(Chicago-jm) – A spate of shootings in Chicago has led to at least 38 injuries and seven deaths since Friday evening, police say, prompting President Donald Trump to renew his call for a military intervention in the nation's third-largest city. The president says the feds could help. The office of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender who has repeatedly rebuffed Trump's calls for a military intervention, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
(Gilman–jc) Illinois Governor J B Pritzker will be in Iroquois County today for a ribbon cutting ceremony with a local ag company. Governor Pritzker will deliver remarks at the Incobrasa Ribbon Cutting ceremony in Gilman this afternoon.
Incobrasa is announcing a modernization of the facility on Gilman’s west side near Interstate 57. The event is set for 2 this afternoon.
(Paxton–jc) A proposed solar project is being talked about by Paxton City leaders. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the council and those with the city are learning about their options …
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold. Meetings on the idea will be set between now and the next city council meeting.
(Ford County-jm) – Paxton firefighters were called to a vehicle fire on I-57 early Saturday afternoon. The call came in around 1:30pm. About an hour earlier, Roberts and Melvin firefighters were called to a vehicle fire of their own. No injuries were reported in either fire.
(Clinton Lake-jm) – No injuries were reported following a boat fire on Clinton Lake this past weekend. Firefighters were called to the Weldon Access Boat Ramp for a report of a boat on fire in the water. The fire was put out by the time firefighters arrived.
(Paxton–dm)-The Paxton Library has lots of weekly activities going on throughout the summer. Paxton Library Director Deb Mason tells us about some of those activities.
Paxton Library Director Deb Mason.
CHAMPAIGN – Two Champaign teens are in custody for their alleged roles in a shooting last Monday that killed one person and injured another. Police have arrested a 16-year-old and a 14-year-old in connection with the shootings The two subjects now face multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated battery with a firearm. Charges are reviewed by prosecutors and may be amended, upgraded or reduced. Because the suspects are juveniles, state law prohibits the release of additional identifying information.
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Economic Development Summit is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Topics include transportation, energy, workforce strategy, tourism, housing and the economy. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Economic Development Corporation are scheduled to make presentations.
(Peoria–jc) - The Illinois EPA has announced Clean Ports Program meetings for stakeholders and near-port communities to begin a planning process for port decarbonization.The first scheduled meeting for port districts within the Illinois Waterway Ports Commission is Tuesday in Peoria.
(Sangamon County-jm) – Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy convicted in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey, is scheduled to appear before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board on July 31 in an effort to seek his release. Details regarding the nature of the hearing were not immediately available. One possibility is a hearing under the Joe Coleman Medical Release Act, which allows incarcerated individuals suffering from terminal illnesses or severe medical incapacitation to request early release. Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in October in connection with the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two, inside her home in an unincorporated area of Sangamon County.
(Melvin–jc) The 100th annual Ford County Fair wrapped up Saturday at the fair grounds in Melvin. Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Advisor Mike White says the local F F A Section fair took place Friday morning in Melvin…
Paxton Buckley Loda F F A Advisor Mike White. White is officially retiring from PBL this week
(Urbana-jm) – No injuries were reported after an armed robbery at an Urbana gas station on Friday morning. The Urbana Police Department said officers responded just before 5 a.m. to the Circle K on N. Cunningham Avenue for a reported armed robbery. Police learned that an unknown man had entered the store demanding money from the register. Urbana police stated that the suspect fired multiple shots, but no workers were hit. The suspect eventually ran away and was described as wearing black clothing, black shoes, a black ski mask, gloves and carrying a black backpack. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Urbana police at 217-384-2320 or submit tips to Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477.
(The Center Square) – AAA’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois dropped to $4.24 on Friday, down from $5.05 one month ago but up from $3.44 one year ago. AAA’s national average on Friday was $3.97 per gallon. All of the states bordering Illinois are below $3.80.
(Paxton–dm)-The Paxton Church of Chris will be hosting Multi-Dove Award winning andGrammy nominated artist Christian Davis. Paxton Church of Christ Pastor Kevin Heiser has the details.
Paxton Church of Christ Pastor Kevin Heiser
(The Center Square) – A law that is set to legalize physician-assisted suicide in Illinois is being challenged by disability-rights advocates and organizations in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois. The law, signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last December, is set to go into effect on Sept. 12, but disability rights advocates, which make up the “End Assisted Suicide Coalition,” are seeking to prevent it. Similar laws have been passed in 13 states across the country, with many also being challenged in court. Ernest Galvan, a lawyer representing the group in its lawsuit against Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Health and its director, told The Center Square the group is challenging the law for its lack of compliance with the U.S. Constitution and Americans with Disabilities Act.
(Illinois–jc) –Illinois ranks last on a list of the best states for an affordable summer road trip in the contiguous U.S. Dunhill Travel Deals considered hotel, gas and everyday prices along with national park sites, attractions and road quality.
Arkansas finished first. Iowa and Indiana ranked ninth and tenth, respectively.
WPXN News notes…
The Elliott Amvets will hold their pork chop sandwich supper on Friday, June 26th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. They will also host their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, June 27th from noon–2 pm. Cost is $15.
The 27th annual Rankin Lions Club Truck and Tractor Pull will take place on Friday, June 26th at 6pm at Centennial Park.
Rantoul will hold their summer nights concert series on Friday, June 26th with In Blue performing in downtown.
The Onarga American Legion will hold a fish fry on Friday, June 26th from 4:30-7pm at the Legion Building at Durham Park.
The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk outdoor flea market on Saturday, June 27th from 9-2.
Onarga will hold their Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 27th. The parade will take place at 11 am, antique tractor pull at noon, talent show and lazy days car show at 1, firemens water ball, bingo, and petting zoo at 2, kiddie tractor pull at 3, Live Music by The Fairchilds at 4 along with adult and kid retro games at 4.
Rankin will hold their Independence Day celebration on Saturday, June 27th. The day starts with a fun walk/run at 8 am, community church service at 10, food stands open at 11, bingo 11:30-12:30, kids games 12:30-1:30, car show 1-4, cake walk at 1:30, foam party 2-3, kids activities from 4-8, live music from 3:30-9 and fireworks at dusk.
