savannah–jc)-- Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has announced that she will seek reelection in 2026. The Savanna Republican has served at the Statehouse since 2017. She became House minority leader in 2023.
(Undated–jc) The 4th of July brings summer heat, summer fun, picnics, community events and more. There is also a need for fireworks safety. WPXN’s Brayden Perzee reports…
(The Center Square) – Illinois consumers will start paying higher taxes on a variety of items next week, and they may also foot the bill for corporate tax changes.
On July 1, the state will raise taxes on short-term rentals, sports wagering, telecommunications, tobacco and vaping products. Illinois will lower tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases. New tax rules will impact businesses in the current tax year. Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois President Maurice Scholten said corporations will receive a lower deduction for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income.
(Illinois–jc) Dry conditions in the area and state have caused some concern for “dust storms.” One such storm was a contributing factor in a multiple car accident in the state. WPXN’s Brayden Perzee looks at the subject…
(The Center Square) – The latest data on Illinois’ population trends shows the state losing more people 18 and under at a faster rate than any other state. That spells trouble ahead according to one analyst. Illinois’ population is growing older with fewer working age people than before, according to the latest U.S. Census data released Thursday. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker told members of Congress earlier this month the state is growing. While the state did see a gain of nearly 68,000 people from 2023 to 2024, Illinois has lost nearly 89,000 people since 2020. Data released Thursday also show there are fewer people under 18 with the 65 and older population growing. Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski said that spells trouble for Illinois.
(Melvin-bp) The newly Selected 2025 Miss Ford County Fair Queen Charlie Ulrich of Paxton is now busy at this year’s fair. Ulrich expresses her feelings about being crown queen earlier this week,,..
2025 Miss Ford County Fair Queen Charlie Ulrich
Ulrich will be helping at the I T P A Tractor Pull today and also introduce National Country Music Star Gretchen Wilson tomorrow night at the fair in Melwin
CHICAGO – Last Friday, the Illinois Housing Development Authority Board approved a resolution objecting to any decrease in funding for rental assistance in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development fiscal year 2026 budget that would also impact housing development in Illinois and across the nation. The resolution affirms the critical importance of HUD-funded programs to Illinois residents, particularly low- and extremely low-income households, and highlights the devastating impact the proposed reductions would have on housing stability, community development, and the state’s broader economy. In Illinois, nearly 400,000 households receive rental housing assistance from the federal government. Community Development Block Grants could also be affected
WPXN News notes…
Today at the Ford County Fair in Melvin…an Illiana Truck and Tractor Pull at 6pm. On Friday its the, Gretchen Wilson concert at 7:30. Saturday the annual Demolition Derby at 6:30.
Jeremiah 33:6 will be holding a free produce pantry and health fair on Friday, June 27th from 3-5 pm at the Roberts Village Gym.
The 2025 Rankin Celebration will take place Friday, June 27th and Saturday, June 28th. On Friday night its the tractor pulls at 6pm. Saturday it kicks off at 8 am with the 5k run walk, church service at 10 am, vendors 11-8, kids games 12:30-1:30, car show 1-4, bags tournament at 1, cake walk 1:30, live music 2-8, kids water ball competition 2:30, petting zoo at 4 and fireworks at dusk.
The annual Sibley Burr Oaks Area Tractor Drive will be held Sunday, June 29, in memory of cancer survivors, loved ones and veterans, with proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society. Registration runs from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Down by the Lake Bar in Sibley. To pre-register or buy advance tickets, people can call Russ Tjarks at 217-249-2377.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Tuesday, July 1st 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.
Fisher will hold their 4th of July celebration on Thursday, July 3rd with food trucks from 5-8 pm, live music by Tony Lindsey and the Smoke Wagon from 6-8 and fireworks at dusk.
