(Emington-jm) – State Representative Jason R. Bunting says the challenges facing the Illinois Legislature are greater than ever and he is asking voters in the 106th District to send him back to Springfield to continue to fight for the common-sense reforms Illinois desperately needs. Bunting announced Wednesday he's seeking re-election to another term as a voice for the 106th legislative district.
(Chicago-jm) – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Wednesday that she will not seek a fourth term in office. Mendoza made the announcement at a press conference held at a Little Village restaurant in Chicago. Mendoza, who was the first woman to serve as Chicago city clerk, held that position under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. She later won a special election to replace former Illinois Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka.
(Crescent City–jc) – The 53rd Annual Iroquois County Agricultural and 4-H Club Fair Talent Show was held on the fairgrounds stage. This year’s event featured a wide range of talented youth from across the county.
Junior Division Winners:
1st Place – Kolbee Shoufler, performing I Know Things Now from Into the Woods
2nd Place – Rhythm Rebels (Priya Kidwell & Avery Schroeder), dancing to a Janet Jackson mashup
3rd Place – Jude Meyer, performing Take Me Home, Country Roads on piano
Senior Division Winners:
1st Place – Isa Pina, singing She Used to Be Mine
2nd Place – Abby Tindle, singing The Truth
3rd Place – Paige Miller, singing Waiting on a Wish
(Iroquois County-jm) – Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver has announced a purge of voter registration files, as required by state law, have been mailed out. All registered voters will receive a new voter registration card by mail. It is important that voters review their new voter registration card for accuracy. If you feel you are a registered voter and have not received a card by July 31 st , or if you have any questions, please call the County Clerk’s office at: (815) 432-6960.
(Springfield–jc) –Instead of another term as the Illinois Comptroller, Susana Mendoza announced she will be exploring what’s next for her career.
Speculation was she would be vying for Chicago mayor in the city's 2027 municipal elections, but Wednesday morning she said “stay tuned.” Mendoza said her career so far shows she’s focused on transparency to build trust in government.
The announcement opens up the comptroller’s office race for 2026
(Paxton–jc) A blood drive is set for Paxton today at the First Lutheran Church. Impact Life Paxton Blood Drive Spokesperson Kevin Hanson has the details…
Impact Life Paxton Blood Drive Spokesperson Kevin Hanson. He says that they are still in need of 7 donors. Walk-ins are welcome.
(Crescent City–jc) The 20-25 Iroquois county fair continues today. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has today’s activities…
(Undated-jm) – Several nursing homes around the state received fines from the Illinois Department of Public Health including a few in the WPXN listening area. Accolade of Savoy was fined nearly $15,000 for failing to monitor the weight of three residents resulting in significant weight loss and failing to monitor a dialysis catheter resulting in an infection. Watseka Rehab and Health Center was fined $2,200 for failing to use proper equipment to move a resident resulting in a broken leg and failing to report the incident to the state. Country Health in Gifford was fined $14,000 for failing to contain nursing licenses of a registered nurse and a licensed practical nurse in their personnel files and background checks on those employees were not conducted. In addition, they allegedly failed to provide skin interventions to two residents resulting in pressure ulcers and wounds and allegedly failed to monitor a resident with difficulty swallowing after administering oral medication. Gilman Healthcare was fined $25,000 for failing to monitor a cognitively impaired resident using an electric assisted standing recliner resulting in the resident falling and fracturing a bone in their head.
(Washington, D.C.,) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers program. This pandemic-era, Biden program was created using one-time, temporary funding from Congress. The Department is terminating this program that should not have been established in this manner in the first place, but are doing so in a way to honor commitments made to farmers. She says the USDA will honor existing commitments for over 450 grants to farmers and food businesses to ensure planning decisions on the farm can continue as normal, however stakeholders should not plan on this program continuing. Any remaining funds will be repurposed to better support American agriculture.
