(Springfield-jm) — Governor JB Pritzker, alongside state legislators, labor leaders, and union members, signed a series of bills aimed at protecting Illinois workers and supporting organized labor. The signing ceremony took place at the Illinois AFL-CIO headquarters, underscoring the state's commitment to safeguarding worker rights against federal rollbacks initiated during the Trump Administration. The legislative package includes Senate Bill 1976, House Bill 1189, and House Bill 2488, which collectively aim to preserve current pay standards and worker protections.
(Gibson City-jm) – The search is still underway for a suspect accused of shooting two officers in Ford County. Gibson City Police said they responded to reports of a naked man, 70-year-old David Jordan, walking in the 100 block of Ash Street around 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Illinois State Police provided an update Thursday, saying both officers who were shot were released from the hospital on August 10. The 6-year veteran Ford County Sheriff's Office deputy was shot in the left knee and the left arm. The Gibson City Police Department officer who has served for one year was shot in the left hip. Neither officers fired their weapons. They are both on paid administrative leave. Jordan is still considered armed and dangerous however police also say he is not considered a threat to the public.
(The Center Square) – After an Illinois state senator filed legislation to streamline permits for nuclear energy projects, Gov J.B. Pritzker suggested ending the state’s moratorium on new large-scale nuclear plants. When asked about high energy costs at the Illinois State Fair Wednesday, the governor said Illinois could do something important by lifting the decades-old moratorium.
Illinois Gov J.B. Pritzker. State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, has proposed several pieces of legislation to end Illinois’ ban on new nuclear power plants. Pritzker vetoed one of Rezin’s measures in 2023. Later that year, the governor signed Rezin’s bill to end the moratorium on small modular reactors.
(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul Police Department has issued a public warning after a resident received a fraudulent check in the mail, falsely claiming to be from the Village of Rantoul as a lending institution. The check, made out for $199, was confirmed to be counterfeit and had no affiliation with the Village of Rantoul. The police department advises anyone who receives a suspicious check, especially one claiming to be from the Village of Rantoul, to immediately contact their bank and the police department before taking any other action. Residents are warned not to attempt to cash or deposit the check.
(Ford County-)Ford County Property Taxes first installment are due today August 15th. Ford County Deputy Clerk Taylor Burnett tells us how you can pay your taxes.
Ford County Deputy Clerk Taylor Burnett. The second installment of the property tax is due by October 3rd.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department is collaborating with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and over 200 local law enforcement agencies to enhance enforcement efforts ahead of the Labor Day holiday. From August 15 to September 2, motorists can expect increased patrols targeting impaired driving and other traffic violations. In addition to monitoring for impaired drivers, Champaign Police will be on the lookout for signs of distraction, seatbelt concerns, and other violations of the rules of the road. Drivers planning to use alcohol or marijuana are encouraged to arrange for a designated driver, utilize a rideshare, or make other arrangements for a safe, sober ride home.
(Cissna Park)-The Old Settler’s Reunion is under way now through Saturday August 16. Old Settler’s Spokesperson Dick Swing tells us about Saturday’s activities.
Old Settler’s Spokesperson Dick Swing. Saturday kicks off with the Grand Parade at 12 noon, and wraps up with a drawing for a new car around 10:30pm. WPXN will broadcast the Parade live.
(Springfield–jc) –The Illinois State Fair is set to wrap up this weekend. Today is First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day, followed by Park District Conservation Day on Saturday. The fair concludes Sunday with Family Day.
(Springfield-jm) – Democrats unofficially kicked off the 2026 campaign season with Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair Wednesday. Capitol News Illinois reports hundreds of Democrats gathered in Springfield for an annual brunch with elected officials, before heading to the fairgrounds for a rally. As they look towards the 2026 elections, Democrats agree they need to win in order to stop President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans. Governor J-B Pritzker believes voters will trust Democrats because they fight for working families…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Republicans from around the state gathered yesterday for their annual rally at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Capitol News Illinois reports Republican Day allows GOP candidates a chance to talk to party supporters, as they look towards the 2026 midterms. Former Illinois Republican Party Chair Don Tracy says he’s running for U-S Senate. His top issue will be making things more affordable for working families. Meanwhile, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick believes his experience as sheriff will help him in his run for governor…
DuPage County Sheriff and Republican Governor candidate James Mendrick. Ted Dabrowski, president of the conservative research group Wirepoints, says he will announce his campaign for governor in the next few weeks.
(Urbana-jm) – A former UI police officer who was convicted of misconduct has had that conviction overturned by an appeals court due to evidence. A state appeals court overturned the official-misconduct conviction of former University of Illinois police Officer Jerald Sandage. This comes after the court decided evidence used against him in court was improperly obtained. Sandage was arrested in 2020 on four separate warrants for five counts of criminal sexual assault, one charge of criminal sexual abuse and another two intimidation counts.
(Gibson City–dm)-Gibson City’s Summer Bash is this Saturday August 16th featuring Foreigner, with John Waite. Director of Employee and Community Events for Gibson Area Hospital Bill Kirby has ticket information
Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby. Gates open at 5:00 pm and the music starts at 7:30.
(Champaign-jm) – An arrest has been made in connection with an early morning house fire in Champaign Thursday morning. The Champaign Fire Department was called to a vacant home in the 4800 block of W. Windsor Rd. at 6:50 a.m. Aug. 14, after neighbors called to report a house on fire. During the investigation, the Champaign Police Department said officers spoke with Cody Robinson of Champaign, who admitted to starting the fire. He’s charged with residential arson.
(Washington–jc) –How did U-S-D-A’s revised domestic soybean production forecast this month translate into changes in both the U.S. and global bean supply and demand estimates? Rod Bain has the answer…
(CIssna Park–jc) The annual Talent show was held last night at the Old Settlers Celebration in Cissna Park. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the results…
WPXN News notes…
Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services Summer Bash will take place on Saturday, August 16th in downtown Gibson City. Rock Band Foreigner will headline the event. Tickets for the concert are $10.
Buckley St. John's Ladies Aid/LWML will be having an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 17th from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm in the school lunchroom. Menu includes hot beef, ham, open face cheese sandwiches, pie, cake and ice cream.
The 2025 Half Century of Progress will be in Rantoul August 21st through the 24th.
The Corn Belt Shrine Club will hold its annual Kids Day in Gibson City’s North Park on Sunday, August 17th. Prior to activities getting under way at the park from noon to 3 p.m., there will be a parade in downtown Gibson City at 11:30 a.m. At the park, there will be go kart rides, drinks, hot dogs, games, face painting, a jump house and more for 25 cents.
The 2025 Half Century of Progress will be in Rantoul August 21st through the 24th.
The 2025 Mahomet Music Festival will take place Friday, August 22nd with 2025 American Idol contestant, Mahomet native Lexi and 2023 The Voice Season 23 winner, Paxton native Gina Miles performing. On Saturday, August 23rd, its Lakeview and country group Parmalee performing.
