(Springfield-jm) – The Chicago Fed’s National Financial Conditions Index decreased to –0.54 in the week ending July 10, suggesting looser financial conditions where credit is considered to be easier and cheaper for businesses and consumers.
(Springfield-jm) — Peoples Gas announced that it cut $58 million, or 30 percent from its January rate hike request. The adjustment, reflecting lower than expected costs for recent infrastructure investments as well as the deferral of other construction to later years, brings the revised request to $144 million. If approved by regulators this December, the amended request would add around $7-$8 to monthly bills for typical residential customers.
(Springfield-jm) – In September 2025, after accepting a $100 million gift from University of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies the renaming of Memorial Stadium was unanimously approved by the university board of trustees meaning that Memorial Stadium would now be known as Gies Memorial Stadium. State Representative Steve Reick of Woodstock, an alumni of the U of I, took exception with the board's action to rename the stadium because he said that renaming it is inappropriate. Toward the end of the spring legislative session, the representative filed a House Resolution urging that the name of the structure standing between First and Fourth Streets on the campus of the University of Illinois be permanently restored to "Memorial Stadium." Representative Reick recently took his efforts to the 107th Annual American Legion Department of Illinois Convention…
State Representative Steve Reick of Woodstock. While Illinois House members on both sides of the aisle joined together to co-sponsor Reick's resolution, the resolution was stalled and not brought forward for a vote at the request of the U of I Athletic Department.
(Springfield-jm) – A plan on Governor J-B Pritzker's desk could help schools alert first responders about emergencies faster. The bill requires public and private schools to consider using a mobile panic alert system for emergency and crisis response. Sponsors said the Illinois State Police will work with the State Board of Education and Illinois Emergency Management Agency to develop rules for the panic alert system.
(Rantoul-jm) – Rantoul village leaders passed two ordinances at their study session this week that will bring questions before voters in November. The first question could eliminate district representation while the second could bring cannabis operations into the village. Currently, Rantoul elects trustees by district, a change that was voted on and approved in the 2018 general election with the first trustees elected by districts taking office in 2021. Voters will be asked if they want to switch back to electing trustees on a village-wide basis.
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crimestoppers is accepting nominations for the Dave Benton Crime Fighter of the Year award. It’s named after former WCIA news anchor Dave Benton who passed away in 2015 after a battle with brain cancer. The award recognizes people in the community who work to make Champaign County a better and safer place. Nominations are being accepted through August 31st. The winner will be announced on September 10th.
(Washington-jm) – How did month over month adjustments in domestic wheat production forecasts apply to USDA's supply and demand ledgers on the national and international levels? Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Labor has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in every county across Illinois. The updated rates took effect Wednesday, July 15, 2026, following IDOL's annual statewide survey conducted in June pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The Act requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to be paid wages that reflect local standards.
(Crescent City–jc) Those kids heading to the Iroquois County Fair near Crescent City have the opportunity to play a life size game. That game is Operation and is in the Iroquois Memorial Hospital Booth says Iroquois Memorial Hospital Vice President of Patient Health Michelle Fairley…
Iroquois Memorial Hospital Vice President of Patient Health Michelle Fairley…
(Springfield-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci is urging park districts and municipalities in the 52nd District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant. This year, $37.5 million in grant funding is available for qualifying applicants. IDNR will provide funding to cover 90% of eligible projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects can include development or renovation of picnic tables, playgrounds, fishing piers, sports courts/fields, park paths and more. Communities whose parks have been damaged as a result of severe weather are encouraged to apply as well.
(Rantoul–jc) Rantoul High School board members are set to look at the fiscal year 20-27 budget. The finance committee will meet at 5-30 this afternoon in the Rantoul Township High School board room.
(Springfield-jm) — Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation related to military service members and veterans. Senate Bill 3737 requires universities to promptly readmit students after academic military leave. Senate Bill 3818 incentivizes Illinois National Guard recruitment by providing financial compensation for successful referrals. Senate Bill 3926 moves the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council under the Department of Public Health. All three measures take effect January 1st.
