(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Board of Elections says its reviewing a letter it received from the Department of Justice, threatening to prosecute them for allegedly allowing non-citizens to vote. The letter, addressed to Executive Director Bernadette Matthews, comes from the Civil Rights Division. It does not make any specific allegations that non-citizens are registered to vote in Illinois and it does not allege that Matthews or anyone else is doing something illegal.
(The Center Square) – After one Illinois state lawmaker resigned last week following the conclusion of an investigation into claims of sexual harassment and another was federally indicted Tuesday, Republican state lawmakers are calling for stronger ethics rules in Springfield. House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch told members of the media he thinks the federal wire fraud and witness tampering charges brought against Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Champaign, are serious and worth further investigation by the legislature. Welch said he takes the charges seriously, but also believes in due process, which is why he hasn’t called for her to resign. Reaction from Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie…
89th District State Representative and Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, Republican from Savannah
(Ford County-jm) – An Iroquois County man who allegedly strangled a male family member and stole his truck in Ford County on the 4th of July then threatened to kill a sheriff’s deputy will remain detained. Connor Janssen of rural Ashkum is facing several charges including stealing a vehicle, battery and threatening a public official Janssen will appear in court again next week.
(Fisher–jc) The Fisher Fair continues. Last night was music bingo and an I T P A Tractor Pull. Fisher Fair President Todd Cotter looks ahead to the final two days of the event for today and tomorrow…
Fisher Fair President Todd Cotter
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker signed two bills into law Thursday to help lower energy costs and increase transparency for customers. The bill will increase the income eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP. Democrats say the change can help more households qualify for help. Republicans argued it will only lead to higher rates for other customers. A separate law will create transparency surrounding utility fees. The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability will conduct a study of utility charges separate from delivery and supply charges. They will then submit a report for the public to see on the ICC’s website.
(Penfield–jc) The All About Allis group is well represented in the feature building at this year’s Historic Farm Days in Penfield. All About Allis Spokesperson Ron Repking of rural Effingham says it’s all orange at his area on the grounds…
Repking also says they have just a few tickets left for the Friday Noon lunch and auction event at Penfield…
All About Allis group Spokesperson Ron Repking of Effingham
(The Center Square) – Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and 8th District State Representative LaShawn Ford, Democrat from Chicago, have taken the next step in their campaign to raise taxes on people who earn more than 1 million dollars annually, and the speaker of the Illinois House is on board. Quinn and Ford filed ordinances on Thursday for a non-binding referendum to be placed on Chicago ballots in the general election this November or in the citywide election next February.
(Springfield–jc) –Two Springfield men have been arrested after state police conducted a human trafficking demand suppression effort on June 24 and 25.
Raymond Stengel Sr., 74, is charged with traveling to meet a minor. Lucas Barria, 24, is charged with traveling to meet a minor, indecent solicitation and solicitation to meet a child.
(Springfield-jm) — Governor J-B Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue have announced disaster tax relief for people and businesses in several counties affected by severe storms this year. The relief is for areas included in Pritzker’s state disaster proclamation that were affected by storms from March 10th to June 21st. Taxpayers in the counties can request a waiver of penalties and interest if severe weather prevents them from filing tax returns or making payments on time.
(Washington–jc) What does pasturelands look like around the area state and nation. U-S-D-A meteorologist Brad Rippey looks at the range of pasture conditions…
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Rantoul-jm) – Air Force officials were in Rantoul this week to provide an update on treatment of “ forever” chemicals found at the former Chanute Air Force Base. P-FAS were found on the former base back in 2024. Since then the Air Force have been taking steps to find out the scope of the issue including taking groundwater and soil samples. The next steps include putting defined boundaries on P-FAS at several locations across the base and testing fish out an abundance of caution.
(Watseka–jc) For Iroquois County property owners, the first installment of taxes is due by the end of business today. Iroquois County Treasurer Kurt Albers says there are ways to pay on-line…
Iroquois County Treasurer Kurt Albers. Payments may be made at the treasurer’s office in Watseka or some county financial institutions.
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign woman is charged with attempted murder after being accused of using her car as a weapon during an argument. 38 year old Kotia Fairman drove into another woman at Market and Bradley Sunday morning before driving away. Fairman is charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery. She has pleaded not guilty.
(Penfield–jc) The 50th annual Historic Farm Days are underway at the groups site in Penfield. I and I Tractor Club Spokesperson Chris Karr takes a quick look at the feature national line in Allis Chalmers…
I and I Club and Historic Farm Days Spokesperson Chris Karr
CHAMPAIGN – In order to make pavement repairs, Feutz Contractors will be closing a portion of the westbound lane of Marketview Drive between Anthony Drive and Baytowne Drive. The work will begin on Tuesday,, and is expected to last one day, weather permitting.
(The Center Square) – Illinois' top state attorney has paid more than 2 million dollars in the past three years to private law firms, several of which have contributed to his campaign, to defend the state against a variety of claims, according to data obtained by The Center Square. Most of that money has gone to two prominent law firms for two high-profile lawsuits that targeted the Illinois Department of Corrections, one of which recently obtained class-action status.
WPXN News notes…
The 85th annual Fisher Community Fair will continues through Saturday, July 12th. Tonight is live music with The Arena Rock Show at 8, on the final day of the event on Saturday it's the 5k at 7:30 am, mutt show at 10 am, power wheels demo derby at 5pm and the demo derby at 6pm.
The Melvin Community Hall welcomes Erica Neal on Saturday, July 11th at 7pm. Doors open at 5:30pm.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in L’Erable will hold their Parish Homecoming on Sunday, July 12th. Mass will be held at 11 with a chicken and pork chop dinner from noon to 5 and tractor pulls and kids games all afternoon.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, July 14th at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex.
The 2026 Iroquois County Fair runs July 14-19th. On the 14th its the talent contest at 4 and Queen Pageant at 7, on the 15th its armband night and the IPA tractor pulls at 6, on the 16th its the demo derby at 730, on the 17th its the livestock sale at 1, 4-H style show at 4 and rodeo at 8, on the 18th its the pedal tractor pull at 4 and ITPA super stock garden tractor pull at 6 and on the 19th its the all faith church service at 930 and the tractor pull and car show at noon.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, July 14th at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex.
