(Chicago–jc) Oral arguments are set for a case the U.S. Department of Justice has against the state of Illinois over how it implements the federal e-verify system for employment eligibility. A federal judge ordered an in-person hearing for Aug. 12 on a motion by the state to dismiss the case. A separate case the DOJ has against Illinois, Cook County and the city of Chicago over migrant sanctuary policies is pending.
(Champaign-Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man was arrested on Tuesday after reportedly firing a gun at another person during a road rage incident, fleeing from police during a traffic stop, and crashing the car. The Champaign Police Department responded to the intersection of Bloomington Road and N Prospect Avenue just before 3 p.m. after a road rage incident involving a gun was reported. Police said once on scene, they learned that a driver, later identified as James White, 65, of Urbana, pointed and fired a weapon at a victim in traffic. No one was hurt. Police worked to figure out which route White took after the incident, and soon found the vehicle at Green and First Street. White fled a traffic stop, and crashed at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Green Street in Urbana at 3:07 p.m. White and another person were both transported to the hospital from the scene of the crash. After being evaluated, White was arrested on charges including aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated driving under the influence, and aggravated fleeing and eluding.
(Illinois–jc) It’s July, it’s hot and its summer. July is Extreme Heat Safety Month. WPXN’s Brayden Perzee has some tips to keep cool …
(Champaign County-jm) – A tentative deal has been reached between the Champaign County Board Labor Committee and AFSCME Local 900.The agreement includes a 3 percent salary raise in fiscal 20-25 with a 3 thousand dollar bonus. There is also a 3 percent raise for fiscal year 20-26. Another part of the agreement is a 5 percent reduction in health insurance premiums. A final vote on the agreement awaits AFSCME Local 900 and the Champaign County Board
(Southside–jc) Seven individuals, aged between 22 and 44, are charged with federal drug and gun crimes after an investigation on the South Side of Chicago.
Federal prosecutors announced they seized 2,000 pounds of marijuana, around 81 firearms and over $700,000 in cash and jewelry. In addition to the federal charges, 15 individuals were charged in state court as a result of the investigation
(Springfield–jc) Another status hearing has been set for a challenge to a measure statehouse Republicans say will be bad for Illinois’ business climate. Republican leaders sued the Illinois House speaker and Senate president for alleged violations of the three readings rules on a bill opponents say will increase frivolous litigation in Illinois. The next status hearing is July 15 in Sangamon County. Democratic leaders are set to respond to a separate lawsuit challenging the budget on alleged three readings violations by July 14. A hearing in that case is set for later this month.
(Iroquois County-jm) – Through a partnership, the Iroquois County EMA is providing the community with an improved way to stay informed during emergencies. The partnership is with Regroup Mass Notification System to provide a new mass notification platform that better prepares Iroquois County residents in emergency situations. As a result, Iroquois County EMA is transitioning away from its HyperReach system. The new advanced platform is designed to deliver critical updates through outlets including text messages, emails or phone calls in a timely manner. The system will provide real-time alerts relating to everything from severe weather to emergency incidents to keep Iroquois County residents safe and up to date. This alert system is powered by Regroup’s notification platform. Iroquois County EMA is encouraging the whole community to sign up for the new platform.
(Fisher–jc) – Events at the 20-25 Fisher Community fair continue today through Saturday night. It’s kids games this morning with Drone racing at night. Fisher Fair President Todd Cotter talks about admission fees for the ITPA Tractor Pull, Jerod Nieman Concert on Friday at the Demo Derby on Saturday…
Fisher Fair President Todd Cotter
(Champaign–jc) Gun Violence will be the topic of a city of Champaign Committee on Thursday at 4pm. The city of Champaign is sponsoring the event and invite the public to offer solutions for gun violence in Champaign and Champaign County.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill to ban the use of forever chemicals in common household items has arrived on Governor JB Pritzker's desk. This plan could ban PFAS from being added to cosmetics, dental floss, children's items and toys, menstrual products and underwear, among other items. Lawmakers set a 2032 implementation date.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and Learfield Communications have announced a long-term first-of-its-kind partnership today. The reimagined partnership embeds Learfield's sponsorship and Learfield Impact N-I-L services and staff directly into the Illinois Athletics Department, combining them into a single, cohesive team. The combination of these services and the tight integration of resources will drive sponsorship revenue and grow N-I-L opportunities for student-athletes during a pivotal time in college athletics. This partnership extends Illinois Athletics' 12-year relationship with Learfield through a multi-year agreement.
(Paxton–jc) The Save the Pool Committee is disbanding for the Paxton Park District The group has been instrumental in helping raise funds to improve and keep the local pool open. The group also had some good news for the Paxton Park District at their meeting last night. They gave the Paxton Park District a check for the amounts they had left in their accounts. That total was just shy of 42 thousand dollars. Members of the Paxton Park District Board, and members of the community, thank the Save the Pool Committee for their efforts over the past several years.
