(Springfield-jm) – The $50.6 billion state spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st, passed the Illinois House early Saturday, with only the support of Democrats who drafted it. House Republicans chose not to vote for the budget bill for numerous reasons.  Including Democrats neglecting two House GOP priorities; giving families a break in the estate tax, and failing to fund the Invest in Kids program, which gives donors a tax credit for contributing to a state fund that pays for low-income scholarships for low-income students.  What the Democrats did choose to include was millions of dollars on healthcare for undocumented immigrants.  That program will cost the state over $1 billion in 2024. The budget also includes pay raises and cost of living increases for legislators to $89,675 base-level salaries per year. State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur says the state can’t support the increase…

State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois' new budget includes rate increases for Medicaid and better access to health care for the state's undocumented immigrants.  The state budget and budget implementation bills were among the final bills the legislature passed before adjourning early Saturday morning. Another bill, Senate Bill 1298, is an all encompassing measure impacting the state's Medicaid spending. The rate increases will cost the state an extra $317 million. Illinois does not expect any federal matching funds for subsidizing undocumented migrant health care costs. A recent audit estimated the cost of the subsidies for migrant health care could be more than $1 billion. Governor J.B. Pritzker said the budget plan will give him the tools to implement cost savings for the program through things like copays.

(Springfield-jm) – A major complaint from Republican legislators is that the new state budget doesn’t include the “Invest in Kids'' program. So, what is this initiative? Invest in Kids began in 2018 as a pilot program, providing scholarships to low income families for their children to go to private school. It’s funded solely by donations from taxpayers, who in return get an income tax credit. The program is set to expire at the end of this year. Representative Tom Weber of Lake Villa says he was stunned to learn Invest in Kids isn’t being extended…

State Representative Tom Weber of Lake Villa. The income tax credit is worth 75 percent of the donation. The legislature could revisit the issue in the fall veto session.

(Urbana-jm) – A second teenager has been arrested in relation to the shooting death of 16-year-old Montrell Emery of Urbana. On Wednesday, March 15, at about 1:03 AM, Urbana Police Officers responded to the 2400 Block of Prairie Green Dr. for a report of a shooting with injuries. Officers arrived and found Emery with a gunshot wound to the head. Emery was transported to Carle Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. On March 18, a 14-year-old from Urbana was arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder. Following further investigation, a second 14-year-old was arrested in connection to Emery's murder. 

(Pesotum-jm) – Illinois State Police Troop 7 announced the results of Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols in Champaign County and Nighttime Enforcement patrols in Macon and Vermilion County during May. In Champaign County, 28 Occupant Restraint Violations, 3 Driving Under the Influence and Drug/Alcohol-Related Citations, 154 Speeding Citations and Warnings and 

4 Distracted Driving Citations and Warnings. The Macon and Vermilion County results include: 23 Occupant Restraint Violations, 4 DUI and Drug/Alcohol-Related Citations, 74 Speeding Citations and Warnings and 9 Distracted Driving Citations and Warnings.

(Springfield-jm) – 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington has a big event coming up. Representative Bunting has the details…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Urbana-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that resurfacing of the University Avenue/U.S. 150 ramps at Interstate 74 in Urbana began on Tuesday. The project will require daily closures of the ramps beginning at 6 a.m. except for the westbound off-ramp, which will close at 9 a.m. Detours will be posted during the closure periods. Work is expected to be complete in about six weeks. 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois farmers have had plenty of time in the fields as we hear in the weekly crop report. Virtually no rainfall left nearly all 7 days suitable for fieldwork. Corn planting is now 95 percent complete and 84 percent has emerged. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener looks at soybeans…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 93 percent of winter wheat acres are heading and 66 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture dropped to 14 percent very short, 28 percent short, 54 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

(Springfield-jm) – As pool season begins, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is warning about the dangers of kids near water. Last year, 15 Illinois children died due to accidental drowning. DCFS Spokesperson Deborah Lopez says even small baby pools present a hazard…

DCFS Spokesperson Deborah Lopez. Lopez says young kids should never be left unattended in or around water, even if they are in the bathtub or are wearing a swim vest in the pool. Hot tubs should be securely covered when not in use.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation giving Ameren Illinois a monopoly on future high-voltage line construction in its downstate service areas is headed to the governor.  The General Assembly passed House Bill 3445 giving the company the right of first refusal to build transmission lines. The measure, which surfaced at the request of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, passed the Senate 41-9, then after lengthy debate, passed the House 63-32. Some Republicans in the Illinois House said it is another attempt to fix the broken Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which was signed into law in 2021 and aims to phase out carbon emissions from the energy and transportation sectors. Governor J.B. Pritzker said he plans to veto the measure when it arrives at his desk.

(Springfield-jm) – The $50.6 billion state spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st, passed the Illinois House early Saturday, with only the support of Democrats who drafted it. House Republicans chose not to vote for the budget bill for numerous reasons.  Including Democrats neglecting two House GOP priorities; giving families a break in the estate tax, and failing to fund the Invest in Kids program, which gives donors a tax credit for contributing to a state fund that pays for low-income scholarships for low-income students. State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Police Department has released new details regarding a fatal stabbing that occurred on March 30 of this year. Fifty-one-year-old Robert J. Cavette of Urbana was pronounced dead at 11:51 a.m. on March 30. According to police, officers arrived to the 1000 block of South Smith Road. around 11:04 a.m. where they found Cavette with life threatening injuries. He was transported to Carle Hospital where he died of his injuries. Further investigation revealed that Cavette was in a domestic relationship with a 38-year-old Urbana woman. At the time of the stabbing, the woman had an active Champaign County Order of Protection against Cavette for previous domestic violence issues. The woman involved in the dispute reportedly stabbed Cavette while he was choking her. There were no witnesses to the incident but the woman immediately called 911, provided a statement to police on the day of the incident, and fully cooperated with the investigation.

(Springfield-jm) – The state is reopening a program that GOP lawmakers say will support job growth in the state. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains the Blue Collar Jobs Act…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Mansfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that U.S. 150 between Mansfield and Farmer City will close Wednesday. The closure is necessary to reconstruct two box culverts and is expected to last into July. A detour utilizing Interstate 74 will be posted. 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois farmers have had plenty of time in the fields as we hear in the weekly crop report. 92 percent of soybean acres have now been planted, well ahead of the usual pace. 76 percent has emerged and 63 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener moves on to corn…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 93 percent of winter wheat acres are heading and 63 percent of the first cutting of alfalfa hay is now complete. Average statewide topsoil moisture declined to 14 percent very short, 28 percent short, 54 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

(Springfield-jm) – A pandemic-era law to allow Illinois bars and restaurants to sell cocktails to-go may be extended.  When Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered all bars and restaurants closed after the pandemic began, owners said they needed a way to survive, and selling and delivering cocktails was one way to do so. If signed by the governor, Senate Bill 89 would extend the cocktails to-go and delivery until August 1, 2028. Illinois’ current law expires June 1, 2024.

(Springfield-jm) – The $50.6 billion state spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st, passed the Illinois House early Saturday, with only the support of Democrats who drafted it. House Republicans chose not to vote for the budget bill for numerous reasons.  Including Democrats neglecting two House GOP priorities; giving families a break in the estate tax, and failing to fund the Invest in Kids program, which gives donors a tax credit for contributing to a state fund that pays for low-income scholarships for low-income students.  What the Democrats did choose to include was millions of dollars on healthcare for undocumented immigrants.  That program will cost the state over $1 billion in 2024. The budget also includes pay raises and cost of living increases for legislators to $89,675 base-level salaries per year. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Melvin-jm) – Roberts and Melvin emergency crews were called to an accident near Melvin Monday afternoon. The single vehicle accident happened around 1pm on Route 54 near 800 north. No injuries were reported.

(Danville-jm) – A Vermilion County inmate is in the hospital after police say he attempted to escape the Vermilion County Jail over the weekend. Authorities say the unidentified man used a bedsheet as a rope to escape through a 4th floor window. The man fell from the makeshift rope landing on the concrete below.

(Washington-jm) – There are several possible reasons why the USDA's Farm Service Agency is having trouble recruiting and retaining employees at local county offices. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – An audit of the $585 million Business Interruption Grant, the Illinois program using federal tax dollars to give to businesses for relief during COVID-19, reports checks on the spending “failed to work as advertised” with insufficient oversight. Among the findings, the audit says “DCEO could not provide documentation to show how or why it selected organizations to administer Round 1 of the BIG program.” The finding goes on to show administrators did not comply with conflict of interest policies. Other findings include the program being initiated without emergency administrative rules in place. 196 ineligible applicants received $3.42 million,” the audit said. “Additionally, the application system developed by a DCEO grant administrator that was supposed to not allow ineligible applicants to submit finalized applications failed to work as advertised.” Additionally, the audit found "DCEO became aware of notices of BIG Program violations from news stories, forwarded complaints, and internal agency reviews. Businesses most often having documented violations were restaurants failing to follow local mitigations and executive orders. DCEO was not prepared to handle such notices of violation, did not have complete information on all violators, and did not always enforce a return of funds when such violations were confirmed." The findings continued, showing the process failed to follow the directive of state statute, awarded funding in excess of program policy, failed to execute grant agreements, required funding applicants to submit multiple pieces of confidential information, failed to conduct routine monitoring of the funds provided, and did not claw back funds for noncompliance.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation to help address the teacher shortage is receiving support in both the House and Senate. The legislation is sponsored by 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man is wanted for predatory criminal sexual assault and Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in finding him. Officials said the wanted subject is Nicholas Juan-Sebastian. He is described as being Hispanic, with black hair and brown eyes, measuring 5 feet 4 inches in height and weighing 167 pounds. He is wanted on a warrant that set bond at $100,000.

