(Washington-jm) – The White House’s Office of Management and Budget has admitted cancelling congressionally approved research grants to institutions such as the University of Illinois. The University says the loss of funding, especially for agricultural research, could be set back if the cancellations continue. Representative Nikki Budzinski said she’s secured nearly 150 signatures from members of Congress protesting the White House’s cuts in research grants.
(Paxton–jc) City of Paxton leaders continue to work with Engineers at the Clark-Dietz company on a street project along North Market in the city of Paxton. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the company talked with the council on the next steps in the process for the road, curbing and sidewalks…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Buckley-jm) – A Rantoul man has been identified as the individual killed in a two vehicle crash on I–57 Monday near Buckley. Iroquois County Coroner Bill Cheatum identified the individual as 45 year old Emiliano Ortega Galeana. The accident happened in the northbound lanes of I-57 about 3 miles north of Buckley. Another person was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. No other information has been released.
(Urbana–jc) One place to keep cool and have a treat from a "pineapple" building is located at the Champaign County Fair. The Pineapple Whip Shop is located on the fairgrounds and Pineapple Whip Spokesperson Jamie Turner says there are several varieties and sizes…
Pineapple Whip of Thomasville Georgia Spokesperson Jamie Turner. The Champaign County Fair runs through Saturday in Urbana
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign Police Department along with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office are warning of an impersonation scam involving both departments. Police say on Monday, a resident said they were contacted by a person claiming to be with the sheriff’s office but used the name of a Champaign Police employee. The caller claimed the recipient had a previously unknown warrant and demanded immediate payment to avoid arrest. They both advise anyone who receives a call like this to hang up immediately and contact the law enforcement agency at the non-emergency phone number.
(Buckley–jc) The annual “Knight for Christ” Fundraiser for Christ Lutheran High School is set for Saturday August 22nd at the Ford County Fairgrounds in Melvin. One major item offered is a 20-26 Golf Cart. Christ Lutheran High School Auction Spokesperson Larry Abbe says some tickets are available…
Christ Lutheran High School Auction Spokesperson Larry Abbe. Tickets for the supper and auction are also available
(Springfield–jc) – Tuesday, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 24-27, instituting a statewide cell phone and personal device framework to create distraction-free classrooms, encouraging students to connect more deeply with curriculum and each other, and allowing educators to focus on teaching. The law requires school districts to develop and implement a “bell-to-bell” policy, restricting access to cell phones between the hours of the first arrival bell to the final dismissal bell. For kindergarten through 8th grade, this includes during class, as well as lunch, passing periods, and other non-instructional hours of the day.
(Washington–jc) We are closing out July, what is the status of the soybean crop across the area, state and nation. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the progress on beans…
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey.
(Springfield-jm) – A new state law in Illinois will help provide addiction services and resources to people impacted by gambling disorders. Senate Bill 2749, signed into law by Governor J-B Pritzker updates the Substance Use Disorder Act to classify gambling disorders alongside substance use disorders.
(Arcola–jc) Two people were taken to a local hospital as an Amtrak train struck a semi in Arcola on Tuesday morning. The accident happened just before noon yesterday. There were around 60 people on the train. An investigation into the accident continues this morning.
(Washington–jc) We are closing out July, what is the status of the corn crop across the area, state and nation. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the progress on corn and silking…
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Hoopeston-jm) – The National Weather Service has rated the Hoopeston tornado an EF-0. They said the tornado had 80 mph winds and touched down one mile west of Hoopeston. The tornado was on the ground for about a mile before lifting. Minor damage to two light poles was reported.
(Rantoul–jc) The safe walkways project in and around J W Eater School in Rantoul has started. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third signed the agreement, which includes a 250 thousand dollar grant from the state, for new sidewalks and more. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says the village has done similar projects for the other grade schools in the village, too..
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the third.
(Urbana–jc) The 20-26 Champaign County Fair continues today at the fairgrounds on North Coler Avenue in Urbana. There are Monster Trucks at 7pm and also the carnival opens at 5. The band Acoustic Chaos also performs live. For food, one every year favorite is Culler’s Fries. Culler’s Fries Spokesperson Keith Cullers says they do fries and do it the best…
Culler’s Fries Spokesperson Keith Cullers. The business has been at the Champaign County Fair for 81 years. Today at the Champaign County Fair…
(The Center Square) – State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid, Democrat from Bridgeview, issued a statement calling for legislation he introduced to bring further ethics reform to Springfield. This follows an unanimous vote by the Legislative Ethics Commission to release an investigation report into former Representative . Harry Benton, who was accused of sexual harassment. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and House GOP members have continued to call for Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch to consider similar ethics reform proposals introduced by Republican members, while questioning if Welch followed ethics rules already in place.
WPXN News notes…
Paxton Main Street will hold their final First Friday concert series of the season on Friday, August 7th from 7-9 pm at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. The Back Paiges will perform. Paxton’s Resurrection Brass Band will open at 6:30.
Gibson City Cars and Coffee will take place on Saturday, August 8th from 7-9 am at the Longview Bank parking lot.
Shop the Park in downtown Cissna Park will take place on Saturday, August 8th from 9-1.
The 2026 Gibson Summer Bash on Saturday, August 15th with Rick Springfield and Night Ranger performing.
The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk outdoor flea market on Saturday, August 29th from 9-2.
The 58th annual Clinton Apple n Pork Festival will take place on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th.
