(Chicago–jc) New research from the Illinois Policy Institute shows that violent crime declined in nearly 90% of Chicago’s neighborhoods last year. The report also shows that 71% of the city’s communities reported higher arrest rates for violent crimes.Following a national trend, the number of violent crimes being committed in Chicago hit a 10-year low in 2025, declining from a peak of nearly 30,000 in 2023 to 22,760 last year.
(Springfield–jc) – With Illinois facing a housing shortage fueled by dwindling availability and rising prices, Illinois Policy Institute researcher LyLena Estabine argues every resident can point the finger toward lawmakers in Springfield.New data shows housing values have jumped by more than 44% over the last six years with a home that cost $191,454 in 2019 now hitting the market at $277,191. Across the board, data shows every area of the state has seen spiraling price growth as fewer properties have become available to families that may be in the market.
(Springfield–jc) Could there be a fee to light a campfire or fire pit where you live in Illinois? There is legislation in Springfield. It’s opposed by Republicans. Dean Abbott reports…
(Chicago-jc) –State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, has introduced legislation that would end the establishment of new fur farms in Illinois.House Bill 4777 would also require existing fur farms to obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources by Jan. 1. The Animal Welfare Institute says mink, foxes and other animals on fur farms incubate diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1, creating conditions for new variants to jump to humans.
(Sadorus–jc) During October Pork Month, the Illinois Pork Producers Association hosted the first-ever Breaded Pork Tenderloin Draft, a competition designed to spotlight hand-breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches served at restaurants across Illinois. After multiple rounds of voting, Buford’s Pub in Sadorus, was named Best Pork Tenderloin Sandwich in Illinois, with River’s Edge in Dixon earning second place.
(Champaign–jm) – Police continue to investigate a shooting that occurred in Champaign Wednesday. Police responded to the area of Roland Drive and Comanche Drive for reports of multiple shots fired. Anyone with information is asked to call local authorities or Champaign County Crimestoppers.
(Champaign–jc) The new Administrator for the Champaign Urbana Public Health District is on the job, officially. . C-U Health Department Administrator Mamadou Townkara says it is flu season…
C-U Health Department Administrator Doctor Mamadou Tounkara
(Cissna Park–jc) It’s winter, but for those with lawns to mow this Spring and summer, especially those with large mowing areas, one area business has a “diesel” option. Double Y Sales and Service in Cissna Park Owner Tom Yergler talks Toro for 20-26…
Double Y Sales and Service of Cissna Park Owner Tom Yergler.
(Urbana–jc) The Champaign County Board Environment and land use committee will look at regulations for large data centers when they meet tonight in Urbana. They will also look at a request for a solar farm near Windsor road. The Champaign County Board Environment and Land Use committee meeting comes to order at 6-30 tonight at the Shields Carter Meeting room at the Bennett Administrative Center.
(The Center Square) – A proposal backed by Illinois Democrats to expand voter registration opportunities for high school students is raising concerns among some parents and education advocates, who argue the measure could add strain to already overburdened schools and open the door to partisan influence.
House Bill 4339 is known as the Jesse Jackson, Senior… Young Voter Empowerment Law, would require public high schools to offer voter registration to eligible students before graduation Marsha McClary, chair of Moms for Liberty Lake County, warned the proposal could burden schools and duplicate existing state programs. Illinois already allows 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote through the secretary of state’s office when getting a driver’s license or state ID.
(Springfield–jc) – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed ways for Illinois to better fund pensions, but one of the governor’s potential challengers in November says the real answer lies in the state budget. With Illinois’ public sector pension liability around $140 billion, the governor issued a statement to suggest extending the state’s pension buyout program and transferring unexpected surplus income tax revenues toward pension commitments. Former state Sen. Darren Bailey contends that the answer to funding pensions should involve addressing state spending that surged after Pritzker took office.Bailey said the state budget rose from around $32 billion in 2017 to more than $55 billion this year. Bailey and fellow Republican gubernatorial candidates Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner and James Mendrick have all pointed to billions of state taxpayer dollars spent on people who are in the United States illegally.
(Paxton—jc) One Republican candidate for Illinois Governor is Dupage County Sheriff James Mendrick. Mendrick says his credentials in operating in a large county make him the best choice for Governor…
Illinois Republican Governor candidate James Mendrick from Woodridge
(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois Senate Democrat has filed a bill to ban ICE agents from getting jobs with state or local police departments. Senator Laura Fine told reporters the legislation would ban law enforcement from hiring anyone serving as ICE agents from January 2025 to January 2029. Members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus strongly oppose the ideas.
(Paxton-jm) – There are two Republican candidates vying to replace retiring U-S Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois. Don Tracy and Jeannie Evans are vying for the Republican ticket in the March primary to be on the ballot in November. Evans talks about herself…
U-S Senate Candidate Jeannie Evans.
(Springfield–jc) On Wednesday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced 34 awards totaling 2point 4 million dollars through the Illinois Innovation Voucher Program. The program promotes small business growth and strengthens research collaborations across Illinois. Among the companies in Champaign County receiving the award are Tear-D-X, Vastimmune and Solar-Mantle…all of Champaign and TipTek of Savoy
Additionally, the Governor announced $2.6 million available in grant funding for the third round of the Innovation Voucher Program.
(Springfield-jm) – Progressive Democratic lawmakers and advocates are calling for a billionaires tax to pass out of the General Assembly. The Illinois Revenue Alliance says families are suffering while billionaires and giant corporations avoid paying their fair share. Senate Democrats have introduced plans to create a billionaire wealth tax and close corporate tax loopholes. They note that a billionaire wealth tax could generate $840 million for the state, while closing corporate tax loopholes would generate $175 million. Governor J–B Pritzker and House Speaker Chris Welch have publicly supported a millionaires tax in the past, but haven’t commented on the billionaire tax proposal. The Illinois Senate canceled a session scheduled for today and senators won’t return to Springfield until February 17th.
WPXN News notes…
The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, February 6th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.
CU at Home will hold their One Winter Night to raise awareness about homelessness on Friday, February 6th starting at 5:30pm.
Parkland College’s Staerkel Planetarium will hold their Kaler Lecture Series on Friday, February 6th at 7pm with University of Illinois Entomology Professor Alexandra Harmon-Threatt presenting “Conserving Native Bees in Uncertain Times”. Cost is $2.
The St. Joseph Ogden FFA annual auction will take place on Saturday, February 7th at the St. Joseph Ogden High School. Doors open at 4:30pm , dinner and silent auction begins at 5 with the live auction beginning at 6pm.