(Paxton-jm) – A Ford County man was found guilty, for the second time of one count of enticement of a minor. Robert Shawn Anderson of Paxton faces 10 years to life imprisonment, followed by 5 years to life of supervised release, and must register as a sex offender. The case was being tried for the second time after the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that in the initial trial, Anderson should have been able to argue that law enforcement had entrapped him into trying to have sex with a person he thought was a 15-year-old girl. Anderson arranged to meet an individual he believed to be a 15-year-old minor for sexual activity on the dating application MeetMe. The government also proved that law enforcement had not entrapped Anderson into his attempted sexual liaison with a child.

(Washington-jm) – Scores of small rural communities are getting an economic/jobs boost from a new USDA investment package. Gary Crawford reports…

(Undated-jm) – The National Weather Service says the lack of rain over the past few weeks across Illinois will likely lead to a flash drought. A flash drought is the rapid onset of drought and is often preceded by abnormally high temperatures, high winds and changes in solar radiation. Rain is not likely anytime soon as a stretch of dry weather and 90-degree days is coming to Illinois this week.

(Springfield-jm) – House lawmakers are sending Governor J-B Pritzker a more than 50 billion dollar new state budget. The spending plan funds the Governor’s “Smart Start” initiative to make quality preschool available to children across the state. There’s also more money for college map grants, violence and homeless prevention programs and workforce training. It’s a budget to be proud of, says Representative Jehan Gordon Booth of Peoria…

State Representative Jehan Gordon Booth of Peoria. Republicans argued that the budget doesn’t represent their priorities like a tax credit program that provides private school scholarships to low income kids. They said the budget spends hundreds of millions of dollars on healthcare for undocumented immigrants instead. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington spoke before the vote…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington. State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur also weighed in…

State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur.

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian also weighed in…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation headed to the Governor’s desk limits where constitutional court challenges can be heard. The goal is to prevent what’s called “venue shopping” where a suit is filed in a county that might yield the best outcome. Under the bill, constitutional challenges to state laws could only be heard in Sangamon and Cook Counties. Representative Patrick Windhorst of Metropolis opposed the measure….

State Representative Patrick Windhorst of Metropolis. Supporters say the Attorney General’s office will also benefit from the change. Staff represent the state in such matters and wouldn’t have to travel all over the state for court.

(Kankakee County-jm) – An Iroquois County man is dead after a shooting in rural Kankakee County, according to police. Police were dispatched to the 1100 block of Coyote Run in unincorporated Bourbonnais, in regards to a shooting that occurred after a fight erupted at a house party. Upon arrival, police located Michael Godinez of Clifton unresponsive and suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest. Godinez was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

(Decatur-jm) – Two arrests have been made in the shooting death of Kemareon Rice in Decatur. Rice was shot on March 5, 2022. He died as a result of his injuries.  Arrest warrants were obtained for Travell  Washington and Freiashya  Ayres for the charge of first-degree murder.  Today , the United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force found Washington and Ayres in Rantoul.  Washington and Ayres will be booked into the Champaign County Jail.

(Springfield-jm) – The state is adding more resources to help prevent veteran suicide. Individuals, community groups and professionals are invited to take free online training courses as part of the Governor’s Challenge to Stop Suicide Among Service Members, Vets and their Families. Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Terry Prince says the courses cover a variety of topics…

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Terry Prince. There’s also a 24/7, confidential crisis hotline. More information about these resources is available at the website: save vets dot illinois dot gov.

(Thomasboro-jm) – Illinois State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash in Champaign County Friday near Thomasboro in which three people from Rantoul were transported to the hospital. ISP reported that the crash happened on U.S. Route 45 northbound located near Thomasboro on Friday around 5:30 p.m. State Police said a 2007 Silver Honda Civic was traveling north on Route 45 approaching 2400 N. Road. A Black Ford Escape was also traveling north behind the Honda Civic. The Ford Escape struck the rear of the Honda Civic and fled the scene. ISP said the Honda Civic left the roadway to the left, striking a ditch and rolling over into the southbound lanes of Route 45.

(St. Joseph-jm) – A St. Joseph woman has been sentenced to 4 years 2nd chance probation. Shayna White received the sentence after pleading guilty to theft over $10 thousand. White admitted to stealing over $18 thousand from Prince of Peace Community Early Learning Center in St. Joseph.

(Springfield-jm) – State and local police are kicking off the “Click it or Ticket” campaign for the Memorial Day holiday. The public can expect to see beefed up patrols looking for those not wearing a seatbelt, as well as drunk drivers, says Illinois Department of Transportation Spokesperson Paul Wappel…

Illinois Department of Transportation Spokesperson Paul Wappel. According to I-DOT, heavy traffic during Memorial Day weekend almost always leads to an increase in fatalities. Last year in Illinois, there were 14 crashes over the holiday period, resulting in 15 deaths. The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Memorial Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. today, to 11:59 p.m. Monday. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through areas where construction zones still exist. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones.

(Springfield-jm) – State lawmakers are saying yes to a new program that will help keep local grocery stores afloat. The House and Senate have passed legislation that provides grants to new or current grocery stores in high-need areas. People must be able to access healthy food, says Representative Maurice West of Rockford…

State Representative Maurice West of Rockford. The grant program is an initiative of Governor J-B Pritzkers who is expected to sign the bill into law.

(Springfield-jm) – Nearly all juvenile court fines and fees would be eliminated under a bill headed to the Governor’s desk. The measure is sponsored by Senator Robert Peters of Chicago, who says that kids and their families shouldn’t be negatively impacted by the fines or have to go into debt to pay them off…

State Senator Robert Peters of Chicago. Opponents argue that some families can afford the fees and point out the financial loss counties would suffer by not collecting that money. Fines for violating traffic, boating, fishing or hunting laws would still have to be paid. The bill needs to be signed by the Governor to become law.

(Fisher-jm) – A Fisher man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for attacking a woman, possessing a gun and possessing a stolen car. Devon Todd received the sentence in Champaign County court after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle and domestic battery. In exchange for his guilty plea, charges of unlawful use of a weapon, armed violence, robbery, possession of a stolen gun and aggravated domestic battery were dismissed.

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul couple who admitted to sexually abusing a foster child in their care has been sentenced to 30 months probation. Tate and Jaelyn Survance received the sentence after pleading guilty to criminal sexual abuse.

(Washington-jm) – What might the weather forecast look like for your region of the country this upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend? Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is stressing the importance of safety as boating season begins. One of the most important reminders from the Department of Natural Resources is to wear a life jacket whether you’re on a motorboat, kayak, jet-ski or paddleboard. Safety Education Officer Cody Gray says it could save your life…

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Safety Education Officer Cody Gray. All boats must have a life jacket for each person on board and kids under 13 are required by law to wear a vest. Last year in Illinois, 52 boating accidents were reported and Conservation Police arrested 72 people for drunk driving a boat. The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Memorial Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. today, to 11:59 p.m. Monday. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through areas where construction zones still exist.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation now waiting to be signed into law would let non-citizen residents get a standard Illinois driver’s license. Non-citizen motorists are currently issued a temporary visitor driver’s license, but that can’t be used as an ID. That can be really limiting, says Senator Ram Villivalum of Chicago…

State Senator Ram Villivalum of Chicago. Under the bill, non-citizens will have to prove they have car insurance and take a driving test. They will not be eligible for the real I-D.

(Springfield-jm) – The risk of drought conditions in Illinois is increasing thanks to the lack of recent rain. The Chicago area and parts of western Illinois are already considered to be in a moderate drought, while several other counties, including Ford, Iroquois, Champaign and Vermilion Counties, are rated abnormally dry by the U-S Drought Monitor. Still, this hasn’t had a major impact yet says State Climatologist Trent Ford…

State Climatologist Trent Ford. Ford says conditions may worsen as the forecast for the next week is calling for dry, hot weather.

(Undated-jm) – This weekend is Memorial Day weekend and area veterans groups will be handing out poppys. The American Legion Post 287 in Rantoul will be hanging out poppys from 8 am to 6 pm today and 8 am to noon tomorrow at Ott’s, County Market and Walmart. In Paxton, members of the American Legion will be handing out poppys at the intersection of Patton and Market and Pells and Market.

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man has been convicted of a raping a woman who was asleep in her own home. Kevin Finley, 28, will be sentenced July 18 for aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Police said when Finley was charged, he was also suspected of groping several women in Urbana who had been walking alone. Finley faces 16 to 40 years to be served at 85 percent time and another possible three to 14 years for aggravated criminal sexual abuse to be served after that.

