(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker signed a controversial bill Friday to allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public universities. Democrats say immigrant, first generation and marginalized students should not be left behind because of where they were born. The U-S Justice Department claims Illinois is unconstitutionally discriminating against U-S citizens who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rates or scholarships.
(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law is ensuring people in the Department of Corrections are not charged unreasonable fees for sending mail. The law states committed people and their correspondents can not be charged any fees for mail and scanning services exceeding the standard postage rate.
(Springfield–dm)-Illinois’ new Fiscal Year 2027 budget takes effect on July 1, introducing a record $56 billion spending plan that features over $800 million in new tax revenues. Illinois lawmakers approved the state budget early morning hours of June 1st after slogging through the night, enacting new taxes on businesses and authorizing less spending than what Gov. JB Pritzker proposed in February. House Republicans criticized the budget for its tax increases and what they called insufficient relief for taxpayers. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting Republican from Emmington said it was another year of Pritzker tax increases.
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting Republican from Emmington
(Gilman-jm) – Starting today the Thomas Street railroad crossing in Gilman will be closed for construction. Crews hope to have the project completed by the end of the week.
(Rantoul-jm) — Multiple fire departments battled a multi family house fire in Rantoul Sunday afternoon. It happened in the 700 block of East Sangamon Avenue. Rantoul, Thomasboro, Gifford, Ludlow, Savoy, Fisher and Paxton were called. 9 people were displaced from the fire. Several firefighters had to be treated for heat related issues.
(USDA–dm)-What are the ways to enjoy various types of cherries during your Fourth of July celebration, or any time. Rod Bain has the answer
(Illinoia–dm)-A new state government website and social media channels are dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the United States. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the new America 250 web page lists a schedule of events taking place at the Capitol Complex in Springfield. The Illinois State Archives launched social media channels to bring the state’s history to new audiences and engage residents in the commemoration.
(Springfield-jm) — Governor J-B Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to ban rental junk fees and require transparency for leases. Sponsors say renters should not be surprised by charges included in their rent, like fees for after hours service requests, lease renewals or routine maintenance. The law requires all non-optional fees to be explicitly disclosed on the first page of the lease agreement. Tenants will not be liable for the fees if they are not listed on the first page.
(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law will address high risk speeders across the state. The legislation creates an intelligent speed assistance program within the Secretary of State’s office as an alternative to license suspension for dangerous drivers. Drivers who commit two offenses in a year will be required to install a speed limiting device in their vehicle. Participants will pay $30 a month to use the device.
(106th District–dm)-Clean-up continues in the wake of severe weather in State Representative Jason Bunting's 106th legislative district. The representative recently talked about how thankful he is for the first responders, community leaders, utility workers and volunteers in his district that have put in the hours following the storms. But now he is now asking residents to be on the lookout for bad actors trying to take advantage of them.
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting Republican from Emmington.
(Hoopeston-jm) – A Hoopeston man is facing multiple charges following an investigation. Kevin Lambert was arrested on charges of unlawful use of a credit card and financial exploitation of an elderly person. Lambert was taken to the Vermilion County jail.
(Undated-jm) – The U-S Supreme Court ruled in favor of the manufacturer of Roundup, Bayer-Monsanto, last week, finding that the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to leave a cancer warning off the herbicide’s label overrides any differing state laws. The ruling centers on the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, which governs how pesticides such as Roundup are registered and labeled. The Illinois Soybean Growers says the decision protects farmers from state or local failure to warn claims.
Springfield–dm) – Illinois has one the highest SNAP payment errors in the nation. Illinois House Minority Leader Toni McCombie (mc-’Comb-ee) released a station after the U S D A said Illinois’ error rate was 14 point 67 percent…
Illinois House Minority Leader Republican Tony McCombie
(The Center Square) – Chicago’s destination marketing organization says the city welcomed 56.8 million visitors in 2025 and generated a record-setting $21.5 billion in visitor spending. The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association said the data from Choose Chicago shows modest growth, but the city’s numbers lag pre-pandemic levels. IHLS President & CEO Michael Jacobson said Chicago hotels face challenges in the form of higher operating costs, growing property taxes and overburdensome regulations.
WPXN News notes…
Hoopeston will hold their Red, White and Boom on Friday, July 3rd with a color run at 8 am, car show at 10, chili cookoff at noon, touch a truck from 2-4, golf cart and pet parade at 4, red white and boom party featuring inflatables, cornhole tournament and watermelon eating from 4:30-7:30, 90 proof performing at 7:30 and fireworks at dusk at the soccer fields.
The Elliott AmVets will host their Family Night on Friday, July 3rd from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.
Sibley will hold their 4th of July celebration on Saturday, July 4th starting with a breakfast at 8 am, fishing derby at 9 am, vendor show at 10 am, parade at noon, barrel train rides at 1 pm, softball tournament and big kids games at 2pm, bingo and little kids games at 3, model airplane and boat show, inflatables, mini golf and golf hole in one at 4pm, music by The Fairchilds at 6:30 and fireworks over Sibley Lake at dusk.
Rantoul will hold their 4th of July parade on Saturday, July 4th starting at 9:30 am.
Buckley will hold their 4th of July parade on Saturday, July 4th at 10 am.