(Springfield-jm) – Legislation on Governor J-B Pritzker’s desk could help local governments lower their default speed limit to improve safety. The bill would let communities adopt lower speed limits through resolutions or ordinances. The statutory speed limit in Illinois is 30 mph in urban districts but many drivers speed into or through cities. IDOT wants to let local governments lower the limit without conducting costly speed studies. The proposal could also let communities lower speed limits in residential areas to 20 mph and 10 mph for alleys.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill waiting for Governor J-B Pritzker’s approval could require high schools to include CPR training on female manikins. The American Heart Association says women are 27 percent less likely than men to receive bystander CPR because of hesitation or misconceptions. This plan requires CPR training on both breasted and non-breasted manikins to ensure students can help anyone during cardiac emergencies.
(Crescent City-jm) – The Iroquois County Fair continues through Sunday at the fairgrounds north of Crescent City. One of the groups at the fair in the commercial building is the Juvenile Justice Council of Iroquois County. Spokesperson Jenny McTaggert talks about some of the contests they have going on at the fair…
Juvenile Justice Council of Iroquois County’s Jenny McTaggert.
(Springfield-jm) – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum announced Wednesday its executive director will step down at the end of 2026. They announced Christina Shutt will step down after five years at the end of her term. The board of trustees along with Governor Pritzker will select a new executive director who will need to be confirmed by the Illinois senate.
(Urbana-jm) – Indicted state representative Carol Ammons is expected to appear in federal court today in Urbana. Ammons was indicted on federal wire fraud charges among other charges. Ammons' husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons and her daughter Tatiana Ammons have also been charged.
(Champaign County-jm) – The new school year starts in about a month but teachers at two school districts in Champaign County have expiring contracts in August. Both Fisher and Prairieview Ogden teachers unions are in talks for new contracts. Both are asking for more money, something that brings them onto a similar playing field with other schools in the area. Fishers contract expires August 1st while Prairieview Ogdens expires August 10th.
(Washington-jm) – The USDA's latest effort to boost beef processing capacities focuses on small and medium sized processors ... the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers program. Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) – As temperatures rise across Illinois and families head to pools, lakes, beaches and splash pads to stay cool, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is reminding caregivers to use a simple life-saving strategy to help keep children safe around water: designate a Water Watcher. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4; and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14.
(Mahomet-jm) – Gas stations in Mahomet are now working to get approval from the village to obtain a liquor license for on-site consumption. If they get the green light, gas stations will also be able to have video gaming terminals. Currently, Mahomet has one fuel station selling alcohol with gaming inside. They are able to do this since it is considered to be a truck stop by law. Now, more service stations say they want a piece of the pie. If they decide to take the discussion to the official board meeting, it will be on Tuesday, July 28.
WPXN News notes…
The 2026 Iroquois County Fair runs through Sunday. Today it is the demo derby at 730, on Friday its the livestock sale at 1, 4-H style show at 4 and rodeo at 8, on Saturday its the pedal tractor pull at 4 and ITPA super stock garden tractor pull at 6 and on Sunday its the all faith church service at 9:30 and the tractor pull and car show at noon.
Impact Life will hold a blood drive at Kirby Foods in Paxton on Thursday, July 16th from 3-6 pm. To schedule an appointment email Kevin Hanson at emtcoor at hotmail dot com.
The village of Rantoul will hold their Freedom Fridays at The Fringe on Friday, July 17th from 6-9 pm with Vivacious Audio performing.
The Large Car Takeover on the Tarmac will take place Friday, July 24th through Sunday, July 26th at the Rantoul National Aviation Center.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their porkchop sandwich supper on Friday, July 24th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. They will also host their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, July 25th from noon–2 pm. Cost is $15.
The 2026 Champaign County Fair will take place July 25-August 1st. On the 25th its Military Day with the demo derby at 5, on the 26th its Western Day with $30 armbands from noon to 5 and the draft horse show at 4, on the 27th its kids day with the fair queen pageant at 7, on the 28th its Senior Citizens Day with $30 armbands and harness racing at 5, on the 29th its Livestock Day with Monster trucks at 7, on the 30th its 4-H Day with the rodeo at 7, on the 31st its Motocross at 7 and on August 1st its First Responder Day with IPA tractor pulls at noon, $30 armbands from 12-5 and ITPA tractor and semi pulls at 6.