(Washington-jm) – There's a bit of good news for food shoppers in USDA's latest food price forecast for 2023. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker and Democratic leadership say a deal has been reached on a new state budget. The fiscal year 24 spending plan is similar to the one the Governor proposed earlier this year. He says it invests in families and is fiscally responsible…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says the deal also gives his office the tools to better manage the cost of a health insurance program for undocumented immigrants. The budget proposal must be passed by the House and Senate. The Illinois General Assembly wasn’t expected to be in session this week. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police were dispatched just before noon Wednesday, to the 900 block of Newcastle Drive for a report of a shooting with injuries. Upon arrival, officers located a 21-year-old woman from Champaign who reported that she had been the victim of a domestic battery and had shot the other party, a 24-year-old male from Champaign, during the struggle. The man left the scene following the incident. Police have interviewed the male party, who also claims to have been the victim of domestic battery in this incident. The initial investigation indicated that the two parties had been involved in a domestic dispute that escalated into a physical altercation. The female subject produced a handgun and the firearm discharged. According to witnesses on-scene, the male was injured in the discharge. The male then left the scene in a vehicle. The female subject was confirmed to lawfully own the firearm.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House adopted a Senate Joint Resolution, sponsored by State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian to honor the life and public service of Senator Scott Bennett. SJR32 designates Interstate 74 east of US 45 in Champaign-Urbana to the Indiana border as the "Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway".  Marron spoke on the resolution when it was adopted in committee but spoke more about his colleague and friend as he presented the measure for adoption…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Sheldon-jm) – The Big Top is setting up shop in Sheldon.  The Circus is coming to Sheldon on Sunday, June 4.  Tent raise starts at 9am, Midway opens at 1pm and performances are held at 2 and 4:30pm. Everyone's invited to enjoy all the nostalgic events at the circus. Set-up is at the Sheldon Soccer Field.

(Danville-jm) – Representative Marron is pleased to host an Energy Efficiency Roundtable in collaboration with Vermilion Advantage and the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center on May 31st, 2023, at 2:00 pm. This presentation will offer the Vermilion County business community an opportunity to learn about the multiple energy programs available to them and how best to navigate the process of lowering out of pocket expenses. The goal is to lower costs while instituting energy efficient strategies and solutions unique to your business needs. The presenter, Smart Energy Design Assistance Center, is not a third-party consultant.

(Undated-jm) – Is your vehicle running on Empty? Not for long! Today is Circle K Fuel Day! Today, Circle K will be offering 40 cents off per gallon of fuel between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time.

(Springfield-jm) – Legislation that would make schools safer by providing grants to districts to make more up to date maps for first responders is moving on. It’s sponsored by 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City who says this will save lives…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Farmer City-jm) – The Illinois State Police has revealed new information about a crash on Interstate 74 that resulted in the death of an Ohio farmer known for a viral Internet meme. Dave Brandt, 76, was the face of the meme dubbed “It ain’t much, but it’s honest work.” Brandt was in Central Illinois picking up red corn and was driving back to his Carroll, Ohio, farm when his truck crashed.  State Police officials said the crash happened last week on Interstate 74 near Farmer City. Brandt, they said, was driving eastbound when for undisclosed reasons, he lost control of his truck. The truck rolled over and Brandt was ejected. Brandt was taken to Carle Hospital in Urbana, where he died from his injuries two days later.

(Penfield-jm) – Whether you are an expert fisher or a first-timer, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District has the perfect event for you this weekend. They announced they are hosting “Take Me Fishing: Middle Fork”, a free fishing event for the whole family. The forest preserve shared on social media that they are hosting the event, along with the Homer Lake Interpretive Center on Saturday, May 27. The event will be held from 9-11 a.m. at Cypress Pond at the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve. Cane poles and bait will be available for use, but people are also welcome to bring their own. All event fishing is catch-and-release.

WPXN News Notes…

A sock hop will be held on Friday, May 26th from 6-10 pm at the Onarga American Legion. There is no cover charge.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Loda Truck and Tractor Pull on Saturday, May 27th from 10-2.

(Paxton-jm) – She did it! Paxton native Gina Miles won The Voice in the closest margin of victory in the show's history.  Everyone in Paxton, the PBL School district, and area communities are beaming with pride with Gina Miles today after winning the Voice. Congratulations to Gina Miles. Miles receives a 6 figure award and a recording contract. Congratulations again to Paxton’s Gina Miles. 

(Springfield-jm) – State lawmakers return to the capitol today. On the docket, unveiling and passing a budget which takes effect July 1st. The spring legislative session was scheduled to end last week. Governor J-B Pritzker proposed a nearly $50 billion spending plan during his budget address earlier this year. Details of the budget have not yet been released.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is releasing a report on the extent of child sexual abuse in the Catholic church. The report reveals the names of the 451 clerics who abused nearly two thousand children in the state since 1950. The Catholic Dioceses of Illinois has publicly listed just 103 known abusers. The report also includes stories from survivors and recommended policies for dioceses to adopt. It can be found online at: illinois attorney general dot gov.

(Springfield-jm) – The State Treasurer’s Office made a record $100.7 million in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio in April. Another $75.3 million in gross investment earnings was earned for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool operated by the State Treasurer’s Office.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill requiring school districts to offer full-day kindergarten is headed to the Governor’s desk. It’s important that families have equal access to education at all levels, says Senator Kimberly Lightford of Maywood…

State Senator Kimberly Lightford of Maywood. Supporters say this also helps working parents who may have a hard time getting daycare if their child only goes to kindergarten for half a day. The bill awaits the Governor’s signature.

(Urbana-jm) – Two cars on the University of Illinois campus were damaged on Monday when thieves stole their catalytic converters, U of I Police said. Officials said the thefts happened in the parking lot of the university’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, located at 2001 South Lincoln Avenue. Two employees separately reported that the catalytic converters on their cars had been stolen at some point between 7:40 a.m. and 5 p.m. This is the second instance during the month of May where multiple catalytic converters were stolen from the same general location on the same day. Three were stolen from the area of Fourth and Daniel Streets on May 4, and a fourth was stolen near Fourth Street and Peabody Drive the same day.

(Springfield-jm) – A resolution honoring former Congressman Tim Johnson is moving through the Illinois State House. The resolution, sponsored by State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet, would designate a portion of I-57 from I-74 south to exit 232 as the “Congressman Tim Johnson” Highway…

State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet.

(Danville-jm) – A Prophetstown, Illinois man is now facing federal arson charges after prosecutors said he was caught with incendiary material while vandalizing a future women’s reproductive health clinic in Danville over the weekend. Phillip Buyno, 73, was charged by a federal criminal complaint with attempting to use fire to damage a building used in interstate commerce. An affidavit submitted in support of the complaint said that Danville Police found Buyno at the future clinic, located at 600 North Logan Avenue, around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday while responding to an alarm at the site. The affidavit said that Buyno had backed his car into the entrance of the building and that he was stuck inside the car when officers arrived. The affidavit added that Buyno had brought several containers filled with gasoline with him. Buyno was arrested by Danville Police that morning. If convicted of attempted arson, Buyno faces five to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and three years of parole.

(Paxton-jm) – Mobile connection could be easier in downtown Paxton. A group has applied for a T-Mobile grant that would give open Wi-Fi to four blocks in the downtown area. 

(Washington-jm) – Corn and soybean growers are well ahead of the normal planting pace. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) –Both the House and Senate are in Springfield today to reveal and pass the state budget. Governor J-B Pritzker is proposing a nearly $50 billion spending plan to take effect July 1st, up from $37 billion last year. It’s unknown what is in the state budget.

(Springfield-jm) – Several changes to the state’s cannabis industry are being proposed in the Illinois House. Comprehensive, last-minute cannabis legislation emerged at the capitol. It’s sponsored by Representative LaShawn Ford of Chicago who says one component will help marijuana customers…

State Representative LaShawn Ford of Chicago. The bill also increases canopy space for craft growers from 5 thousand to 14 thousand square feet, allows prospective medical cannabis patients to have their doctor’s exam done virtually, requires cannabis testing facilities to be licensed by the state and lifts a requirement that marijuana needs to be in an odor-proof container when in a vehicle.

(Springfield-jm) – Turkey hunters harvested over 16,000 wild turkeys during the 2023 Illinois spring turkey season. A preliminary statewide total was reported at 16,121 wild turkeys. This is compared with the 2022 statewide turkey harvest of 13,701. The top five counties for the 2023 harvest were Jo Daviess, 595; Jefferson, 487; Pike, 419; Pope, 379; and Randolph, 370. The record harvest total for the spring season was set in 2006 when 16,569 turkeys were taken.

(Decatur-jm) – The Illinois State Police is opening a new Forensic Science Lab in Decatur. This is the state police’s seventh forensic lab, which will utilize robotics to help quickly process DNA evidence, says Director Brendan Kelly…

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly. Kelly says the lab will test DNA in state police cases as well as samples from investigations by local and federal law enforcement agencies across Illinois.

