(Springfield-jm) – An update to Illinois’ Scott’s Law went into effect January 1, expanding protections for people working on the side of the road and aiming to prevent deadly crashes caused by drivers who fail to slow down or move over. According to the Illinois State Police, there were 14 Scott’s Law violations statewide in 2025. Just three weeks into 2026, troopers have already recorded two more. One of the biggest changes requires drivers to slow down and move over not only for stopped emergency vehicles, but also for moving vehicles with flashing lights. The update also extends protections to people working outside their vehicles at roadside scenes. Violating Scott’s Law can result in a $250 fine for a first offense and $750 for a second. If a violation results in hitting a vehicle, it can lead to up to one year in jail. If a person is struck, penalties increase to one to three years behind bars.
(Paxton–jc) The North Market Street project in the city of Paxton is moving forward with the initial steps of engineering and study. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city netted a 1 point 2 million dollar investment from the state, and the city will also put in a portion of the money for the project…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold. The project will start later this year and finish in 20-27.
(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department says a suspect is now in custody in connection with the deadly shooting of a Champaign man. 19-year-old Charles Lake was arrested in the 1900 block of Blackthorn Drive in Champaign. Urbana Police say the arrest was a result of the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of Benancio Crowley in the 1200 block of Ellis Drive in Urbana early Friday morning. The shooting is still under investigation.
(Springfield–dm)-State Legislators were recently in session and the democratic majority passed Senate bill 25 which removes rate caps on your electric bill. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema R-Chanahon explains.
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema R. Chanahon
(Peoria-jm) – OSF HealthCare appointed Sister M. Mikela Meidl to be its next president, the organization announced Monday. Mikela has almost 40 years of experience in the healthcare field and joined OSF HealthCare in 2014. She has served on the OSF HealthCare System Board and is currently the executive vice president and chief ministry officer. OSF said that as president, Mikela will be the strategic partner to incoming CEO Michelle Conger, and will guide executive priorities and serve as a key contact to the Governing Board, Catholic Church and Mission Partners.
(Springfield–jc) Should former ICE agents work in law enforcement in the state of Illinois. One Democratic State Senator and congressional candidate says yes, but others in the public safety side say no. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…
(Rantoul–dm)-If you are looking for a summer job the AQuatic Center and the Rantoul Sports Complex are taking applications. Recreation Specialist for the Village of Rantoul Phoenix LaComb has all of the information you need.
Recreation Specialist for the Village of Rantoul Phoenix LaComb
(Gibson City–jc) Gibson City leaders will host a meeting in early February. The meeting is with the Greater Gibson City Area Economic Alliance group and the Gibson City Planning Commission. It is a discussion only meeting with the main subject of future housing options in Gibson City. There is a public comment period set for a portion of the meeting. The meeting takes place February 2nd at 4-30pm at the Gibson City, city hall chambers.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate has been in session for a week and now it's time for the House to return to the state capitol. Members of the House of Representatives are due to start their session today. Among issues lawmakers will be dealing with this spring is the state budget and the state’s underfunded pension liabilities, while also dealing with affordability issues.
(USDA–dm)-USDA recently issued its first projections this year for meat production and prices, but what were among the findings? Rod Bain has more.
(Rantoul-jm) – A mobile home in Champaign County was destroyed after it caught fire over the weekend. The fire happened at the Fountain Valley Mobile Home Park, south of Rantoul No injuries were reported. Thomasboro fire fighters were called to the fire and the cause of the fire remains, unknown, though officials say it could have been a faulty electric system
(Gordyville–dm)-The 31st annual Midwest Ag Expo is going on this Wednesday and Thursday at Gordyville USA. Director of Farm Shows Jamie Applegate tells us about a tradition that is coming back.
Director of Farm Shows Jamie Applegate. The Ag Expo is open 8:30-4:00 on Wednesday the 21st and 8:30-3:00 on Thursday January 22nd
(Hoopeston-jm) – A Hoopeston man is facing theft charges. Hoopeston police arrested 39 year old Kevin Lambert over the weekend in the 100 block of East Orange Street after receiving a report of a theft. Lambert is charged with theft under $500.
(Paxton–jc) A free to attend meet the candidates forum is set for Saturday in Ford County. State gubernatorial candidates and those running for the republican spots for U S Senator in the state of Illinois will also be in attendance. State senate and State House candidates will also be in attendance. Ford County Republican Party spokesperson former State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says you are invited …
Ford County Republican Party Spokesperson Tom Bennett of Gibson City. Saturdays meet the slate of candidates event is set from 1pm to 3pm at the Pueblo Lindo Event center in Paxton
(Watseka–jc) –Iroquois Memorial Hospital, based in Watseka, has announced that Doctor Catalino M. Bautista, has joined its medical staff, bringing decades of experience in family medicine, pathology and academic research to the community.
Dr. Bautista is a family physician with a distinctive dual background in medicine and biochemistry. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University in the Philippines and completed a P-H-. in biochemistry at Loma Linda University in California. He also has a cytopathology fellowship at Northwestern University.
WPXN News notes…
Euchre will be held at the former Federated Church in Paxton every Thursday from 1-3 pm.
The Champaign County Farm Bureau will host a series called Farm Sheets. Session 1: Marketing Beyond the Scale Ticket will take place tonight starting at 6:30 pm in the farm bureau auditorium. Dinner will be provided.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their porkchop sandwich supper on Friday, January 23rd from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. They will also host their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, January 24th from noon–2 pm. Cost is $15.
The Gibson Area Food Pantry at the Hospital will hold a food distribution on Saturday, January 24th from 8 to noon.
