(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Capitol Complex is back to normal operations after the Secretary of State Police said a “suspicious device” was found in the parking lot Tuesday morning. In a statement to WCIA, Max Walczyk, the Communications Manager for Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, said that out of an abundance of caution, the Stratton Building and the nearby Illinois State Museum were both placed on lockdown. The Secretary of State Police ruled out any threats or hazards, and the Capitol Complex is now open. The Secretary of State Police will continue to investigate this matter.

 

(Champaign–jc)  A vehicle crash has caused traffic delays this morning along Interstate 74 in Champaign. Police say the accident happened in the 5am hour. Several lanes on I-74 remained blocked at this hour near mile marker 179. Emergency personnel are on scene and police say traffic will be backed up for several hours. 

 

(Springfield–jc)  Some in Springfield are stating that the budget proposal is out and ready to view, others say that just is not true. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet, says he expects several amendments to appear by late Saturday, before any budget document is given to lawmakers…

 

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose Republican from Mahomet. Lawmakers have until Sunday to pass a balanced budget, on time

 

 

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says megaprojects legislation is shaping up in the Illinois Senate. A reporter asked the governor on Friday if Chicago might remain an option for a Chicago Bears stadium if legislation to support the team's Arlington Heights development fails. Pritzker said the Bears and the National Football League both said there are only two options, Arlington Heights and Indiana. Americans for Prosperity Illinois estimated that the property tax break for the Bears’ $5 billion development in Arlington Heights could reach $330 million per year, all of which could be shifted to other taxpayers in surrounding communities.

 

(Urbana–jc)  The first installment of Champaign County Tax bills will be due in early June. A calculation mistake was made on property taxes for some taxpayers in Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third talks about how to pay the taxes in a proper manner this year…

 

Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third

 

(Champaign-jm) – For the third time in the last five weeks, an act of retail theft at Champaign’s Old Navy store is the Crime of the Week for Champaign County Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers requested the public’s help on April 20 and April 27 in finding the people responsible for the thefts, which happened on April 4 and one week later on April 11. This week, Crime Stoppers requested the public’s assistance in a third retail theft from Old Navy, which happened on April 19. In the April 19 theft, police say two women entered the store and grabbed a mesh bag. The women concealed numerous items inside the bag, stashed it near the front of the store and went to get their car. The stolen items were valued at a total of more than $800. The women were described as being Black, approximately 25 to 35 years old. Anyone with information on these crimes are asked to call Champaign County Crimestoppers.

 

 

(Ford County–dm)-If you own a property in Ford County and are age 65 or older, you might  qualify for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption. Ford County Supervisor of Assessments Pam Bruens explains.

Ford County Supervisor of Assessments Pam Bruens. All forms need to be turned in by August 5th

 

(Hoopeston-jm) - A Hoopeston man is facing multiple charges after an alleged break in. Police were called to the 400 block of Front Street for an armed individual trying to break into a residence. Officers located Michael Rossolillo. While attempting to arrest him, he allegedly threatened officers. He’s charged with criminal damage to property, attempted residential burglary, threatening a peace officer, unlawful use of a weapon with intent and unlawful use of a weapon with intent with a dangerous knife. He was taken to the Vermilion County Jail.

 

(Paxton-jc)  It’s summer shopping at its best in the city of Paxton. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says the Paxton Chamber and Paxton Mainstreet have worked hard to continue to grow businesses in the city, just in time for summer and beyond…

 

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. Paxton Mainstreet has its second Summer concert series event set for Friday June 5th at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton.

 

(SPringfield-jm) — Illinois Senate Democrats want to pass several new affordable housing plans before the session ends Sunday. One of the proposals could legalize a wider range of middle housing types such as duplexes, triplexes and four flats in lots currently zoned for single family use. Similar legislation could allow faith based organizations to develop affordable mixed use and multifamily homes on their property by exempting them from strict zoning requirements. A separate bill would ban housing authorities and private owners of subsidized housing from mandating work requirements or time limits on residents who do not meet work requirements. Another bill would give tenants the first right of refusal when their property is listed for sale or the owner receives and accepts an unsolicited third party offer. 

 

(Springfield–dm)-Illinois House Bill 5295 introduced by an Arlington Heights Democrat, creates the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act. According to the sponsor, it is designed to protect sensitive patient medical information regarding abortion care from out-of-state entities and subpoenas. 88th District State Representative Regan Deering R.from Decatur voted against the measure in the House, saying the bill was one that didn't get nearly enough attention.

 

88th District State Representative Regan Deering Republican from Decatur

 

(Champaign–jc)  Illinois Governor  JB Pritzker was in Champaign on Tuesday to talk about the construction of an inclusive special recreation area that will serve people of all abilities. The project is funded with the help of a 600 thousand dollar  Open Space Land Acquisition and Development or OSLAD grant 

The Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation All Abilities Activity Hub will be an accessible outdoor space that prioritizes inclusion for people of all ages and abilities. The space will offer opportunities for educational and clinical therapies. Construction is set to begin this summer.

 

(Springfield-jm) - State lawmakers could pass a bill to create new regulations for cannabis and hemp.Under proposed changes, the state would ban gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops from selling intoxicating hemp products however, they could be sold at licensed cannabis dispensaries. 

 

(Paxton–jc)  – The City of Paxton police department is getting a new squad car. The department added an additional officer and city leaders gave their go-ahead for the new purchase says Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold…

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

Legislation to prevent Illinois service members and their families from being academically penalized when military duty interrupts their higher education is headed to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk. The Illinois House passed Senate Bill 3737 on Friday. A statement from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office said the legislation mirrors the federal SERVE Act enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.

 

(Melvin–jc)  The 20-26 Ford County Fair is coming and their are some favorite events and some new ones. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…

 

(Springfield–jc)  –The General Assembly has passed a bill banning video transmission or recording in state courthouses of any person known to be a victim or witness without consent. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office supported Senate Bill 4038 and said in a social media post that it helps protect domestic violence survivors and other vulnerable victims.

 

(OSF–dm)- May 29 is World Digestive Health Day. Here’s one way to help your gut – get moving. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more. 

 

 

And...the doctor says to not ignore things...like persistent abdominal pain or major changes in bowel movements. Those could be a sign of something serious...like colon cancer.

 

Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul Tuesday announced an $8.25 million settlement with Mylan Inc. (Mylan), the company that sells the EpiPen, resolving concerns about the company’s anticompetitive conduct related to EpiPen products. Mylan’s alleged anticompetitive scheme resulted in the state of Illinois paying excess amounts for EpiPens purchased through its Medicaid and employee health benefits programs.Most of the money recovered will be split be two state agencies.

 

 

WPXN News notes…

Champaign Firefighters Local 1260 will hold a 5k on Sunday, June 7th from 8-10:30 at Carle at the Fields.

 

The 2026 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour will stop in Rantoul on Tuesday, June 9th at 11 am.

 

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Onarga American Legion on Tuesday, June 9th from 1-6 pm.

 

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, June 11th from 5:30-7:30 pm at Promise Healthcare in Rantoul.

 

The 2026 Mahomet Soda Fest will take place on Saturday, June 13th from 10-6.

 

The 2026 Fisher Blues, Brews and BBQ festival will take place on Saturday, June 20th from 11am-10pm.