(Springfield–jc) Legislation to control Pharmacy Benefit Managers was signed into law earlier this month. Reaction from local 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department reported an increase in sexual assaults following first-time meetups through dating apps. The police department notified the community of this troubling finding through a post on Facebook. And, they said it’s important for residents to make a safety plan to protect themselves. This includes: meeting in a public place, telling someone where you’re going and arranging your own transportation.
(Springfield–jc) – Illinois is ranked Number. 21 in being the most prepared state to win the race in artificial intelligence. Brainly released the study using metrics across all 50 states for share of use of AI, AI-related degrees and jobs per capita and more. Illinois ranked No. 9 for rate of AI-related degrees among young people.
(Penfield–jc) The 20-25 Historic Farm Days starts on Thursday at the grounds in Penfield. I and I Tractor Club Spokesperson Russ Buhr talks about this years feature equipment line in Olivers…
I and I Tractor Club Spokesperson Russ Buhr. WPXN will be broadcasting live on Thursday from noon til 2pm to help kick off the 4 day event.
CHAMPAIGN - The City of Champaign has launched a new website to showcase entertainment programming on the new Downtown Plaza stage. VisitDowntownChampaign.com is now the public’s go-to source for up-to-date information about events and activities happening at this vibrant public venue throughout the summer. As part of the City’s new summer programming, two weekly series have officially launched: They are Sound Bites – A lunchtime concert series held every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Rhythm & Roots – Live music hits the stage every Tuesday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. during the Champaign Farmers Market.
(Rantoul–jc) The budget will be the topic for the Rantoul Township High School board this week. The finance committee will meet on Thursday at 5pm in the boardroom at the high school.
(Clinton–jc) On your things to do this summer, a Honey presentation event is set for Sunday, August 3, at 1:30pm, at the C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum in Clinton. Amber Boring Rutledge of Wild Harvest Honey Farm will present Honey through the Ages. Those who attend this event will also have the opportunity to take part in a honey tasting.
(Paxton–jc) A blood drive is set for Paxton on Thursday July 17th at the First Lutheran Church. Impact Life Paxton Blood Drive Spokesperson Kevin Hanson has the details…
Impact Life Paxton Blood Drive Spokesperson Kevin Hanson
WPXN News notes…
The Fisher Community Fair Continues today with children’s day with games beginning at 9:30 am, ice cream social from 6:30-8, petting zoo from 6-9, $30 armbands from 6-10 and drone racing in the grandstands at 8:30. On the 10th, its amusement rides from 6-10 pm and the ITPA tractor pulls at 7. On the 11th, its $30 armbands from 6-10pm with country artist Jerrod Niemann performing at 7:30. On the 12th, its the 5k at 7:30 am, mutt show at 9 am, amusement rides 1-10 pm and the demo derby at 6.
The 2025 Historic Farm Days in Penfield will take place July 10-13th with the featured tractors of Oliver, Cockshutt and White. On the 10th, opening ceremonies begin at 9 am, tractor parade at 1pm and antique tractor pulls at 6pm. On the 11th, its tractor games at 10 am, tractor parade at 1pm and ITPA tractor pulls at 5pm. On the 12th, its tractor games at 10 am, tractor parade at 1pm, kiddie tractor pull at 2:30pm and IPA tractor pulls at 5. On the 13th, its the tractor drive at 9 am, church service at 9:30 am and tractor parade at 1pm.
The 2025 Kempton’s Day in the Park will take place on Saturday, July 12th with a tractor drive at 8 am, bounce house, lego show and vendor show at 10 am, kids water fight at noon, mechanical bull at 4pm, live music with Seasonal Disorder at 7 pm.
The Shop in the Park in Cissna Park will take place on Saturday, July 12th from 9-1. Activities include craft and vendors, live music and food.
The 2025 Iroquois County Fair will take place July 15th-20th. On July 15th, its the talent contest at 5pm, $2 amusement rides from 6pm until close and Queen and Little Miss Pageant at 7pm. On the 16th its fun carvings by Brad Larson from 10-8, armband night from 6-10 and the ITPA tractor pulls at 6. On the 17th its fun carvings by Brad Larson from 10-8, 2 for the price of 1 amusement rides and the demo derby at 7:30. On the 18th its the livestock sale at 1, 4-H style show at 4 and the T&A bucking bulls rodeo at 8. On the 19th its the tractor drive at 8 am, pedal tractor pull at 2 and country music artists Chris Cagle with Craig Campbell at 7pm. On the 20th, its the all faith church service at 9:30, tractor pulls and car show at noon and armband special from 1-5pm.
