(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law could help address the shortage of emergency vehicle drivers across the state. Sponsors say people who live in neighboring states but work as public safety employees should be able to operate emergency vehicles in Illinois if they have the required driver's license in their home state. The bipartisan plan states that nonresidents must complete the fire service vehicle operator program with the State Fire Marshal to be eligible.
(Illinois-bp) - The Illinois Pork Producers Association is having its long tradition at the Illinois state fair - WPXN’s Brayden Perzee has the story…
(Urbana–jc) Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer has released information on an Allerton man fatally injured in a motorcycle accident near Savoy that happened Tuesday afternoon. 35 year old Andrew Ward of Allerton was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. An autopsy was performed on Wednesday and the accident remains under investigation by Champaign County authorities.
(Urbana-jm) – A graduate student at the University of Illinois pleaded guilty to a charge of obstructing a police officer during a pro-Palestine protest on campus last year. Arthur Paganini reached a plea deal with prosecutors in June and on Wednesday, exactly one year after he was first charged, the plea was made before Judge Randy Rosenbaum. Paganini pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of obstruction, while a felony count of mob action was dismissed. Rosenbaum then sentenced him to a year of conditional discharge and 100 hours of community service. The plea deal Paganini took is identical to the deals taken by almost every other defendant charged in connection with the demonstration at Alma Mater on April 26, 2024.
(Paxton–jc) – Gaming sites in Paxton continue to grow. Paxton City leaders have their O K to two new class C Liquor licenses and gaming licenses. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the price for gaming licenses is also going up…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County Farm Bureau Board is advocating for local leaders to reconsider how and where renewable energy project locations are chosen. The farm bureau is calling for a review of the siting process, due to the growing number of renewable energy projects across the county. The group believes a conversation is needed to emphasize the idea that solar projects should be focused on non-productive land.
(USDA-bp) How is the soybean crop doing across the area, state and nation.
U-S-D-A Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the numbers…
U-S-D-A Meteorologist Brad Rippey.
updated(peoria–jc) –Illinois U.S. Representative . Darin LaHood has announced that he will seek reelection to Congress in 2026. After speculation swirled around the Dunlap Republican as a possible candidate for governor, LaHood said he was humbled and grateful for the encouragement to seek statewide office. LaHood has served in the U.S. House since 2015.
(McLean County–jc) – Around $4 million in taxpayer funds will bring about 4.5 miles of new trails in McLean County for the Route 66 Trail. IDOT said the new section connects McLean to Funks Grove and enhances a popular travel and recreation option in central Illinois that will also attract tourists. Two new trailheads will lead to the 10-foot-wide paved trails.
(Springfield–jc) Today is day one at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
The gates open at 7:00 a.m. More than 70 county fair queens and 105 fairs and expositions from across the state are represented at the fair. It is also the first day of harness racing at the fair’s one-mile dirt track, which is the fastest in the world. The first day of the fair also features the twilight annual Twilight Parade which starts at 5:30 p.m. from Lincoln Park
(Springfield-jm) – A new law will require the Illinois State Board of Education to identify days where major school events may conflict with cultural or religious holidays. Schools and the Illinois High School Association will have the option to use this online list as an advisory tool to help make the best schedules for their community. The law will not allow for school closures or excused absences due to cultural reasons, but sponsors said it could assist districts with planning events around observances.
(Urbana–jc) WPXN news has learned that a Champaign County Sheriff’s deputy has been involved in a two vehicle crash earlier this morning. The accident happened near the intersection of Lincoln and Florida Avenues in Urbana. WPXN news will update this story as more information is released.
(Center Square-bp) Teachers in the state of Illinois are looking at options when it comes to their teachers union. A mid-September opt-out deadline is approaching, WPXN’s Brayden Perzee has the story…
(Champaign-jm) – A man from Urbana will spend the next 75 years in prison after he was convicted of shooting and killing a Champaign man in front of his children last year. Zaire Herman, 22, was in court to learn his fate after he was found guilty on five counts in June, four of murder and one of possessing a gun as a felon. He was accused and convicted of killing 31-year-old Anthony Miller on March 17 of this year. Herman was recorded on surveillance footage firing at least 19 shots at Miller. Miller was sitting in his van, parked in the Oakwood Trace Apartment complex, when Herman opened fire. His three children, all under the age of 4, were sitting in the van with him but were not hurt.
(Channahon–jc) The issues of state and federal boundaries for voting districts continue to headline the news. Texas Republicans are in their right to change boundaries. In Illinois, the majority democratic party changed the boundaries 4 years ago and those in the Republican party maintain they are not “fair” or balanced. Reaction from 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Springfield-jm) – A new law in Illinois will make it easier for people with disabilities to obtain license plates and parking placards by cutting “red tape” out of the process. Senate Bill 1256 was passed unanimously by both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly earlier this year, and it was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The primary sponsors of the bill explained that the bill allows certifications for disabled individuals to remain valid for five years and allows licensed physical therapists to sign off on applications, which the legislators said will save families time and the cost of additional medical visits.Under prior law, disabled individuals or their parents/guardians had to submit documentation from a doctor to the Secretary of State on a yearly basis to receive the placards and license plates.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Swine and Dine is set for Saturday September 20th in the downtown area of the city. One event that takes place that day is the prize drawings from the Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16’s “get out of dodge” raffle. Paxton Masonic Lodge Spokesperson Jim Shearl says the grand prize is a trip to New York City to see a Broadway play…
Paxton Masonic Lodge Spokesperson Jim Shearl
(Chicago–jc) –According to S&P Global Ratings, the prognosis for Chicago’s long-term fiscal health weakened when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 3657 last Friday. The measure enhances Tier 2 pension benefits for police and fire retirees. City officials estimate that HB 3657 will add more than $11.6 billion to the city’s $36.5 billion in net pension liabilities.
(Rantoul–jc) – A Pinckneyville author will be doing a book signing during the Half Century of Progress in Rantoul, later this month. Cindy Ladage wrote a book about rural life in Illinois. Subjects are Barns and tractors and America’s slower paced heartland.
WPXN News notes…
The 2025 Gilman Old Boys and Girls Reunion will take place Thursday, August 7th through Sunday, August 10th. On Thursday its an escape room at the library from 1-6 pm, crowning of the prince and princess at 2pm, kids parade at 3:30, talent show at 5:30 and style show at 7. On Friday, games at Mann Park from 9-11 am, couse canines at Mann Park at 11, Big Red Wagon rides 1-4, Bingo 3-5, live music by Natural High at 6, beard contest at 7:30. On Saturday, its the 5k at 730, craft show from 9-4, parade at 1, live music by the Back Paiges after the parade, cruise in from 5-8 in downtown and fireworks at 9. On Sunday at 10:30 am its the community church service.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, August 8th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate and includes salad and garlic bread.
Downtown Gibson City will host its monthly Friday Night Car Cruise on Friday, August 8th, featuring classic cars cruising and parked along Sangamon Avenue, plus live music by Wowie Zowie from 6-9 p.m. and food vendors throughout the evening.
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.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting the Loda Fireworks on Saturday, August 9th from 10-2.
The 2025 Loda Truck and Tractor Pulls Association event will take place on Saturday, August 9th with open and stock pulls beginning at 11 am and IPA pulls at 5pm.
