(Springfield–jm) – A new state law will make it easier to get prescriptions filled. Pharmacies will be able to electronically transfer more prescriptions from one location to another. The law creates safeguards for pharmacies while they transition to an electronic system. It also includes exceptions for when patients can use paper prescriptions for controlled substances.
(The Center Square-jc) – State Rep. Amy Murri Briel, D-Ottawa, is the latest lawmaker subject to allegations of ethics violations and inappropriate behavior in office after a former staffer went public with allegations including drug use and sexual harassment. Laura Jackson, Briel’s former chief of staff and campaign staffer, went public Thursday through the campaign of Liz Bishop, the GOP nominee for the 76th Illinois House district, with allegations that the lawmaker acted inappropriately in office. Bishop’s campaign released a 44-minute-long video where Jackson, a self-described progressive, said Briel made sexual comments to her and other staff, used and shared drugs such as Adderall and marijuana in her taxpayer-funded office, and more.
(Emmington–jc) Illinois State Representative Jason R. Bunting, Republican from Emmington, applauded the recent signing of legislation which would provide Illinois farmers with additional flexibility in transporting goods and allow larger, modern farm equipment on the state’s highways. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting says the change is long overdue.
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington
The bill allows farm vehicles, known as “implements of husbandry” of up to 44,000 pounds on any two or more axles to operate on Illinois highways. The previous law limited these vehicles to 36,000 pounds.
(Champaign-jm) — A paperweight that looked like a grenade led to the evacuation of Temple Hoyne Buell Hall Monday. University of Illinois Police were alerted to the suspicious device around 5:30 pm after a worker found the suspicious device. An investigation uncovered the non explosive cast iron replica grenade was a paperweight inadvertently left behind by a student after class. The student told police they were using the paperweight to hold down some papers when they went outside for the remainder of the class period. UIPD determined there was no intent to cause alarm and no danger to the campus community. No charges will be filed.
(Washington–jc) 86 percent of the corn crop in the area, state and nation has reached the dough stage. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the numbers…
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Champaign-jm) – Three vehicles were involved in a crash on I-57 at the I-74 interchange in Champaign Tuesday evening. Illinois State Police say two passenger cars and a semi were involved and injuries were reported. There’s no word on the extent of the injuries.
(Paxton–jc) Paxton E-R-S, and Ford County officials have gone through the city of Paxton and some Ford County properties looking for flood damaged properties to damaged appliances and more. Paxton E-R-S Coordinator Andrew Turner says the process does continue and those with damage to property and possessions can still get in touch with the city…
City of Paxton E-R-S Coordinator Andrew Turner
(Chicago–jc) – The Chicago Fed Survey of Economic Conditions Manufacturing Activity Index decreased to plus-20 in August from plus-32 in July. The Activity Index decreased to minus- 2 in August from a neutral value in July.
(Springfield-jm) — The Illinois Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday that two new conditions have been added to the list of medical issues that can qualify an Illinois resident for participation in the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra approved the addition of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome with chronic pain and sickle cell disease after a review by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board and IDPH. The two newly-added conditions bring the total list to 58.
(Springfield-jm) — Governor JB Pritzker has signed legislation that enables the Illinois state treasurer to invest in pooled investment trusts like the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust fund, which provides capital to developers and aligns with the governor’s Building Up Illinois Developments Plan. Senate Bill 3086 allows the trusts to be set up only if voting trustees are officers or employees of a national labor federation or member union and if the issuer has assets exceeding $1 billion.
(The Center Square-jm) – According to a new report on financial red flags, Illinois has a higher debt ratio than any other state and Chicago is the most financially tenuous place in America. Reason Foundation used audited financial reports from state governments and the nation’s 100 largest cities, counties and school districts to evaluate them in eight measures of financial health. Reason Foundation Research Director Geoff Lawrence said Illinois is way upside down, with a debt ratio of 276%. “It has way more debt than assets, $80 billion in total assets versus $220 billion in debt, so if you were to try to liquidate all of the state's assets to pay off all its debts, it would be impossible,” Lawrence told The Center Square. The report also flagged Illinois for liabilities per capita and unrestricted net position.
(Paxton–jc) Some in the city of Paxton have wondered why some properties remain flooded when the major rains happen. City officials want to inform the citizens of the Ford County town that they have tried for funding to alleviate flooding including the south-east part of Paxton, says Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Hoopeston-jm) – A Vermilion County judge has sentenced a Hoopeston man to 6 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. Christopher Mattison entered the guilty plea and received the sentence along with one year of mandatory supervised release. Mattison was stopped by Hoopeston police in January for driving with a revoked license.
(Rantoul–jc) There is still a lot of baseball to be played at the Rantoul Sports Complex on the village’s west side. This weekend, it’s the United States Adult Baseball Classic from Friday to Sunday, says Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandon Denton…
Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandon Denton
(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana hospital is increasing their mental health service capabilities. OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Urbana is expanding their inpatient behavioral health services adding a new floor and increasing beds from 25 to 65.
(Washington–jc) An effort from the U S D A and Health and Human Services Department announced sweeping new efforts to strengthen school meals by connecting more American farmers with local schools, investing in school kitchen infrastructure, and giving states and school districts new tools to serve healthier, more nutrient-dense meals to America’s children. U S D A Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says it will help boost student access to healthier school meals..
U S D A Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins
(Champaign–jc) In order to complete work at Gies Memorial Stadium, the University of Illinois and Stark Excavating will close all lanes of Kirby Avenue between First Street and Fourth Street. The closure will begin on Wednesday morning and runs through on Saturday. During the closure, drivers are encouraged to seek an alternative route.The City appreciates the cooperation of travelers in the area and encourages caution when traveling through work zones.
(Chicago-jm) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said CBP officers at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport assisted in the arrest of three individuals and seized over 1,170 pounds of the illegal stimulant Khat. A CBP statement said two of the travelers arrived at O’Hare from Senegal last Wednesday, and the other arrived from Senegal on Thursday. CBP said state prosecutors are charging the suspects after officers seized more than 1,170 pounds of khat with a street value over $140,000.
WPXN News notes…
The Elliott Amvets will hold their pork chop sandwich supper on Friday, August 28th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8.
The 2026 Watseka Family Fest will take place on Friday, August 28th and Saturday, August 29th. Performing Friday night is Kentucky Headhunters with Confederate Railroad. Performing Saturday night is Rodney Atkins with Montgomery Gentry.
The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County will hold a special food distribution sponsored by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Gifford on Saturday, August 29th from 9-10:30 am.
The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk outdoor flea market on Saturday, August 29th from 9-2.
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Paxton Church of Christ on Thursday, September 3rd from 12:30-5:30 pm.
The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, September 4th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.
