(Undated-jm) – Strong winds and dry conditions are leading to an increased fire danger today. The National Weather Service says winds to 35 mph along with humidity falling to under 20 percent is presenting a danger of fires getting out of control. Officials recommend people refrain from burning today.
(Urbana–jc) After his name was printed incorrectly on primary election ballots in Champaign County, Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski has filed a lawsuit against the county clerk and called out ballot errors in at least five other counties around the state. Dabrowski filed the complaint in Champaign County circuit court on Tuesday after ballots identified him as “Tad” Dabrowski instead of “Ted” Dabrowski. Dabrowski suggested there would be a different response if Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s name appeared on the ballot incorrectly.
(Chicago–jc) –The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Illinois is one of seven states where a drug-resistant form of salmonella has been linked to Rosabella brand moringa powder capsules. According to the C-D-C, Ambrosia Brands agreed to recall the capsules sold in white plastic bottles with a green label, with 52 lot codes and expiration dates in 2027. The C-D-C says the capsules should be thrown away or returned to where they were bought.
(Springfield–jc) –Lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle are talking about taxes ahead of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget address to the General Assembly later today. Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran, Republican from Downers Grove, and Deputy Leader Sue Rezin, Republican from Morris, held a press conference at the Illinois Capitol on Tuesday. Curran said Pritzker has increased spending by 40 percent since taking office while the state’s gross domestic product has lagged behind.
(Springfield–jc) 51st District State Senator Rose, Republican from Mahomet, has filed legislation to restore consumer rate caps, repeal the battery storage provisions of law passed by the majority Democrats in Springfield. Rose says the new law takes away long-standing protections from all Illinoisans,
51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet. Rose’s legislation restores those consumer rate caps, ensuring families are not left vulnerable to unchecked electric bill increases.
(Springfield-jm) - Tired of waiting around all day for maintenance? Senate Bill 3066, would require service providers to give customers a two-hour appointment window. If the company fails to arrive in the appointment window, they are then required to notify the consumer an hour before they make it to the residence. If the service provider violates any of the new rules and the resident isn’t home upon their arrival, they cannot charge additional fees.
(Champaign–jc) There continues to be an increase in the number of flu cases in the local area. Some area schools are seeing a larger number of cases of absent students. Champaign Urbana Public Health Director Doctor Mamadou Townkara says to follow some common sense directions…
Champaign Urbana Public Health Department Administrator Doctor Mamadou Townkara
(Urbana–jc) – Champaign County Executive Steve Summers issued an executive order Tuesday morning concerning the dealings with federal Ice enforcement on county owned property. Summers' order states that a judicial warrant is needed in the process with ICE agents and ICE agents are to remove all face coverings. The order was delivered at a press conference in Urbana Tuesday morning.
(Paxton–jc) A quarterly meeting of the Ford County Republican Central Committee is set for Saturday in Paxton. The breakfast meeting is set for Saturday, starting at 8-15 at the Arcade Restaurant, says Ford County Republican Central Committee Chairman Jeff Orr…
Ford County Republican Central Committee Chairman Jeff Orr. The featured guest on Saturday is Ford County Sheriff Chad Johnson
(Springfield–jc) – The Illinois State Fair is thrilled to announce that multi-platinum rock powerhouse Shinedown will take the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage on Sunday, August 23rd, delivering an unforgettable night of chart-topping hits and electrifying live energy. The band boasts over 8.3 billion global streams, 24 No. 1 rock hits, 15 platinum and gold singles, and platinum or gold certification for every album in their catalog.
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting this year’s first confirmed case of measles in the state in an adult residing in the Metro East area. The individual recently returned from travel out of state. The state's Health Department is working with local, state and federal health officials to investigate all potential locations where others may have been exposed to the individual while that person was infectious. One community location in Illinois has been identified so far: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville. People attending church on February 8 between 8:00am and 12:15pm were potentially exposed to measles. The church has notified congregants of this exposure and provided guidance on how to protect themselves and their loved ones.
(Springfield–jc) A controversial abortion proposal from State Senator Neil Anderson, Republican from Andalusia, is drawing sharp reactions across Illinois, exposing divisions among Republicans and advocacy groups over how far the state’s pro-life movement should go. Senate Bill 35-72, would treat harm to or the death of an unborn child the same as that of a born person under Illinois homicide and assault laws, applying the same criminal standards and potentially allowing murder charges, at a prosecutor’s discretion.The Illinois Family Institute supports the bill, with executive director David Smith saying it reflects the belief that life begins at conception and deserves full legal protection. Other republicans say the bill is too extreme and warn it could damage broader pro-life efforts.
(Paxton-jm) – Republican candidates for both state and local offices held a meet and greet with voters in Paxton recently. Lieutenant Governor candidate Aaron Del Mar is the running mate with Darren Bailey. Del Mar talks about some of the key issues their campaign is focusing on…
Illinois Lieutenant Governor candidate Aaron Del Mar.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is set to give his State of the State and budget address at noon today in Springfield. Republicans hope the Governor will include no new tax and fee increases. Those close to the Governor say to expect a different tone as the state grapples with funding uncertainties from the federal government.
(Springfield–jc) Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced that more than 500,000 Illinois residents have had their medical debts erased by state government.
According to the governor’s office, each state taxpayer dollar spent leads to more than $100 in medical debt erased. The state’s medical debt relief program has relieved a total of $1.1 billion.
(Paxton–jc) The city of Paxton is using some of its TIF Funds for a redevelopment project on North Market in the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the building improvements will be for some office space…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been awarded the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a national distinction that recognizes higher education institutions demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to community engagement. Illinois previously received this recognition in 2008 and 2015.The effort involved extensive collaboration across colleges, departments, centers, and administrative units at the Univeristy of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
(Washington–jc) There are options for sign up with the U S D A Continuous Conservation Reserve Program Farm Service Agency Administrator Bill Beam provides some insight…
Farm Service Agency Administrator Bill Beam
(Rantoul–jc) – It’s still winter, but plans for Kids Summer Camp are underway for the village of Rantoul. The Rantoul Youth Center will host the summer camp for kids ages 5 to 12 from June First to July 31st. Cost is 100 dollars per week and more information is found on the village's website or by calling the village at 217-893-5700.
(Champaign–jc) Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin is expected to be in Champaign today to announce funds for Parkland College. A new dental clinic and training facility are planned for expansion at Parkland College. The announcement is expected on campus at 11 this morning.
WPXN News notes…
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Wednesday, February 18th at Gibson Area Hospital from 11:30-3:30.
Jeremiah 33:6 will hold a free produce pantry and health fair on Wednesday, February 18th from 3-5 pm at the Roberts Gym.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, February 19th from 4:30-6:30 pm. Dinner includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, $6 for kids 6-13. Deliveries available in town by calling 217-379-0349.
The Buckley Sportsman Club will hold their annual Fish Fry Friday February 20th at the Buckley American Legion from 5-8pm. Cost is $15.
