(Undated-jm) – It sounds like a broken record but more severe weather is in the forecast today across the WPXN listening area. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted an area along and north of I-74 as an enhanced or level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather today. Leading the risk is the potential for damaging winds over 70 mph. Timing of the storms looks to be about mid day.
(Undated-jm) – Gas prices fell for the first time following four consecutive weeks of increases. In its weekly report released Monday, GasBuddy says the average price for a gallon of gas in Illinois fell by 11 cents to $4.21 a gallon. The national average is $3.94, while diesel fell to $5.28. GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan warns it could be temporary as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to wreak havoc on global oil prices.
(Paxton–jc) – It’s Masonic Awareness day on Saturday. Paxton Masonic Lodge 416 Spokesperson Jim Shearl says it's also a time for new membership…
Paxton Masonic Lodge Spokesperson Jim Shearl
(Paxton-jm) – In updating our story from yesterday, fire officials believe an electrical issue caused a house fire in Paxton Sunday afternoon. The fire happened in the 400 block of East Orleans Street around 3:15pm. About 50 firefighters from Paxton, Buckley, Loda, Elliott, Gibson City, Ludlow, Rantoul and Gifford responded to the call. The basement and first floors of the over 100 year old home were damaged but fire officials say the home is rebuildable. No injuries were reported.
(Buckley–jc) The first day of school for students at Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley is Tuesday August 18th. Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz says high academics, volleyball, a bell choir and more are part of the experience along with a Christian perspective…
Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz
(Paxton–dm)-The Paxton City Council will hold their monthly meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include approve Donation to Prairieland CEO program, approve contract with 120 Water, approve purchase of new equipment for the street department, and discuss wastewater treatment plant facility plan. Also consideration and action on several planning and zoning ordinances based on the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Council Meeting is scheduled to begin at 7pm.
(Washington–dm)-If you’re a backyard gardener who wants to extend their growing season, you might wonder what types of vegetables you should consider growing? USDA’s Rod Bain has the story
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that the application period for a state record $157 million in transportation enhancement program funding is now open. Eligible projects include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification work and other improvements. An IDOT statement said at least 25% of state funding will be used for disadvantaged and economically distressed communities. Applications must be received by Oct. 5.
(The Center Square) – Within a wave of new laws signed late last week exist some which may impact Illinoisans’ pocketbooks, including further regulations on medicare drug prices. Other laws will allow rideshare drivers to unionize and ban new ICE detention centers from being built in some parts of the state. Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced late Friday he signed more than 75 bills from the Illinois General Assembly’s spring legislative session into law.
(Milford-jm) – A Milford man has been found guilty of first degree murder in connection to a deadly house fire. An Iroquois County jury found 53 year old Christopher Burton guilty for setting fire to a house that claimed the life of 37 year old Ashley Tucker. Firefighters were called to a house fire at Tucker's house on October 16, 2025. When they arrived they found Tucker outside the home with severe injuries. She died 3 days later. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
(Springfield-jm) – Federal health officials say a drug resistant fungal infection is spreading in healthcare settings and Illinois is among the hardest hit states. The CDC says more than 3,000 Candida Aurus infections in the country with 380 reported in Illinois, the third highest in the country. The fungus can spread quickly in hospitals and nursing homes especially among patients using breathing tubes or catheters and is often resistant to common anti-fungal drugs. Tiredness, fever, low blood pressure and high heart rate are all symptoms.
(Springfield–dm)-Illinois House Speaker Welch has been on a media tour recently in an attempt to quiet the backlash over his office’s failure to act on sexual harassment allegations against now-former State Rep. Harry Benton in 2023.
Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie joined WGN to discuss the inconsistent excuses coming from the Speaker’s Office.
Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie.
(Forrest-jm) - A Chatsworth man has been arrested for allegedly stealing a van from a church in Forrest. Shane Ziegenhorn was arrested in Pontiac after the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle that was reported stolen from the Apostolic Church in Forrest. Ziegenhorn is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.
(Hoopeston-jm) – A Hoopeson man is facing a serious charge following an incident over the weekend. Hoopeston Police arrested 25 year old Dontay Liddell after they were called to an establishment on West Main Street for a report of an armed individual. Liddell was charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Additional charges are pending. He was taken to the Vermilion County Jail.
(Springfield–jc) –Illinois ranks 18th on a new list of the best U.S. states to live in.
WalletHub compared livability factors ranging from housing costs and income growth to the education rate and hospital systems.
Idaho topped the list, followed by New Jersey and Wisconsin. Iowa ranked 11th.
Illinois finished ahead of #25 Indiana, #30 Missouri and #41 Kentucky. The Land of Lincoln ranked fifth for quality of life, 37th for affordability and 42nd for economy.
(Rantoul–jc) – With the 30 million dollar investment from Combe Labs company into the village of Rantoul, the area will continue to see a major company producing its products in East Central Illinois. Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Eisenhower says one reason for the investment is the employees at the plant…
Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Eisenhower. Combe Labs produces things like Clear-a-sil, Odor Eaters and Just for Men. The company will be adding around 20 new jobs to the plant as part of the expansion and renovation project
(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crimestoppers and the University of Illinois Police Department is asking the public’s help in identifying a man possibly connected to a criminal damage incident. The crime happened on the evening of July 24th in the area of Armory Avenue and Second Street Police say a man entered a building and damaged electronic equipment and wiring. He’s described as a hispanic, approximately 18 to 25 years old. He was wearing a distinctive black backpack with a white pattern. Anyone with information is asked to call Champaign County Crimestoppers or University of Illinois Police.
(The Center Square) – The Liberty Justice Center’s Tariff Equity and Refund Resource for America says nearly 20,000 tariff refunds totaling $1.6 billion are stuck due to either a lack of or incorrect banking information filed. LJC chairman Sara Albrecht recently told The Center Square some of the tariff refunds might be stuck in limbo if the companies that initially paid them haven’t filed or have made an error in entering their banking information. She said companies who haven’t seen movement on their refund should discuss it with their importer of record. The LJC also detailed that nearly $100 billion is making its way back to companies that paid the tariffs, which were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, from Customs and Border Control via the U.S. Treasury.
WPXN News notes…
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on today, August 11th from 1-6 pm at the Onarga American Legion.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Coffee and Connections on Wednesday, August 12th from 8-9 am at the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce office.
The Cissna Park Fire Department will hold a community safety day on Thursday, August 13th from 10-2 at the Cissna Park Fire Station.
Cissna Park Old Settlers Reunion will take place Thursday, August 13th through Saturday, August 15th.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, August 14th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10.
The PBL High School Athletic Boosters Pork Chop Kick Off will take place on Friday, August 14th at 5pm.
The Rantoul Paxton VFW will hold their cash bash fundraiser on Saturday, August 15th from 3-5pm at the VFW post located at 675 North Ohio Street in Rantoul.