(Urbana-jm) – Carle Health has been Certified by Great Place To Work® for the sixth consecutive year. Carle earned the designation, even with all the changes in healthcare in the past six years, based on direct feedback from team members sharing their experiences working at Carle Health. The survey was sent to a random sample of Carle Health team members on March 27 and was conducted independently of Carle by Great Place To Work. Carle was Certified as a Great Place To Work after 83% of Carle employees surveyed confirmed Carle is a great place to work. That compares to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Firefighters Association and some state lawmakers are calling for a tax credit to help volunteer firefighters. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City is one of the lawmakers pushing for the credit…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Iroquois County-jm) – Iroquois County Coroner Bill Cheatum has released the name of a Woodland man who died in a weekend accident in Iroquois County. Cheatum identified the victim as 54 year old Barry DuFrain. The accident happened just before 10 pm on Illinois Route 49 north of Rankin. The vehicle was southbound when it ran off the road and hit a culvert, the driver then over-correcting and running into a field before it rolled several times and ignited into flames.

(Champaign-jm) – An 11-year-old is in custody after being accused of firing a gun at Centennial Park in Champaign. Police said it all started when the 11-year-old suspect got into an argument earlier this week with another child. They said that ended with shots being fired in retaliation. No one was hurt.

(Washington-jm) – The contraction of the nation's beef herd is continuing, according to a new USDA report on feedlot activity. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois citizens wanting to sue the state for alleged violations of the constitution would only be able to file their complaints in Sangamon or Cook counties with a bill advancing in Springfield. Two high-profile cases, the challenges against the state’s no-cash bail law and the state’s gun ban, resulted in temporary restraining orders against the laws. Those cases, filed in Kankakee County and Macon County, respectively, are still pending before the Illinois Supreme Court.  Senate President Don Harmon’s amendment to House Bill 3062 would only allow citizens wanting to sue the state to file complaints in Sangamon, home of the capital city of Springfield, or Cook, home of Chicago, counties. Republicans argue the two counties lean heavily to the left and limits citizens ability to file grievances.

(Springfield-jm) – Students will be able to celebrate their culture as they accept their diploma under a bill passed by Illinois lawmakers. The legislation prohibits schools from banning cultural, ethnic or religious items at graduation ceremonies. It was prompted by an incident last year in Evanston where a Native American student wasn’t allowed to participate. The reason? He was wearing an eagle feather and beading with his graduation cap, says Rockford Representative Maurice West…

State Representative Maurice West of Rockford. The bill will need to be signed into law by the Governor.

(Champaign-jm) – The University of Illinois Police arrested Lorenzo Taylor of Champaign, for retail theft and aggravated battery. Police say they saw Taylor walking on the sidewalk and recognized him from security video of a May 4 incident at Circle K, on Green Street. Taylor allegedly kicked a Circle K employee and left the store without paying for his beverage.

(Iroquois County-jm) – A crash in southern Iroquois County claimed the life of a 54-year-old man Sunday night, Illinois State Police said. Officials said the crash happened around 10 p.m. on Illinois Route 49, just north of the Iroquois-Vermilion County border. A single car, they said, was driving south when it left the roadway and hit a culvert. The car rolled over several times afterward and caught on fire. The driver, whom officials said was from Woodland, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was not released.

(Springfield-jm) – Local state Representative Jason Bunting of Emington is seeking opinions on an important issue. Representative Bunting of Emington explains…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Champaign-jm) – Two Champaign women were hurt earlier this month in a fight-turned-shooting, and Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving the case. The shooting happened on May 13 at Champaign’s Mach 1 gas station, located at the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Bloomington Road. Officials said that around 3 a.m., an impromptu gathering took place in the gas station’s parking lot. The 40-year-old station employee denied entry to the convenience store for several members of the crowd, and a fight broke out. Officials said that among other things, a baseball bat was used in a battery during the melee. When officers were called to the gas station a short time later, they saw a battery in progress and heard a gunshot quickly after. As the crowd dispersed, the officers found that the employee had been shot in the right shoulder and had been bruised during the battery. Another woman, 36 years old, was hurt in the head during the melee.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois farmers are making quick work of corn and soybean planting as we hear in the weekly crop report. Nearly five days were suitable for fieldwork this past week. 85 percent of soybeans have been planted and 57 percent emerged. That’s ahead of last year’s pace and the five year average. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 91 percent of corn acres have been planted…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener.  84 percent of winter wheat has headed and 19 percent of the first cutting of alfalfa is complete. Average statewide topsoil moisture now stands at 4 percent very short, 14 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus.

(Springfield-jm) – A new study that rates highway systems on cost versus quality says the condition of Illinois’ rural roads is among the worst in the country. The Reason Foundation’s 27th annual Highway Report ranks Illinois 29th overall in the nation, but 44th for rural pavement condition. That is compared to Indiana, which ranked 7th, and Missouri which ranked 12th. To determine relative performance across the country, state highway system budgets per mile of responsibility are compared with system performance, state by state. States with high ratings typically have better-than-average system conditions along with relatively low per-mile expenditures, which is good for taxpayers. Also hurting Illinois’ score is the state’s 45th ranking for urbanized area congestion. Chicago is the main culprit, but congestion in Peoria, Springfield and Bloomington-Normal contributed to the ranking. Illinois’ best rankings are in administrative disbursements per mile, which ranked 11th, and the state's 14th ranking for rural fatality rate.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs is highlighting his office’s college savings plans in honor of the upcoming “529 Day” on Monday. The dedicated day is meant to draw attention to the advantages of starting a college savings account like the Bright Start program, says Treasurer Frerichs…

State Treasurer Mike Frerichs. Frerichs says the accounts are easy to use and let anyone, grandma’s, grandpa’s, friends and more donate to the fund. You can find more information about the plans online at: il college savings dot com. The treasurer’s office is also working with local children’s museums to promote the program with reduced admission on certain days. The first will be held this Saturday at Kidzeum in Springfield.

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man has been sentenced to nearly a decade in prison. Dane Williams was sentenced to 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to burglary after he admitted to robbing a Champaign liquor store.

(Urbana-jm) – One of the University of Illinois’ graduate programs is now ranked among the top five in the nation, the College of ACES announced. ACES officials said in a press release that U.S. News & World Report previously ranked the agricultural and biological engineering graduate program at No. 7. However, they announced that the latest rankings have the program moved up to No. 4. They said this rise in the rankings reflects efforts to enhance opportunities for graduate students in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

(Springfield-jm) – A resolution honoring former Congressman Tim Johnson is moving through the Illinois State House. The resolution, sponsored by State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet, would designate a portion of I-57 from I-74 south to exit 232 as the “Congressman Tim Johnson” Highway…

State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet.

(Rantoul-jm) – Reindeers normally come to mind during the Christmas season, but Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul is opening up their farm to the public early this year with some new baby reindeer. If you missed the reindeer this weekend, the ranch will be open for Memorial Day weekend. Tickets cost $8.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois farmers are making quick work of corn and soybean planting as we hear in the weekly crop report. 91 percent of corn acres have been planted and 68 percent has emerged. That’s well ahead of normal. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says 85 percent of soybeans have been planted…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. The first cutting of alfalfa hay is 19 percent complete and 84 percent of winter wheat has headed. Average statewide topsoil moisture dropped to 4 percent very short, 14 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus.

(Springfield-jm) – Debate over all-gender bathrooms continued in the Illinois Legislature last week. The bill under consideration lets businesses convert their public restrooms into multi-occupancy genderless facilities. It would require bathroom stalls to be fully enclosed and prohibits urinals. Senator Celina Villanueva of Chicago says this will be helpful to families…

State Senator Celina Villanueva of Chicago. All-gender bathrooms wouldn’t be mandatory. Opponents argue that women don’t want to share a restroom with a man and that this could lead to sexual assault.  Senator Andrew Chesney of Freeport opposed the bill…

State Senator Andrew Chesney of Freeport. Others raised concerns about a young girl potentially being alone with a man in the bathroom. Supporters say this is just another step to make Illinois more inclusive. 

Representative Kelly Cassidy of Chicago said this shouldn’t be a big deal…

State Representative Kelly Cassidy of Chicago. Representative Dan Ugaste of Geneva had this to say…

State Representative Dan Ugaste of Geneva. This is not a requirement for businesses, just an option. It still needs to be signed into law by the Governor.

(Springfield-jm) – Income migration continues to hamper high tax states like Illinois. Data from the Internal Revenue Service shows an increased number of wealthy people leaving Illinois in 2021. In a typical year, Illinois would lose between $2 billion and $6 billion or $8 billion, but this is nearly $11 billion in annual wealth that Illinois has lost, more than the 49 other states on net.

(Springfield-jm) – Advocates are celebrating passage of bills giving victims of deepfakes and doxing civil recourse. The legislation aims to keep Illinois law up to date with the latest technology. Senator Mary Edly-Allen says deepfakes are digitally altered sexual images, used to harass or threaten someone…

State Senator Mary Edly-Allen. Doxing occurs when someone publishes a person’s personal information like their address, with the goal of causing harm. Under both bills, which must be signed into law by the Governor, victims will be able to sue their cyber-attacker for damages.

(Springfield-jm) – In an effort to prevent motorists from driving around stopped school buses, Illinois lawmakers have voted to allow for the stop arms of buses to be extended. Currently, stop arms extend only slightly from the bus. Under this proposal, the arms could stretch out much further, potentially reaching into other lanes of traffic. Several years ago, a bill was passed creating a pilot program for extended stop arms, but the program was never initiated.  

