(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Democrats are criticizing proposed cuts to Medicaid. Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joined Senator Tammy Duckworth to criticize a Republican proposal they say would impact thousands of people in Illinois…
Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. Republicans argue the cuts are meant to curb waste, fraud and abuse.
(Springfield-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have increased by 5.3 cents per gallon over the past week, reaching an average of $3.46 per gallon, according to a survey conducted by GasBuddy across 4,378 stations in the state. Prices in Illinois are now 9.6 cents per gallon higher than they were a month ago. However, they remain 36.1 cents per gallon lower compared to the same time last year. The national average price of diesel has also seen an uptick, rising 2.7 cents in the last week to $3.676 per gallon.
(The Center Square) – The countdown is on for who Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker thinks should be his lieutenant governor because the job of governor “may come” to them. If Pritzker wins a third term in November 2026, he’d be in office ahead of the 2028 presidential election cycle. Speculation continues that he’ll seek the presidency then. If he were to run for president and win, the lieutenant governor would take over as Illinois governor. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won’t be joining Pritzker for a potential third term. She is seeking the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin, who announced he’s not running again. At an unrelated event in Chicago Monday, Pritzker was asked about the diversity of the lieutenant governor candidate, whoever it may be, and if it’s a priority.
Illinois Gov JB Pritzker
(Fairbury-jm) – 30-year-old Tyler Webb of Fairbury could be sentenced to 180 years in prison. He'll be sentenced in August after a Livington County jury convicted him last week of 3-counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault. The jury reached its verdict after 40 minutes of deliberation. The Fairbury Police Department reported Webb sexually assaulted a 10-year-old female three separate times between October of 2023 and January of 2024 at an apartment complex in Fairbury. The Livingston County State’s Attorney’s Office said the victim was Webbs biological daughter, who shared her story in the presence of the jury. Webb was arrested by the Fairbury Police Department on January 30th, 2024. Webb remains jailed in the Livingston County Detention Center. He faces from 18 to 180 years in prison. He will be sentenced in August by Judge Jennifer Bauknecht in Livingston County.
(Washington–jc) The June Acreage report shows there are still some areas that need to be planted. U S D A Chief Economist Seth Meyer looks at areas for soybeans and corn…
U S D A Chief Economist Seth Meyer
(Champaign County-jm) – A five-year wait for new public transportation vehicles is nearly over in Champaign County. In 2020, the Champaign County Area Rural Transit System was awarded 11 new vehicles to completely expand and replace their existing collection. But, due to supply chain issues, it took longer than expected for the vehicles to arrive. Now 7 new vehicles are ready to take to the streets.
(Iroquois County–dm)-If you own Property in Iroquois County, the first installment on your property tax bill is due Monday July 7th. Iroquois County Treasurer Kurt Albers has more information.
Iroquois County Treasurer Kurt Albers
(Illinois–dm)- Because of a new tax from the democrat majority, starting today, Illinois’ gas tax will rise to 48.3 cents per gallon. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, the tax hike will cost drivers an average of 143 dollars each year. Combined with federal and local fuel taxes, the average tax per gallon in Illinois could be as high as 85 cents.
(Paxton–dm)-This year’s 4th of July celebration in Paxton has a lot of your favorite activities going on. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper tells us about a new activity going on this year.
Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper
(The Center Square) – Starting Today, Illinois taxpayers will be funding the largest budget in state history. The $55.2 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2026 includes higher taxes on telecommunications, tobacco products, sports wagering and long-term rentals, along with corporate income tax rule changes which are expected to bring in more tax revenue from businesses. The budget legislation signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 16 .
