(Springfield–jc) – The Illinois State Board of Elections says today is the final day for candidates to file new party and independent nomination papers.
The board says all petitions must be filed by 5 p.m. Central time.
(The Center Square) – The appointment of Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Dulce Quintero is drawing renewed criticism from Republican lawmakers and voter integrity advocates, who argue unresolved questions surrounding voter registration mailers should have received greater scrutiny before her confirmation. Among the most outspoken critics is 54th District State Senator Steve McClure, Republican from Springfield, who publicly opposed Quintero’s appointment and pointed to concerns regarding I-D-H-S mailings sent through public benefits programs. McClure says Quintero mailed state benefit forms and voter registration forms to non-citizens. According to McClure, concerns surrounding the issue were not newly discovered during the confirmation process.
(Springfield–jc) Some Republicans in Springfield are looking to put through laws helping families with the “high “ cost of daycare. 89th District State Representative Tony McCombie, Republican from Savannah says it is an issue for all families in the state…
89th District State Representative Tony McCombie, Republican from Savannah
(Rantoul–jc) A Flag garden in Rantoul opened over the Memorial Day holiday. The designated area honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The Rantoul Exchange Club says the Memorial Flag Garden is located along Route 45 near the Rantoul Community Missile. Exchange Club members say the courage and service of those who gave their life for our country will never be forgotten.
(Melvin–jc) The Talent Show at the Ford County Fair is coming in June. Now is the time to enter. WPXN”s Joel Cluver has the story…
(Champaign County–jc) After the Memorial Day holiday today, I-DOT road construction begins at a fast pace in the area and state. In Champaign County there will be ramp closures from North and Southbound traffic on Interstate 57 going east and west along Interstate 74. These closures are set to start on June Second.
A three week closure on Champaign County Road 100 East over I-74 starts on this morning. There are lane reductions near the I-57 interchange and U S Route 45. And construction remains active near Flatville and the Leverett road with only one lane of traffic open in both directions. I-DOT officials remind the motoring public to take extra caution in road work zones and make it a Safe Summer 2026.
(Rantoul–jc) One of the area Memorial Day services was held at the Rantoul Sports Complex. At the 11am service Monday morning, Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Eisenhower talked about the meaning of Memorial Day…
Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Eisenhower. Dozens of similar Memorial Day programs were held yesterday around East Central Illinois, to remember all those who died in service for the freedoms we have in the United States.
(Sibley–jc) With the 250th year celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, some area towns and cities are planning for their 4th of July holiday events. In Sibley, The 4th of July sees a Fishing Derby to start the day's activities at 8am A car show starts at 9am with a vendor show at 10am, a parade at noon and kids games, softball, bingo and inflatables in the afternoon. Music with the group “Fairchilds” starts at 6-30pm and fireworks conclude the evening in Sibley at Dusk.
(Springfield–jc) The summer travel season is now “officially” underway. A new report says Illinois drivers are facing a higher risk of pothole damage on road trips.
Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers sourced data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and found that 80-point-4 percent of Illinois’ road network meets acceptable conditions. The Land of Lincoln ranked 20th on the study’s list of states with the worst roads, but Illinois fared better than the neighboring states of Missouri and Wisconsin. Indiana was found to have the best roads in the country.
(Chicago–jc) The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Manufacturing Activity Index increased to plus 38 in May from a plus 26 in April. The non-manufacturing Activity Index decreased to minus 5 in May from plus 16 the previous month. The numbers suggest economic growth slowed but remained above trend in the state.
(Springfield–jc) – One question before lawmakers in Springfield is voting rights of those serving jail sentences. 88th District State Representative, Republican Regan Deering of Decatur says she is not in favor of the legislation as written…
88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur
(Rantoul–jc) – If you are one who would like to pursue a career in law enforcement, one local police department has a testing opportunity coming in June. The Rantoul Police Department says testing dates for positions in the Rantoul police department are June 11th and June 13th. More information about the positions is available on line.
(Paxton–jc) City of Paxton leaders continue to meet with developers on a new subdivision project and new road in the city of Paxton. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says talks continue on how the potential area could look…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Springfield–jc) –As boating season gets underway, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police are urging people to wear life jackets when they are on the water and to only operate boats while sober.
The state offers free boating safety courses that review boating laws and regulations, as well as instruction on the safe and attentive operation of watercraft.
(Rantoul–jc) The speaker at Monday morning’s Village of Rantoul Memorial Day Service was PrairieView Ogden Superintendent and former Rantoul High School Principal Todd Wilson. Wilson, from Thomasboro, talked about a poem that highlighted, veterans…
Village of Rantoul Memorial Day Service Speaker Todd Wilson.
Monday’s Rantoul service was held at the Rantoul Sports Complex.
WPXN News notes…
The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk outdoor flea market on Saturday, May 30th from 9-2.
Paxton Townwide garage sales will take place Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th.
The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, June 5th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.
Paxton Main Street will hold their First Friday concert series on Friday, June 5th from 7-9 pm at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. Back In Time will perform.
The 2026 Roberts Fun Day will take place on Saturday, June 6th. Activities include breakfast from 8-11, vendors from 8-3, bounce houses and silent auction 9-3, kids cart rides 11-1, bingo 11-2, food trucks 11-3, bags tournament at 4 and live music from 7-10.
Champaign Firefighters Local 1260 will hold a 5k on Sunday, June 7th from 8-10:30 at Carle at the Fields.