(Springfield-jm) – The Democrat controlled General Assembly set May 19 as the adjournment date for the spring session. But the timeline for wrapping up the session and passing a budget has come and gone. The budget bill for the state of Illinois was not voted on Friday. The past few weeks have made putting a new state budget together more complicated. Estimates predict a drop in revenue, while lawmakers are also dealing with sticker shock for certain programs. It has resulted in a delay in the approval of a new spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1 as House and Senate Democrats continue to argue among themselves and could not get the job done. State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland said this is not the way a government should run…

State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland.

(Urbana-jm) – An Illinois college town is getting recognition by a national restaurant chain. Champaign-Urbana has been ranked second most popular college town in the nation by Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. Company officials said they based their rankings on average sales data for eateries near college campuses with more than 20,000 students. There are two Chipotle locations near the University of Illinois campus. Boulder, Colorado, topped the list.

(Paxton–jc)  The second year of fun-raising for the Paxton pool was a success on Sunday in the city. Lunch, pool pass discounts to a foam party were highlights of the day at Coady park yesterday. Paxton Pool Fun-Raiser Spokesperson Tessa Pilcher says a big “thank you” goes out to all who helped…

Paxton Pool FunRaiser Spokesperson Tessa Pilcher

(Springfield-jm) – Another $150 million has been transferred to the Illinois Rainy Day Fund. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said the transfer is part of $850 million supplemental appropriations that was approved earlier this year. Mendoza said the fund total is now $1.7 billion, up from just $48,000 in August 2018.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced the launch of the Blue Collar Jobs Act Tax Credit application for eligible companies. The act is a bipartisan legislative package designed to promote economic expansion and growth in Illinois by incentivizing construction projects. The legislation makes $20 million in tax credits available per year for eligible companies. Eligible companies can receive tax credits equal to 75% of the income tax attributable to construction workers on eligible projects located in underserved areas, or 50% for projects located in other areas.

(Springfield-jm) – The Democrat controlled General Assembly set May 19 as the adjournment date for the spring session. But the timeline for wrapping up the session and passing a budget has come and gone. The budget bill for the state of Illinois was not voted on Friday. The past few weeks have made putting a new state budget together more complicated. Estimates predict a drop in revenue, while lawmakers are also dealing with sticker shock for certain programs. It has resulted in a delay on approval of a new spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1 as House and Senate Democrats continue to argue among themselves and could not get the job done. State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian said it’s unbelievable…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Police Department says a student reported that someone entered her apartment in the 0-100 block of E. John St. in Champaign around 1 a.m. Friday. The student reported that the intruder used the bathroom, entered the student's bedroom, and then left the apartment when he saw her.

(Washington-jm) – 2024 could be a very interesting year for pork producers. USDA is out with its new forecast. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton–jc)  A new Veterans Center has opened in the State Street Mall in Paxton. The non-profit group is set to serve Veterans and families says Director Rebecca Rutledge…

Ford county Veterans Center Director Rebecca Rutledge. Those with questions and concerns are asked to stop by and start a conversation.

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man is dead following a motorcycle crash Thursday afternoon. Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup identified the victim as 58 year old Terry Rabbers. The accident happened in the 600 block of West Liberty Drive in Rantoul. An autopsy is scheduled for today.

(Paxton–jc)  A second annual “Fun”raiser for the Paxton Park District Pool is set for Sunday in the city. The pool re opened last year year, but needed numerous upgrades and dollars to update the local facility. Pool fundraiser spokesperson Tessa Pilcher talks about helping the pool starting one year ago…

She goes on to say food, bounce houses and a foam party are planned for Sunday…

Paxton Pool fundraiser Spokesperson Tessa Pilcher. The public is invited to the fundraiser on Sunday at the pool from 11am until 3pm. 

(Springfield-jm) – Lawmakers continue crafting a measure to allow public restrooms in Illinois to be converted to gender neutral multi-occupancy facilities. The House narrowly passed House Bill 1286 in March. The measure allows for public restrooms to be converted to gender neutral as long as there are stall dividers with a locking mechanism, vending devices for menstruation supplies and a small trash receptacle in each toilet stall. The Senate is poised to amend the bill to require stalls be fully enclosed in such facilities and that urinals be removed with Democrats saying they are offensive.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois public school children will learn more about Native Americans under a bill headed to the Governor’s desk. The new curriculum would cover the history of Native Americans, the genocide and discrimination they have faced, their contributions to society and current culture. Supporters say these are important lessons, but some, like Senator Seth Lewis of Barlett argue that schools already have too many mandates…

State Senator Seth Lewis of Barlett. It’s up to the Governor to sign this bill into law. If that happens, it will take effect in the 2024-2025 school year.

(Springfield-jm) – A measure that has passed through the Illinois Senate would allow for individuals who have been convicted of a felony to be able to serve as executors for someone else's estate. House Bill 1268 as amended by the Senate would allow for people with previous felony convictions to act as executors as long as that estate acknowledges that they know the executor is a convicted felon. The measure would exclude felons convicted of financial crimes and crimes related to the elderly.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers are voting to look into revamping the official state flag. The current flag is white and features the state seal, an eagle, a prairie and the sun rising over the water. Some say it’s time for an overhaul, a new depiction that better represents Illinois. The legislature passed a bill creating a commission to study the issue. Springfield Senator Doris Turner says there has already been a lot of excitement about the prospect of a redesign…

State Senator Doris Turner of Springfield. Opponents raised concerns about the cost of replacing state flags. The Governor will have to sign the bill into law.

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois lawmaker is seeking to provide better access to testing classes for nursing and social service students at the state's public universities. The proposal introduced by state Representative La Shawn Ford,  of Chicago, would have Illinois public universities pay for testing for licensing programs and graduate courses. Ford is seeking to include the plan as part of next year's budget that begins July 1. He estimates it will cost around $10 million. The exam prep offered would apply to real estate, nursing, EMTs and social work, among other professional licenses the state provides.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House Transportation Committee Thursday passed a Senate Joint Resolution, sponsored by State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian to honor the life and public service of Senator Scott Bennett. SJR32 designates Interstate 74 east of US 45 in Champaign-Urbana to the Indiana border as the "Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway"...

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Paxton-jm) – A Melvin man was arrested for allegedly trying to meet a minor for sex in Paxton. Cecil Zeck was arrested by Paxton police after he allegedly agreed to meet a minor at the Paxton Hardees. Zeck was charged with traveling to meet a minor, exploitation of a child, indecent solicitation of a child, and solicitation of a minor.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA has announced grant funding for local projects to boost participation in USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. Gary Crawford reports…

(Washington-jm) – The world's corn growers may end up with a huge amount of product to market during this coming marketing year. Gary Crawford reports…

(Springfield-jm) – With today being the last scheduled day for the spring session at the Illinois Statehouse, lawmakers have yet to reveal a state budget for taxpayers to review. Last year's budget was over 3,000 pages and was presented by the Democratic majority to Republicans at the last moment, giving the public no time to review it.  Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal includes nearly $50 billion in state spending, an increase to the state’s annual spending by $3 billion. Revenue estimates were revised downward this month. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability said April receipts fell $1.8 billion compared to the same month the year prior.  

(Springfield-jm) – Supporters of a long awaited south suburban airport have renewed hope this year. Legislation headed to the Governor’s desk requires the Illinois Department of Transportation to set up a pre qualification process for interested developers. Senator Mike Hastings of Frankfort says the need for a cargo airport is great, since the area has seen immense growth in the past decade…

State Senator Mike Hastings of Frankfort. Opponents worry about the potential noise and pollution that would come from an airport in Peotone.

(Springfield-jm) – A measure allowing gun manufacturers and others associated with the industry to be sued using consumer fraud and deceptive practices allegations is closer to the governor. Attorney General Kwame Raoul supports House Bill 218, which among other things allows lawsuits for marketing firearms to children.  Another provision makes it unlawful for the gun industry to advertise what could appear to support “unlawful paramilitary or private militia activity.” Opponents pushed back and said the vagueness of the overall proposal likely will lead to court involvement challenging the bill if it were to become law. Raoul said courts do that all the time.

(Springfield-jm) – One item that won’t make it out of the Spring legislative session, a bill to help the Chicago Bears with the planned relocation to Arlington Heights. Supporters say the legislation still needs work and that negotiations will continue over the summer. It currently creates a three dollar per ticket tax on games and events at the proposed facility. That money would be used to pay back the 640 million dollars owed the City of Chicago for the last renovation of Soldier Field. Representative Kam Buckner says he appreciates that the debt is addressed in the bill…

State Representative Kam Buckner. The issues include freezing the property tax assessment on the site and sales tax revenue for local communities.

(Springfield-jm) – Opposition is growing over a piece of legislation advancing in Springfield that would allow for punitive damages in wrongful death cases. The Illinois House passed House Bill 219, which would reverse current law that prohibits insurers from paying punitive damages in wrongful death cases. Many states that do allow for punitive damages also limit both punitive and non-economic damages in some way, which Illinois does not. A coalition of business groups, including the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Manufacturers Association and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, have voiced opposition to the measure. Insurance groups, including the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and the Illinois Insurance Association, have also criticized the bill. Illinois and the counties of Cook, St. Clair and Madison, ranked No. 5 this year on the American Tort Reform Association’s “Judicial Hellhole” list, saying the state's tort costs cost the state more than 140,000 jobs and nearly $9.6 billion in wages and $27.5 billion in economic output annually.

