(Chicago–jc) –Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has appealed his conviction on 10 counts of public corruption. Madigan’s defense attorneys filed the appeal notice Wednesday in federal court in Chicago. The longtime Chicago Democrat is scheduled to begin serving a 7.5 year prison term on October 13th.
The state of Illinois has settled with a company over allegations the firm misclassified workers through an online platform. The $600,000 settlement with Wonolo Inc. comes after Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office investigated misclassification of independent contractors paid a regular hourly rate without premiums for overtime hours worked.
(Springfield-jm) – A funding increase for a federal tax credit could lead to more affordable housing for Illinois renters. Capitol News Illinois reports the latest federal domestic policy plan expands funding for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. The credit helps developers build apartments and houses at a lower cost, which leads to lower rental prices. Illinois Housing Council’s Executive Director Allison Clements says the expansion is a big win…
Illinois Housing Council’s Executive Director Allison Clements. Housing advocates say Illinois lawmakers should establish a similar credit to allow more developers to build affordable housing.
(Urbana–jc) Today is 4-H day at the Champaign County fair at the fairgrounds on North Colar Avenue in Urbana.
8:15 am – 4-H Livestock Shows
10:00 am – Gates Open
1:00 pm-4:00 pm – Ride Booklets (Ages 3-12)
5:00 pm – Carnival Opens
7:00 pm - Motocross
7:30 pm – Big Guns, Beer Pavilion
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(Danville-jm) – Court records show that a Danville nursing facility is being sued after the 2024 death of a patient. The wrongful death suit filed in Vermilion County Circuit Court claims that staff members at Goldwater Care Danville failed to adequately respond when the patient aspirated while eating his lunch on Sept. 19, 2024. According to the complaint, staff members did not contact paramedics or other emergency services and were not able to find the on-site medical equipment that could help clear the patient's lungs in a timely manner. A nurse practitioner at the facility was also not contacted in a timely manner, the complaint alleges. When staff members did contact the nurse practitioner, they were able to find the equipment and use it on the patient—who died later that evening.
(Gilman–jc) The once every five years Gilman Old Boys and Girls Reunion is coming to the Iroquois County town in August. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…
(Springfield–jc) – A naturalization ceremony is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Illinois State Fair. The ceremony at the Orr Building on the fairgrounds in Springfield will feature 400 individuals from 72 different nations who have gone through the steps to embrace the rights and responsibilities of becoming a U.S. citizen.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker is facing backlash after he said Texas lawmakers are cheating by planning to redraw congressional districts to give Republicans more power. Illinois Republicans said Pritzker is flip-flopping on gerrymandering after he approved maps drawn by Democratic leaders in 2021. The governor frequently told voters during his first campaign that he strongly opposed gerrymandering and would veto any partisan map sent to his desk. However, Pritzker signed partisan maps into law, giving Democrats an even larger supermajority.
(Livingston County-jm) – Four Pontiac residents received prison time when they were sentenced by a judge in Livingston County Court. The four were part of a major Livingston County narcotics case. There were six people arrested for the sale of drugs in July of 2024. 25-year-old Jacob Mascolo was handed a 20 year prison term after pleading guilty to delivering Meth. 42-year-old Gina Cullota pleaded guilty to delivering a controlled substance and was sentenced to two years probation. 48-year-old Misty Spiker of Pontiac pleaded guilty to delivery of cocaine. She was sentenced to 10-years in prison. And 44-year-old Chad Steffens of Pontiac received a four year prison term for possession of a controlled substance and 3-counts of Theft. Two other defendants had their cases continued.
(Urbana-jm) – Researchers at the University of Illinois are studying plum curculio – a weevil that poses a serious concern for peach orchards across the state. Plum curculio lays its eggs inside fruit, and the larvae feed from the inside, causing significant damage. In early spring, the plum curculio emerges after the winter — a critical time to stop them before they lay eggs. Once the eggs are inside the fruit, the insecticide no longer work. Research previously suggested that plum curculio damage could be identified by a distinctive crescent-shaped scar on the fruit’s skin. However, now scientists believe that this is common in apples, but not as common in peaches.
(Washington–jc) Harvest of this year's U.S. winter wheat crop is nearly wrapped up in the nation's Southern half and picking up pace in the Northern tier. Rod Bain reports…
(Chicago–jc) An Electricity price spike isexpected and ComEd customers may face another steep price increase in 2026 and 2027. Grid operator PJM Interconnection announced the results of its base residual auction Tuesday and said some customers could see an increase of around 5 percent.The Citizens Utility Board says PJM’s latest capacity cost is about 22% higher than the price that was set last year for ComEd territory.
(Paxton–jc) The West Nile virus was found in a batch of mosquitoes in Ford County. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has an update of our story from yesterday…
WPXN news notes…
The Iroquois County Historical Society will host their 6th annual pork chop sandwich fundraiser on Friday, August 1st from 4-6 pm on the east side of the old courthouse museum. Cost is a freewill donation.
Paxton Main Street will hold their 1st Fridays Concert Series on Friday, August 1st at Veterans Square. Back in Time, a band performing your favorites from the 60s, 70s and 80s will perform.
St Malachy Catholic School in Rantoul will host their annual golf outing on Saturday, August 2nd starting at 8:30 am at Brookhill Golf Course in Rantoul. Cost is $80 per person.
The Bement Country Opry will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday, August 2nd at 7pm. Dinner will be served starting at 5:30pm.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Tuesday, August 5th 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.
The Shop in the Park in Cissna Park will take place on Saturday, August 9th from 9-1. Activities include craft and vendors, live music and food.
