(Springfield–jc) The vote was along party lines and the democrat majority in Springfield voted for a 56 Billion dollar plus budget that includes 800 Million dollars in new taxes. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet, voted NO…
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, also voted NO…
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington
(Springfield-jm) – A bill looking to require schools to consider the use of mobile panic alert systems has passed both the House and Senate. The bill would require school districts and private schools to consider the use of a mobile panic alert system in the development of their school emergency and crisis response plans by the beginning of the 2028-2029 school year.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House passed a bill Saturday night to ban schools from expelling students in Kindergarten through second grade. Sponsors said early exclusion from school can trigger a domino effect of negative interactions between schools and families. This bill also states schools cannot suspend Pre-K through second graders without the principal receiving written or verbal consent from the superintendent. The measure now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for final consideration.
(Ford County-jm) – Roberts and Melvin firefighters were called to a two vehicle accident Friday evening. It happened at the intersection of 800 north and 700 east just before 8:30. One vehicle did roll over and an occupant was trapped. It’s unknown if there were any injuries.
(Springfield-jm) – A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could expand youth civic engagement in honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson. The bill would ensure all high schools offer students of voting age the opportunity to register during the school day in a safe, accessible and nonpartisan environment. Sponsors said this plan can help even more young people be prepared to vote. Senate Republicans argued the State Board of Elections already provides voter registration information to schools.
(Paxton–jc) City of Paxton leaders are looking at regulations concerning E-Bikes in the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city has investigated possibilities, but is waiting on some current legislation at the state level in Springfield to see, how to proceed, locally…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department is investigating multiple shootings that happened Sunday and are asking for the public’s help as information is limited. Officers became aware of the first incident early Sunday morning, when a 17-year-old male arrived via personal transport at a local hospital with a potentially life-threatening gunshot wound on his abdomen. The teenager told police he was walking in the 2000 block of Moreland Boulevard when he was shot. He remains at the hospital in stable condition at this time. Just hours later at 5:32 a.m., a second person, a 36-year-old man, walked into the same emergency department with a head injury. He initially said he was hurt because of a sports-related incident in the Garden Hills neighborhood, but medical personnel quickly discovered it was a gunshot wound. The victim didn’t share any more details on what happened, and he also remains in stable condition at the hospital.
(Ford/Iroquois)-It’s the time of year when planting season is wrapping up. Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Clair gives us an update on progress being made in our area.
Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Clair
(Rantoul–jc) A Rantoul man was arrested on allegations of predatory criminal sexual assault Thursday night. In a release from Rantoul police Friday afternoon, police say they arrested 35-year-old Johnnie C. McClendon Junior of Rantoul. Upon an investigation by the Rantoul Police Department. McClendon was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Champaign County Jail, where he is being held pending formal charges and court proceedings. McClendon is employed as a bus driver by First Student, Inc., which provides transportation services for the Rantoul City School District. At this time, investigators have received no allegations of misconduct related to his employment, and the investigation appears to involve matters unrelated to his position with the company. Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, no additional information is being released at this time. The investigation continues. Any information about this case may be given to the Rantoul Police Department or Champaign County Crime Stoppers.
(Paxton–dm)-If you have bare spots in your yard and plan on planting grass seed, Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen tells us a good way to get new grass started in your yard
Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott Saturday Mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success
(Kankakee–jc) –Daniela Hernadez-Patrevito a 2026 graduate of the registered nursing program at Kankakee Community College, has been awarded The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Students. The annual award is part of The DAISY Foundation's mission to express gratitude to nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care they provide patients and families. Hernadez-Patrevito, a Momence resident now works at Riverside Healthcare in Kankakee.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could help address youth who are repeat gun offenders. Advocates say the intersection of mental health and juvenile gun crimes is a complex and pressing issue that must be addressed. The plan could require probation agencies to conduct an assessment of the minor's needs and identify restorative justice programs for high risk youth, cognitive behavioral therapy, family engagement and mentoring options.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Urbana Public Health District says six people from Champaign County are being monitored for Ebola symptoms after they recently returned from Central and East Africa. CUPHD says the six are being monitored but they are considered low risk and monitoring is not an indication that there is a danger to public health.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate passed the bipartisan plan to institute a statewide school cell phone ban Sunday. The bill requires school districts to adopt policies to ensure students do not use their cell phones during class time in a way that meets the needs of their community. Districts would need to allow exceptions for high school students, children with IEPs, emergencies, student health or when the device is used for translation services. Schools will not be allowed to enforce cell phone bans through fines, fees or deployment of school resource officers and local law enforcement. The bill now goes to the governor.
(Melvin–jc) The 2026 Miss Ford County Fair Queen pageant is coming soon. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…
(Springfield-jm) — The Illinois House passed a bill Friday night to ban companies from manufacturing or selling cosmetic products containing forever chemicals. This ban would apply to PFAS found in makeup, hair and nail products, soaps, lotion, tanning products, perfume and cologne. Sponsors said Illinois should ensure beauty products are safe for everyone. House Bill 3409 passed out of the House on a 74-38 vote. It previously received unanimous support in the Senate. The measure now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for final approval.
(Springfield–jc) The month of June will be Illinois Fallen Heroes month after legislation was passed this week in Springfield. 104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer, Republican from Danville, helped with the measure…
104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer, republican from Danville
(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois building was evacuated over the weekend following a chemical spill. Fire and Hazmat crews responded to Roger Adams Laboratory in response to a chemical spill. The incident was contained without incident.
(Rantoul–jc) village leaders in Rantoul continue to provide the needed funds and studies involved with Prospect sub station for power on the west side of the village. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says the next study and needed supplies were approved by the board this month…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Paxton–jc) –The Ford County Sheriff's Office has released its month of May report. During May, the Ford County Sheriff’s Office had just over 47 thousand dollars in income for the month including 23 thousand 528 in boarding fees. Sheriff’s police assisted 15 agency requests, 9 animal complaints, 4 suspicious vehicle reports, two thefts and 7 domestic issues. There was one death investigation in Ford County in May.
(Washington–jc) The soybean crop continues in the planting and emerging stage around the area, state and nation. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey takes a quick look at this year’s crop…
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Paxton–jc) Backyard chickens will be the topic of a city of Paxton committee on Tuesday. The committee of city council members will be looking at a proposed draft on keeping chickens on local property in Paxton. The meeting comes to order at 6-30 on Tuesday night on the second floor of city hall in downtown Paxton .
WPXN News notes…
The Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce annual fish fry will take place on Thursday, June 4th from 5-7 pm at the North Park Pavilion in Gibson City. Cost is $5.
Paxton townwide garage sales will take place Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th.
The village of Rantoul will hold their summer nights concert series on Friday, June 5th with Aces N’ Rhythms in downtown Rantoul.
Paxton Main Street will hold their First Friday concert on Friday, June 5th Back in Time performing at Veterans Square from 7-9 pm.
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.
Logan Kirby will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday, June 6th at 7pm. Cost is $10.