(Springfield-jm) – Legal challenges over the state’s gun ban continue to play out in the courts. However, there was some recent news that has Republican lawmakers concerned. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – A man has been convicted of attempted murder in a mistaken identity shooting that injured a Champaign couple. A Champaign County jury convicted Kenichi Townsend, 27, of Champaign of the September 8 attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. The jury took less than 90 minutes to agree that Townsend was working with co-defendant Shamario Brown when they opened fire on a vehicle on Heritage Drive. The shooting left a 76-year-old man and his 75-year-old wife injured.  The jury ruled Townsend personally fired a gun that caused great bodily harm to the couple. Sentencing is set for July 7.

(Washington-jm) –  2024 could be another year of declining U.S. meat production. Gary Crawford reports…

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

Gibson City spring garage sales will take place today and tomorrow.

The Rantoul Police Department will be participating in the Cop on a rooftop today from 5-noon at the Rantoul Dunkin Donuts. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

Jeremiah 33:6 will hold a free produce pantry this afternoon from 3:30-5:30 at the Roberts Gym.

The Onarga American Legion will hold their fish fry this evening from 4:30-7 pm at the legion hall at Durham Park.

Gibson City will hold their Friday night cruise night this evening from 6-10 pm.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting PBL Youth Football on Saturday from 10-2.

Paxton will hold their Draggin 'Main on Saturday from 3-8 pm.

The Paxton Buckley Loda High School Band will host their 23rd annual Salute to Veterans Concert on Saturday at 7 pm. A lasagna dinner by the band parents association will be held from 5-6:30. Cost of the dinner is $7. The concert is free.

(Springfield-jm) – April’s plummeting general funds receipts, a drop of $1.84 billion from the previous year, is stunning in anyone’s estimation. Compared with 2022, revenue fell a whopping 23% last month, driven by a drop of $1.76 billion in personal income tax, according to the legislative Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. The previous year’s number for comparison, $5.4 billion, was a record, fueled by an influx of capital gains taxes and because more days of the month fell on weekdays in April 2022. Corporate income taxes, which fell in April from the year prior by $94 million, or about 5%, also spike in April, when tax returns are filed. But income tax receipts from withholding come in the other 11 months of the year, and withholding returns are up about 4%.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill headed to the Governor’s desk reforms the way minors are sentenced for a crime in Illinois. The measure is designed to help victims of child sex trafficking and others, requiring judges to consider additional factors when issuing a sentence. It’s sponsored by Senator Mike Simmons of Chicago…

State Senator Mike Simmons of Chicago. Under the legislation, a judge will have to take into account whether the minor has been in the welfare system or has come from a home with domestic violence. Any mental health evaluations would be considered as well.

(Urbana-jm) – One of the largest police academies in the nation, based in Champaign, is set to get a new director as early as this week. The University of Illinois Board of Trustees will vote Thursday on whether to appoint Joe Gallo as the director of the U of I Police Training Institute. Gallo has been serving as interim director of the institute since May 1.

(Springfield-jm) – 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting recently passed his first bill, promoting soil and water conservation districts. Representative Bunting explains the bill…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Undated-jm) – Three Champaign County libraries are being awarded a large grant. 

The Champaign Public Library is awarded $130,245. The Urbana Free Library is awarded $56,545. The Rantoul Public Library is awarded $18,247.

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton firefighters were called to a fire early Tuesday afternoon. Emergency crews were called to a home on Eastview Drive just around 1pm after a caller reported their 3 year old accidentally set the home on fire. No injuries were reported. Its unknown how much damage was caused by the fire.

(Washington-jm) – Rain helped slow down the torrid pace of corn planting last week. Gary Crawford reports…

(Rantoul–jc)  –  Members of the Rantoul-Paxton V F W Post 67-50 are at the corner of Route 136 and Route 45 in Rantoul today to gather funds for operations.

67-50 VFW Spokesperson Joe Manka says volunteers will be in Rantoul now til 6pm tonight…

He talks about the need to receive dollars…

Rantoul Paxton VFW Spokesperson Joe Manka

Volunteers are at the corner of Route 136 and Route 45 now through 6pm tonight. WPXN news will be checking in with the group throughout the day.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House passed a bill that would prohibit anyone convicted of a felony, bribery, perjury, or misuse of public funds while serving as a public official from ever being elected to office again. The bill passed 106-0 in the House and now heads to the Senate. Lawmakers in the House passed a bill to bar anyone convicted of a crime from being elected to state or local office again. Those crimes include felonies, bribery, or misuse of public funds while serving as a public official.

(Springfield-jm) – Tim McGraw is coming to the Illinois State Fair this summer. The three-time Grammy Award winner will headline the grandstand on Thursday, August 17th and should be a popular show, says State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark…

State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. McGraw joins a diverse lineup including Nelly, REO Speedwagon and Alter Bridge, with more to be announced in the future.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign attorney has been suspended by the Illinois Supreme Court. Matthew Peek was suspended for allegedly failing to deliver 13 garnishment checks to clients. Peek is also accused of making sexual comments to opposing counsel and a paralegal.

(Springfield-jm) – This is the final week of the spring legislative session and the time is ticking on passing a new budget. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington discusses the latest on the budget…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Urbana-jm) –  Two cars were reported stolen on the University of Illinois campus during graduation weekend, police officials said. They added that the keys to both cars were left inside of them by their owners. One of the thefts happened at some point between 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. The victim reported that her car was parked in a garage at a building in the area of Fourth and Chalmers Streets with the keys still inside. The second theft happened on Saturday at 11:36 p.m. on Green Street near Sixth Street. Officials said the victim left their car unlocked and running in the middle of Green Street while they went into a restaurant. The car was stolen while the victim was inside.

(Paxton-jm) – The Ford County Public Health Department is asking the public to assist in collecting dead birds in the county to test for West Nile Virus through October. Birds can be sent to the Ford County Public Health Department in Paxton.

(Washington-jm) – Soybean planting is well ahead of the average pace, despite last week's slowdown. Gary Crawford reports…

(Washington-jm) – After President Joe Biden dropped his name in the hat of candidates for the 2024 election, he announced how he's bringing along some familiar faces to help his campaign for a second term. 50 people were selected for Biden's Campaign National Advisory Board. One of which is U.S. congresswoman Nicki Budzinski of Illinois’ 13th district. Budzinski will also be joined by fellow Illinois lawmakers, Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Congresswoman, Lauren Underwood.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers are debating more firearm related legislation. One bill pending in the Senate would hold gun manufacturers and dealers civilly liable for certain marketing practices and for not preventing the sale of guns to straw purchasers. Another aims to protect domestic violence victims by giving judges more power to have guns seized when issuing an order of protection, says Representative Maura Hirschauer of Batavia…

State Representative Maura Hirschauer of Batavia. The measure also requires a FOID card to buy explosive targets like Tannerite and lets counties ban discharge of a firearm within one thousand yards of homes. Right now that distance is 300 yards. Republicans argued the bill will hurt legal gun owners, not criminals. It now moves to the Senate for debate.

(Springfield-jm) – Prospective employees in Illinois may soon have access to increased salary transparency from potential employers. House Bill 3129 would require employers with 15 or more employees to publicly post the wage or salary and description of benefits offered for a job, promotion, transfer or other employment opportunity. It also requires employers to provide employees their current wage or salary range along with a general description of benefits upon that employee's hiring, promotion or transfer, upon the employee's request.

(Springfield-jm) – Some areas of drought are popping up in Illinois. Last weekend’s series of storms brought rain to most areas. But the heaviest rain fell in tight bands across Illinois, making for significant disparities in rainfall totals says State Climatologist Trent Ford…

State Climatologist Trent Ford. Ford says parts of Western Illinois didn’t get as much rain this past week, pushing portions of Adams, Pike and Calhoun counties into moderate drought conditions. The Metro East area, as well as spots in eastern and central Illinois are considered to be abnormally dry.

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton native Gina Miles will perform in the semi-finals of the hit NBC show The Voice tonight. Miles joins 7 others with a chance to make it to next week’s finale. A viewing party will take place again tonight in downtown Paxton.

(Rantoul–jc)  The Community Service Center Food pantry is accessible weekdays to help those with food insecurities. The Rantoul based center is also reaching out to the area through social media says Executive Director Cindy Crawford…

Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford. A fundraiser for the Community Service Center is set for Tuesday at the Knights of Columbus in the village from 5-30pm to 8pm.

(Watseka-jm) – The Watseka Police Department has notified the community that they are investigating recent scams. The police department shared on social media that police were notified of a situation in which a resident had seen a property that was listed on Facebook Marketplace as a rent-to-own property. They said the resident was in contact with an unknown person about this residence, which ultimately led to the resident meeting with the person, who police describe as a stocky male of unknown descent, at a residence in Watseka. Police said the unknown person then “showed” the residence to the resident as a potential place to rent to own. The resident later found out that the residence that they had viewed was unoccupied and was owned by another person who had no knowledge it was being “shown,” police reported. Watseka Police learned that the person “showing” the residence had asked for $300 in Walmart gift cards for rent in addition to her social security number, date of birth, address, and phone number.