(Springfield-jm) – A new law could make it easier for high school students to go to college in Illinois. The Direct Admissions Program requires most state schools to automatically make admission offers to Illinois high schoolers based on their GPA starting in 2027. Capitol News Illinois reports the program allows high school juniors to sign up and give their information to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The agency then notifies students which schools they qualify for. Senator Chris Belt says getting rid of applications and fees takes away a student’s anxiety from not knowing if they’ll be accepted to a school…
57th District State Senator Chris Belt. Community college students can also sign up to transfer to a four year university. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Illinois Chicago are not part of the program.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging Illinoisans to celebrate July 4th safely by following proven safety guidance so as not to spoil the fun. Follow food handling safety tips to protect friends and family from foodborne illnesses. Avoid sunburn and heat stroke by using sunscreen and proper summer attire. Protect yourself from disease carrying pests like mosquitos and ticks. And leave the fireworks to professionals. This summer, IDPH is joining the Illinois State Fire Marshal in pointing to a 44% spike in fireworks-related injuries reported to Illinois hospitals. In 2023, 108 fireworks injuries were logged at 34 hospitals; last year, 156 injuries, including one fatality, were recorded by 45 hospitals.
(Rantoul–jc) – The landscape along Route 136, Champaign Avenue, in Rantoul continues to change. Several new businesses have popped up near the Rantoul Sports Complex on the village's west side near Interstate 57. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says the Culvers restaurant is open, and Busey continues to build in that area of the village…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Crescent City–jc) Village of Crescent City officials have issued a boil order for the entire town. The boil order is in effect until further notice.
(Gibson City–dm)-For 8 years the Gibson City American Legion Riders has been sponsoring a motorcycle hometown hero’s rides to raise funds for veterans and first responders. American Legion Riders President Wayne Link tells us about an upcoming ride.
Gibson City American Legion Riders President Wayne Link
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect involved in a robbery at the Wild Side Smoke Shop. The incident occurred on June 3, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m. at the store located at 604 South Neil Street. According to police, the suspect entered the shop and initially asked to purchase a lighter. He then reached over the counter, grabbing cash from the register drawer and from the employee's hand before fleeing the scene. Authorities have released a description of the suspect, who was captured on video. He is described as a Black male, approximately 50 to 60 years old, with a gray beard and longer gray braids. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a black beanie cap, black shirt, blue jeans, and white shoes.
(Washington–jc) Food safety is a key for 4th of July cookouts to summer grilling and beyond. U S D A Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers has some suggestions…
U S D A Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers. The national food safety line is 1-8-8-8-M-P-Hotline
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton business community lost two popular businessmen.
87 year old Raymond Jennings passed away on Saturday. Jennings operated several businesses in the city including Jenning’s AutoBody and Jennings Collision Center. Jennings was also an avid fisherman and member of the Loda Sportsman’s Club. The Paxton community also lost Jim Fox over the weekend. Fox was operator of Fox Transport Company for decades in the city. Fox was a Paxton High School Sports standout and also played and helped with the Paxton Swedes E I Baseball team. Both men will be missed by family and community.
(Gilman–dm)- We’ve had plenty of rain and heat this summer and Ford Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Kaci Claire has the latest crop conditions for our area.
Ford Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Kaci Clair
WPXN News Notes…
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.
Rantoul will do their fireworks on Thursday, July 3rd at 9pm with their parade at 10 am on Friday, July 4th.
Paxton’s Old Fashioned 4th of July will take place on Friday, July 4th at Pells Park in Paxton. Activities include 5k at 8 am, community worship service at 9:45, car show 10-2, antique tractor show 11 am, bingo 11-1, kids games and zone 11:30–3, live music with Jake and Mikayla from 12-2, penny scavenger hunt 1-2. Vendors open at Bixby Park from 6-9 pm, golf cart parade at 8:15 with fireworks at 9.
Sibley will host their 4th of July celebration on Friday, July 4th with a fishing derby at 9 am, petting zoo from 10-noon, parade at noon, climbing wall from 2-4, bingo from 3-5, kids games and inflatables from 4-7, live music at 6 and fireworks at dusk.
The Onarga Chamber of Commerce Independence Celebration will take place Friday, July 4th with food and live music starting at 5pm. Then Saturday, July 5th it kicks off with the parade at 11am, tractor pulls at noon, live music 12:30-6, car show 1-3, inflatables 1-4, bingo 2-4, kiddie tractor pull at 3 and fireworks at dusk.
