(Undated-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have increased by 6.8 cents per gallon over the past week, reaching an average of $3.45 per gallon, according to a survey conducted by GasBuddy across 4,378 stations in the state. Despite the recent rise, prices are only 2.7 cents higher than a month ago and remain 37.5 cents lower than the same time last year. GasBuddy's price reports revealed a significant price range within the state, with the cheapest station priced at $2.88 per gallon and the most expensive at $4.79 per gallon, marking a difference of $1.91 per gallon.

 

(Washington–jc)  –The adjustments to the export forecasts for corn and soybeans is good for farmers.  U-S-D-A Chief Economist Seth Meyer has the numbers…

   

U-S-D-A Chief Economist Seth Meyer

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect involved in a burglary to a motor vehicle, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and criminal damage. The incident occurred on June 20 at approximately 2:45 a.m. A male suspect was caught breaking into a vehicle by its owner in the 500 block of Westlawn Avenue in Champaign. When confronted, the suspect fled but turned and began shooting at the victim. Although there was property damage to two homes, no injuries were reported. Police described the suspect as a taller, thin Black male wearing all dark clothing.

 

(The Center Square) – While Illinois Democrats say hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans are going to lose health insurance and rural hospitals are going to close, Republicans say that’s not true. President Donald Trump’s one big beautiful bill has been criticized by Democrats like Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who claims “people will die.”

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker

 

(Chicago–jc)  –Former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker has been sentenced to 1.5 years in federal prison and ordered to pay a $500,000 fine for his role in a scheme to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Hooker and three others were convicted of conspiracy, bribery and falsifying records in May of 2023. The remaining ComEd Four defendants are scheduled to be sentenced over the next few weeks.

 

(Washington-jm) – Two Central Illinois hospitals are one step closer to receiving federal funding, aimed at improving their facilities and the services they offer community members.  U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth announced that a bill has advanced in the Senate Appropriations Committee. It would see additional funding for several hospitals — including two in Central Illinois, along with money for agriculture projects, rural development, and the FDA in fiscal year 2026. Durbin said the Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA funding bill includes the following requests: $645,000 to the Iroquois Memorial Hospital and Resident Home. The money would be used to update the aged and outdated facilities, including the HVAC systems and flooring. $110,000 to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon. The money would go towards expanding rural telehealth efforts to include teledentistry with an emphasis on underserved children.

 

(Crescent City–dm)-  The Iroquois County Fair gets under way Today at the Iroquois County Fairgrounds located one mile north of Crescent City on route 49.  Competitive Exhibits Coordinator Deb Krones tells us about  Wednesday’s activities.

 

Iroquois County Fair Spokesperson Deb Krones

 

(The Center Square) – A new Truth in Accounting report pegs Illinois as being dead last among all 50 states when it comes to financial transparency.The Transparency Score Report assesses each state based on such criteria as audit quality, clarity of retirement liabilities and how clearly finances are presented free of distortion. Researchers found Illinois’ standing is further hampered by its delay in publishing its fiscal year 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports, which offers the most accurate view of a state’s financial outlook. While no states received a top score of 100 for most transparent financial reporting, Weinberg said it’s easy to see why Illinois lands where it does in the study. The state’s 2022 report also came with a disclaimer of opinion, meaning auditors were unable to provide assurance that the financial statements were free of material misstatement.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could require trauma-informed response training for law enforcement handling sexual assault cases. This plan would require the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board to teach police officers how to identify conflicts of interest and options to address those conflicts when officers know a sexual assault victim or the abuser. Senator Mary Edly-Allen said law enforcement must use the utmost care when survivors come forward to report their abuse. She filed the legislation after hearing about a negative experience a constituent went through.

 

(Illinois–dm)  –While Illinois Democrats say hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans are going to lose insurance, and rural hospitals are going to close. Christian Maxwell, a Republican running for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District, said Democrats are fearmongering and rural hospitals will get support in the federal legislation.

            

 

Republican candidate for congress Christian Maxwell

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign woman was sentenced to three years in prison after she pleaded guilty to a pair of charges in a shooting incident earlier this year. Court records show that Reyanna Dodd, 22, reached a plea deal with prosecutors last month. She pleaded guilty to a felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon and a misdemeanor count of reckless discharge of a firearm. The count of reckless discharge was added to her case once the plea deal was reached, records show. The unlawful possession count was an original charge she faced since the beginning of her case. Four other original charges — two each of attempted murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm — were dismissed as part of the plea deal.

 

(Crescent city–jc)  – The 20-25 Miss Iroquois County Fair Queen pageant is set for Crescent City on Tuesday. WPXN”s Joel Cluver has the details…

WPXN’s Becky Puetz will have more with the pageant winner on Wednesday morning. 

 

(The Center Square) – A new Truth in Accounting report pegs Illinois as being dead last among all 50 states when it comes to financial transparency. The Transparency Score Report assesses each state based on such criteria as audit quality, clarity of retirement liabilities and how clearly finances are presented free of distortion. Researchers found Illinois’ standing is further hampered by its delay in publishing its fiscal year 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports, which offers the most accurate view of a state’s financial outlook.

 

Champaign County, Illinois – The Champaign County Board and the Scott M. Bennett Dedication Committee invite the public to attend the building dedication celebration on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, in memory of the late state Senator Scott M. Bennett.Senator Bennett served his community with an uncommon blend of humility, passion, and tireless dedication. A proud native of Gibson City and longtime resident of Champaign County, he championed causes that profoundly improved the lives of everyday Illinoisans. From expanding mental health services and advocating for early childhood education to fighting for clean water in Mahomet and promoting environmental protections, his work was grounded in a deep concern for community well-being. He was instrumental in securing critical resources for local schools, advancing sustainable agriculture, and ensuring greater access to justice for vulnerable residents across the region.

 

(Buckley–dm)-Ardell “Goat” Goetting of Buckley, along with Thriviant Insurance is raising money to help the victims of the recent floods in Texas.  Ardell Getting tells us how you can make a monetary donation.

 

Goat’s Hardware store owner Ardell Goetting. Goat’s Hardware store is located at 104 S. Railroad Ave. You can also make a donation at the Buckley Bank under Goats special account.  Donations will be accepted until Monday July 21.

 

(Illinois–dm)-Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced more than $13 million in grants for 46 new electric school buses. The grants are funded by a multi-billion dollar Volkswagen settlement and will be distributed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The state EPA plans to add future funding from the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act Program.

 

WPXN News notes…

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.

 

Impact Life will hold a blood drive on Thursday, July 17th from 3-6 pm at the First Lutheran Church in Paxton. To sign up email Kevin Hanson at emtcoor at hotmail dot com.

 

The 2025 Champaign County Fair will take place July 18-26 at the fairgrounds in Urbana. On the 18th its the Pro Rodeo at 7. On the 19th its the demolition derby at 5. On the 20th its the draft horse pulls at noon and draft horse show at 4. On the 22nd its harness racing at 5. On the 23rd its the monster truck show at 7. On the 24th its motocross racing at 7. On the 25th its country music artist Travis Tritt at 7:30. On the 26th its the IPA tractor pulls at noon and the ITPA tractor pulls at 6pm.

 

Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting the LIA Bass Club on Saturday, July 19th from 10-2.