(Champaign-jm) – Amy Grant has announced that her concert at the Virginia Theatre, Champaign, is moving from October 12 to October 15. All tickets purchased for the original event will be honored at the Virginia Theatre on the new date of Sunday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. Any patron who purchased a ticket to the original date but who is unable to attend the new date may request a full refund by calling 217-356-9063. The deadline for all refund requests is Friday, June 9.

(Washington-jm) – USDA Friday issued its first look at crop supply and demand estimates for the 2023-24 marketing year. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – A statewide ban on vaping inside public buildings is close to becoming law in Illinois. The measure expands the Smoke Free Illinois Act, which prohibits smoking in public buildings and within 15 feet of entrances. In 2019, Illinois passed a law to raise the age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21, and in 2022, a law to limit the advertising of e-cigarette products. If the governor signs the bill into law, Illinois will become the 18th state in the nation to outlaw indoor vaping. 

(Springfield-jm) – It will soon be easier for women to get hormonal birth control. The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a standing order that lets pharmacists dispense contraceptives without a prescription. Spokesperson Mike Claffey…

Illinois Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey. Interested pharmacists will have to go through training before they can dispense birth control so patients should check with their local drug store to see if this option is available.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Republicans say Governor J.B. Pritzker’s administration entrapped citizens who bought certain semi-automatic firearms during the six-day window when the state’s gun ban was blocked by a federal court. Six days later, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals stayed the injunction. Illinois State Police said after consulting with the attorney general, certain semi-automatic firearms purchased during that time are illegal.

(Springfield-jm) – After the recent "ComEd Four" guilty verdicts that dealt directly with corruption at the Illinois statehouse, the call for ethics reforms continue to grow. Last Tuesday in Springfield, former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn urged Governor J.B. Pritzker and legislative leaders to call a special legislative session to focus on ethics. Then on Wednesday, Illinois Republican lawmakers made their push and called upon the Democratic majority and Pritzker to focus on cleaning up corruption. State Representative Jason Bunting Emington said so far this year, there has been no attempt at any significant ethics legislation…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department say two women were hurt after a shooting near a Champaign business over the weekend. Champaign Police were dispatched at 3 a.m. on Saturday to a business located at the 900 block of Bloomington Road in Champaign for a report of disorderly subjects. Officials reported officers on the scene witnessed a battery in progress and quickly heard a gunshot from the same area. Officers then located two women who were hurt. They said the first victim was a 36-year-old woman who was hurt in the head, and the second victim, a 40-year-old Champaign woman who worked in the business, was shot in the right shoulder. Champaign Police said an initial investigation indicates that an impromptu gathering had started in the parking lot minutes before the incident. They said the 40-year-old victim had denied entry to several people prior to the incident when a fight broke out, including a battery using a baseball bat. Police said the fight quickly escalated to the discharge of a firearm.

(Paxton–jc)  New businesses continue to open in the city of Paxton. Two new coffee houses, an entertainment venue and Lucky’s Place. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold talks about the new venues…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.

(Champaign-jm) – Changes are coming to a Champaign intersection near the busy north Prospect Avenue business district. The City of Champaign announced the intersection of Boardwalk and Interstate Drives is scheduled to be converted to an all-way top on Monday, May 22. City officials said Public Works Traffic and Lighting crews will install new signs. A portable, changeable message sign will be placed in advance.

(Champaign-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci passed legislation to expand university admissions opportunities to community college transfer students who meet certain academic requirements. House Bill 3760 would require Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University and Western Illinois University to create a four-year admissions program that admits community college transfer students each semester, beginning with the 2024-2025 academic school year.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA has just made its first projections for the expected size and price of the U.S. corn crop. Gary Crawford reports…

(Gibson City-jm) – Fire investigators continue to search for the cause of yesterday’s fire in downtown Gibson City. 9 fire departments from three counties responded to the blaze that damaged three buildings that housed apartments and businesses. Firefighters were called back out around 7 pm for a rekindle. There’s no word on the cause of the fire or how much damage was done. Officials from the State’s Fire Marshal’s office are investigating. Several additional buildings in the downtown area received smoke damage. WPXN News will continue to update this story on later news casts today

(Springfield-jm) – The state’s COVID-19 public health emergency is officially over. The initial designation, which helped the state access federal assistance and mobilize state resources, was issued in March of 2020. Governor J-B Pritzker says while most aspects like the mask requirement ended some time ago, the emergency declaration kept things like increased SNAP benefits and expanded Medicaid coverage in place…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Since the pandemic began, Illinois has seen more than 4 million COVID cases and nearly 37 thousand people have died.

(Springfield-jm) – With Illinois’ ban on certain semi-automatic firearms challenged in the courts, legislators continue advancing other policies impacting gun owners. 

The House passed Senate Bill 218, which will allow for firearms manufacturers to be sued for what policy makers deem deceptive practices. Another measure, House Bill 676, would do several things, including increasing the limits of where people can fire a gun from 300 yards to 1,000 yards from a residential area. House Bill 676 also would require tracking of sales of pre-packaged explosive devices used by farmers and for target practice. Another provision would require police to take possession of firearms in orders of protection, rather than allowing a transfer to someone else with a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card.

(Springfield-jm) – Jurors in federal court in Chicago, convicted the so-called “ComEd Four” in their high-profile political bribery case, finding they worked to corruptly influence former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Ex-ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd lobbyist Mike McClain, retired ComEd executive John Hooker and ex-City Club of Chicago president and former ComEd consultant Jay Doherty were each found guilty of bribery conspiracy, bribery and willfully falsifying the company’s books. Madigan was not charged in this case, but faces a separate racketeering and bribery trial next year alongside McClain.  State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland took to the House floor and addressed the corruption issue in the state of Illinois…

State Representative Chris Miller of Oakland.

(Springfield-jm) – To honor the life and legacy of the late Senator Scott Bennett, State Senator Paul Faraci advanced a measure to name portions of I-74 the "Senator Scott M. Bennett Memorial Highway." Senator Scott Bennett joined the Senate as the unanimous choice to fill the vacancy in the 52nd State Senate District in 2015. Bennett passed away in December.

(Washington-jm) – Markets are anxiously awaiting USDA's first forecasts for the supply and demand situation for crops now being planted. Gary Crawford reports…

(Paxton–jc)  – A Spring Fling, one day shopping event is set for downtown Paxton on Saturday. The venue is inside A Picket Fence Florist.  A Spring Fling Organizer Leslie Ingold says over a dozen vendors will be there from 10am until 2-30pm with gift ideas for mom, grad and more…

A Spring Fling Organizer Leslie Ingold.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker declared Thursday Illinois Public Health and Healthcare Hero Day. The designation honors the medical professionals who worked long hours and risked their own health to care for others during the pandemic, says the Governor…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says we owe healthcare workers our everlasting respect and gratitude and that so many of us owe them our lives.

(Springfield-jm) – With the end of the pandemic-era Title 42 health authority, a surge of foreign nationals entering the state may be a huge financial burden for Illinois taxpayers. Title 42, the COVID-era public health emergency measure, allowed for the quick expulsion of migrants at the border during the pandemic. Tens of thousands of people who have been waiting in Mexico near the U.S. border will now be subject to immigration protocols known as Title 8. This week, the Biden administration finalized a new rule that limits asylum for those who arrive at the border without first applying online. As for health care, Illinois is on its own. The Democratic-led General Assembly passed legislation that provides health care for older migrants, but now there is a bill which would lower the age to 19. A recent report by Health Care and Family Services shows nearly $1 billion will be needed next year to provide taxpayer-subsidized health care for an expected influx of migrants to Illinois. 

(Rantoul–jc)-- Lots of baseball and softball games are set for the Rantoul Sports Complex this weekend. Those with the Rantoul Sports Complex are also set to honor mom’s on Saturday. The complex is hosting a Mother’s Day Social from 11am until 2pm tomorrow says Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reid…

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reid

(Minneapolis-jm) – A federal appeals court affirmed the conviction of the leader of an Illinois anti government militia who was sentenced to 53 years in prison for masterminding the 2017 bombing of a Minnesota mosque, an attack that terrified the local Muslim community. A three-judge panel rejected all the legal arguments raised by Emily Claire Hari. Hari is incarcerated at a federal prison in Oklahoma that houses male and female prisoners.

(Rantoul–jc)  When you see some local veterans gathering donations on Wednesday in Rantoul, there is a good reason. The Rantoul Paxton V-F-W Post 67-50 will be at the corner of Route 136 and Route 45 in Rantoul from 6am until 6pm on Wednesday May 17th to help operation costs at the V-F-W. Those driving by are asked to make a donation to help. The group is also accepting donations at 675 North Ohio in Rantoul

(Washington-jm) – U.S. corn exports continue to struggle. Gary Crawford reports…

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The Iroquois West FFA Plant Sale will take place today from 3:30-6 pm and tomorrow from 10-2.

The Village of Fisher Garage sales take place today and tomorrow.

