(The Center Square) – Ahead of the Labor Day weekend, fuel prices are again on the rise this week, with some of the highest prices in Illinois centered in the Chicago metro, Northwest Illinois and in the St. Louis metro area. According to AAA, the average price for a regular unleaded gallon of gasoline in Illinois was $4.29, up in recent days but down 6 cents from a month ago.

 

(Springfield–jc)  A new law that requires construction sites to have bathrooms for men and women,  also contains more stipulations to comply. One woman in Springfield says it needs to be clear. We hear more from 88th District State Representative Republican,  Reagan Deering of Decatur with a simple request…

   

88th District State Representative Reagan Deering, Republican from Decatur

Employers who fail to comply can face fines of up to $100, with a seven-day grace period following written notice for applicable first-time violations.

 

(Hoopeston-jm) – A Watseka man is facing multiple felony charges. Eli Alexander was arrested by Hoopeston police after they received multiple calls reporting theft. An investigation led police to Alexander. He’s charged with four counts of burglary to a vehicle and one count each of burglary to a garage, theft and possession of another’s credit or debit card.

 

(Roberts–jc)  Yesterday was the deadline for village of Roberts officials to receive support letters to apply for a grant to help the town clean up several dilapidated buildings. Roberts Mayor Matt Vaughn says the village has done everything they can, but a grant is needed to take the next step…

 

Roberts Mayor Matt Vaughn. The village has received a great amount of support and will now look at those grant opportunities. 

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion County War Museum is inviting the public to two events this Labor Day Weekend. The Museum’s class military Jeep will be part of the monthly First Friday event in downtown Danville from 5-8pm Friday evening. On Saturday, the museum will hold their First Saturday event with a walking tour of World War Two artifacts. Admission Saturday is free and the event starts at 1pm.

 

(Paxton–jc)  – The 20-26 Paxton Swine and Dine is coming on Saturday September 19th in the city of Paxton. This year’s entertainment is headed by Gabby Barrett and local star Gina Miles, Paxton Swine and Dine Spokesperson Alan Meyer…

 

Paxton Swine and Dine Spokesperson Alan Meyer

 

(Champaign–jc)  - The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a single-family home in the 900 block of North Fourth Street Tuesday morning around 4-30. Fire crews quickly extinguished this fire.     Once on the scene, firefighters reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the first floor with everyone outside the home.    One occupant was treated on scene and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation of minor injuries.  There were no firefighter injuries reported.

 

(The Center Square) – Illinois Governor  J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump is not wanted or needed in Illinois. Pritzker’s campaign released a statement on the President's visit. The President is simply attending the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Medinah later this month.Pritzker said in the statement that Trump knows where to find him. Pritzker called the visit a “fight.”

 

(Washington–jc)  The corn crop in the area, state and nation continues to move to the mature stage as harvest is coming later this month. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the numbers…

 

U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey

 

(The Center Square) – A Central Illinois elected county auditor has been asked to step down after a series of finance issues occurred under her leadership in recent years. Four-term elected McLean County Auditor Michelle Anderson, a Republican, is being asked to step down from her elected office by her own party. 

Political and government leaders in the county have said Anderson’s 18 years in the role has led to unnecessary risk and costs to county taxpayers, especially in recent years. Connie Beard, chairman of the McLean County Republicans, told The Center Square the county party’s committee voted unanimously after considering issues for months, like late payments, leading to unnecessary fees for the county.

 

(Undated-jm) – September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross and FEMA is reminding people preparing for emergencies doesn’t have to be expensive. They say you should develop an emergency plan for your household in case you have to evacuate and gather supplies for a go kit and a stay at home kit. They recommend hitting clearance bins and sales for your kit. More information is available at ready dot gov.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The annual Paxton Down Syndrome Walk is set for Sunday September 27th at the Paxton Buckley Loda Track. Event Spokesperson Darla Shall says there is a free meal and more for those who attend…

 

 

Paxton Down Syndrome Walk event Spokesperson Darla Shall

 

(Farmer City–jc)  With the warm temperatures today, one area town is getting ready for its annual Christmas parade. Farmer City is seeking entries for the annual parade. The parade date is SundayNovember 12th. The parade steps off at 2pm. This year’s theme is “Buddy the Elf.”

 

(Spirngfield–jc0  –The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says the public duck and goose hunting area permit second lottery will be open from today to September 15th. The bobcat permit lottery opens statewide today and ends on September 30th. More information is available on the Hunt Illinois website

 

(Hoopeston–jc)  The Hoopeston SweetCorn Festival kicks off tomorrow in the northern Vermilion County city. Three days of free sweetcorn will be provided on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at McFereen Park. A Carnival, tractor pulls, Bingo, and lots of music hilite the five day event. A parade is set for Saturday morning

 

(Chicago–jc)  The Chicago Department of Public Health has reported the city’s first two human cases and first death in 2026 from West Nile virus.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said the year’s first death in Illinois related to West Nile is a sobering reminder to take mosquito-borne illness seriously..

 

(Springfield–jc)  The Illinois Department of Human Rights joined civil rights enforcement agencies in six states and the District of Columbia in a statement urging the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to not rescind federal workforce demographic reporting requirements. The agencies argued that ending the collection would reduce transparency and could shift costs rather than eliminate them.

 

WPXN News notes…

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 78th Annual Central State’s Thresherman’s Reunion in Pontiac will take place September 3rd through the 7th.

 

The 82nd Annual National Sweetcorn Festival will take place September 3rd-7th at McFerren Park in Hoopeston. 

The Rankin Lions Club will hold their Friday Supper on Friday, September 4th from 4:30-6:30.

 

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.

 

Middlefork Forest Preserve in Penfield will host their 3rd annual Cardboard Boat regatta on Saturday, September 5th registration and inspections begin at 2:30 pm with races beginning at 3:30 pm.