(Bloomington-jm) – An Illinois Senate Democrat is renewing his calls for insurance reform following State Farm's announcement of a 27% increase for homeowner insurance premiums. Senator Michael Hastings told WAND News he is determined to pass a plan to help consumers as soon as possible. Hastings believes Illinois should require insurance companies to get prior approval for significant rate hikes and make their methodology transparent. He also said the state should cap any rate increases at 15% per year or require extensive notice for families to plan for hikes. Senate Bill 268 would ban insurers from passing the costs of out-of-state disasters like hurricanes and wildfires onto Illinois customers without proper justification. Yet, the University of Illinois Office of Risk Management and Insurance Research told WAND News in April that Illinois should examine unintended consequences states like California and Washington faced after implementing similar policies. The proposal could be discussed during the veto session in October.
(Washington–jm) –The USDA forecasts a record of corn exports for our nation in the 2024-25 season. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski explains the reasons.
World Ag Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski
CHAMPAIGN – Two Champaign teenagers have been arrested for their role in a July 15th shooting incident that left a 14-year-old injured. Champaign Police were dispatched Tuesday afternoon just after 5, to the 1100 block of North. Third Street for a report of a shooting with injuries. On-scene, officers located a 14-year-old male victim with multiple potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds.. The victim is in stable condition this morning. The initial investigation indicated that the victim was in the outdoor common area of the apartment complex when multiple subjects approached the victim and opened fire. The victim was struck multiple times by gunfire before the offenders fled the area. A scene was located with evidence of gunfire, including multiple shell casings and damage to a building. Two subjects were arrested , including a 15-year-old male and a 16-year-old male, both from Champaign. Two firearms were recovered during the investigation.
Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-351-4545.
(Kankakee-dg)-Clove Alliance is proud to announce a one-day interactive presentation titled “Amplifying Voices: Empowering Survivors with Disabilities,” focused on supporting survivors of sexual violence with disabilities.
This event, tailored for community professionals, will take place from 8:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Aug. 8 at Kankakee Community College (KCC). This interactive presentation will outline best practices for supporting people with disabilities who are survivors of sexual assault.
(Undated-jm) – In an effort to equip older adults with the tools and knowledge needed to outsmart today’s most deceptive fraud tactics, State Senator Paul Faraci is taking action to protect seniors from the rising threat of scams and identify theft with two upcoming fraud prevention seminars in the 52nd District. Both occurring on Friday, July 18 at CRIS Healthy Aging locations, the Vermilion County event will be at 10:30 a.m. at 309 N. Franklin St. in Danville. In Champaign County, it will take place at 4116 Fieldstone Rd. in Champaign at 1 p.m. Attendees will learn how to protect themselves, friends and family from scam artists, fraudulent businesses, identity theft and phone spoofing. Faraci will also discuss how to check credit reports and file a consumer fraud complaint. Seating will be limited, so interested individuals should make a reservation for either location by calling 217-443-2999.
Chicago – The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding residents that when purchasing a vehicle from another state, sales or use tax is generally due where the vehicle will be registered and used, not necessarily where it was purchased.
This issue often arises when Illinois residents buy vehicles from out-of-state dealerships that mistakenly charge their own state’s sales tax, instead of properly documenting the exemption commonly available for non-resident buyers. As a result, Illinois taxpayers may find themselves having paid tax to another state and still legally responsible for paying vehicle use tax in Illinois.
(Gurnee–jc) –Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is reactivating its chaperone policy.Starting Thursday, July 17, all guests under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult chaperone who is at least 21 years old.No injuries were reported after police found evidence of a shooting in the Great America parking lot last week.
(Paxton–jc) The Ford County Budget Committee is meeting this morning in Paxton. The focus is the 20-26 budget for the county. The meeting comes to order at 9 this morning in the sheriff’s boardroom.
WPXN News Notes…
The 2025 Iroquois County Fair continues today with fun carvings by Brad Larson from 10-8, 2 for the price of 1 amusement ride and the demo derby at 7:30.
Impact Life will hold a blood drive this afternoon 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.