The Loda American Legion will host their fish and chicken fry this evening from 4-7 pm. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and up, $5 for kids 6-12.

The Rantoul Township High School FFA Plant Sale will take place on Saturday from 9-2.

The Vermilion County Health Department will hold an electronics recycling for Vermilion County residents on Saturday from 9-11 am in the north parking lot of Danville Area Community College.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Loda American Legion on Saturday from 10-2.

The Rantoul Family Sports Complex will host a Mother’s Day event on Saturday from 11-2.

Parkland College’s Guitar Ensemble and Chamber Singers will perform “Scenes of Spring” on Saturday at 1 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 309 W. Green Street in Urbana.

An Electronic recycling event is set for Paxton on Saturday from 9am until 11am at the Paxton City Buildings, 755 North Railroad. B n H Recycling officials will be there. Some items have a small fee. 

(Springfield-jm) – Calls for ethics reform continue at the Illinois Capitol. House Republicans are again highlighting their ideas for change in state government. Representative Patrick Windhorst of Metropolis says so far, their ideas have fallen on deaf ears…

State Representative Patrick Windhorst of Metropolis. Earlier this week, former Governor Pat Quinn was in Springfield asking for a special session on ethics legislation in light of the recent guilty verdict in the “Com-Ed Four” bribery case.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Democrats filed bill language for a firearm omnibus plan that they believe will keep communities safer. The House Judiciary Criminal Committee approved the 98-page bill despite concerns from Republicans, gun advocacy organizations and the Illinois Sheriffs' Association. House Bill 676 could allow county boards to adopt ordinances prohibiting use of guns within 1,000 yards of homes unless the firearms are used for self defense. County boards can currently pass such ordinances to monitor discharge of firearms within 300 yards. Sponsors said this is necessary as people have recently reported shell casings found in their yards and some homes having damage from bullets. The plan could create a task force to review current and potential insurance policies for safe and legal possession of guns. Task force members would be asked to provide recommendations on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of requiring gun owners to have insurance and any risks lawmakers should think about with future legislation.

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Democrats are sponsoring a package of bills to increase access to healthcare and related products. The first proposal, sponsored by Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria, requires insurance coverage for hearing aids…

State Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria. Current law only mandates coverage for those under 18. Other bills limit the cost of epi-pens to $60 for a twin pack and provide more resources for patients struggling to pay off their medical bills.

(Springfield-jm) – There are about two weeks left in the spring legislative session. House Republicans are pushing several bills they would like to see addressed including one by 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Springfield-jm) – Fire officials and legislators banded together at the Capitol and called for the inclusion of an income tax credit into the state budget, to help alleviate the critical shortage of volunteer firefighters in Illinois. Modeled after legislation passed in New York, the proposal would provide a $500 state income tax credit for volunteer firefighters, who earn less than $10,000 in stipends for their service to the fire department. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – You may have to pay more in one city for using a plastic bag at grocery stores. Urbana is looking at adding a 5-10-cent fee per bag. Right now, the city council is just talking about it. Urbana wouldn’t be the first to have a single-use tax. Places like Chicago, Edwardsville, and Batavia already have city-wide plastic bag costs in place.

(Springfield-jm) – County estimates are out with a total of one million cattle and calves in Illinois as of January 1st. Counties with the most cattle and calves overall are Jo Daviess, Stephenson and Clinton, says Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. Here are the top counties for dairy cows…

Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener names the top three for beef cattle…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is signing a law providing full disability benefits to first responders affected by COVID-19. The law was prompted by the case of Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s brother, a Chicago police sergeant who caught the virus. He suffered five strokes, lost both kidneys and deemed permanently disabled, but was denied full Act of Duty benefits…

State Comptroller Susana Mendoza. The law is retroactive so Chicago first responders in the same situation get their benefits.

(Springfield-jm) – Democratic state lawmakers say it is time for the highest income earners and wealthy businesses to pay more. Progressive lawmakers told reporters that billionaires and large corporations have seen their wealth skyrocket throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while working families continue to struggle. They argue that rich Illinoisans and large businesses should "pay what they owe" to help the state fund child care, K-12 education, health care for immigrants, and homeless prevention services. One plan would tax billionaires on their asset values. Sponsors believe the "Market to Market tax" could generate an estimated $510 million for the state. Progressive Democrats also said Illinois has one of the most generous retailer's discounts in the country. They suggested that Illinois should cap the amount of sales tax large retailers are allowed to keep.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker says the state is looking for more federal assistance with the influx of asylum-seeking migrants being sent to Illinois. The Governor says the busing of migrants from Texas to Chicago has created a humanitarian crisis, and that Illinois will do all it can to help. That includes pushing for more federal dollars through an 800 million dollar appropriation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has declared a State of Emergency as more migrants are expected to arrive, saying the city has reached a breaking point.

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are calling out Democrats for some of their priorities. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Watseka-jm) – The Iroquois County Board approved a resolution allowing Ford County Highway Engineer Greg Perkinson to serve as Acting-Iroquois County Engineer until Joel Moore’s replacement can be hired. Moore passed away April 21 after a bout with cancer.

(Springfield-jm) – A proposed measure in the Illinois Statehouse attempts to suspend taxpayer-funded pension payments for former elected officials charged with a felony. House Bill 1277 aims to suspend a retired lawmaker's pension if felony charges relate to their duties as a lawmaker. The effort is in response to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, being charged with 23 counts of corruption, including racketeering, bribery, and extortion. According to previous reporting, Madigan receives $7,100 a month in pension payments from his decades as an Illinois legislator. Madigan was in the Illinois Legislature for 50 years. Most of that time he served as House Speaker. State law allows for a retired legislator's pension to be revoked if they are found guilty of a crime stemming from their work as an elected official.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House, voting along party lines, passed legislation to make it a Class B misdemeanor to pet a bear or non-human primate. The legislation was drafted to “address the public safety and animal cruelty concerns associated with the public handling and show of these animals being used as props and business commodities.” With Democrats leading the way, the measure was approved on a vote of 73-35. House Republicans, considering the bill as a penalty enhancement, refused to vote for the bill due to the fact House Democrats have refused to even call a Republican bill that gives DCFS workers the same protection from harm on the job as police officers and firefighters.  Democrats consider the DCFS bill a penalty enhancement and refuse to bring it to the floor for a vote. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, who has been trying to pass the DCFS bill since 2017, spoke about the issue on the House floor during debate on the bill, pointing to the two DCFS workers murdered on the job and how Democrats have voted for penalty enhancements in their own bills…

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department quickly extinguished a fire at a single-family home on North  Russell Street Tuesday afternoon. A passerby reported a fire on the exterior of the single-story home. Once on scene, fire crews saw moderate smoke coming from the rear of the home. No injuries were reported on the scene and the occupants were not home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is accidental and has been attributed to damage to the exterior electrical wiring of the home.

(Hoopeston-jm) – The Hoopeston Jaycee’s are excited to announce the headliner for the 79th annual National Sweetcorn Festival is a multi-platinum country artist, who has charted four number 1 singles: “Kiss You in The Morning,” “Think A Little Less,” “One That Got Away” and multi-week chart-topper “Whiskey and Rain.” Michael Ray is coming to Hoopeston, Illinois on Friday, September 1st with Indiana-Base Beyond Carolina!  Tickets for the concert start at just $20 if purchased in advance. Tickets will go on sale this Friday.

(Ogden-jm) – Two men from Ogden are dead after the Champaign County Sheriff said they were involved in a high-speed crash just north of the town on Monday. Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said the crash happened just before 6 p.m. at the intersection of County Roads 2700E and 1700N. Preliminary reports indicate that the two were driving northbound on 2700E when the driver lost control and the car hit a guardrail. Heuerman added that neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt and they were ejected through the open roof. Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup said the driver of the car was identified as 58-year-old Douglas Stevens. Stevens was alive following the crash and was taken to Carle Hospital in Urbana, but was pronounced dead at 7:11 p.m. The passenger was identified as 20-year-old Keylan Henry; he was pronounced dead at 7 p.m. at the scene of the crash.

(Washington-jm) – The second AIM for Climate Summit began Monday in the Nation’s capital with progress announcements from one of its co-chairs. Rod Bain reports…

(Paxton–jc)  A one day pop up shopping event is set for downtown Paxton on Saturday.  Over a dozen vendors will be set up in A Picket Fence Florist from 10am to 2-30pm on Saturday and it’s a perfect time for gift ideas for mom and grads, says Lead Designer Dawn Glad…

A Picket Fence Florist Lead Designer Dawn Glad

A Spring Fling Pop up Shopping event Saturday May 13th from 10am to 2-30pm.

WPXN News notes…

Paxton Head Start will hold an open house this evening from 5-7 pm at their location 1195 East Pells Street in Paxton.

(Springfield-jm) – A report detailing Illinois' budget forecast is warning of a huge drop in state revenues. The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability said April receipts fell $1.8 billion compared to the same month the year prior. The COGFA report said while a substantial decline in revenues was anticipated, the extent of the decline is much steeper than the commission had projected. The news comes as lawmakers are putting together an annual spending plan as the spring legislative session winds down. The main contributor to the falloff was personal income taxes, which fell $1.7 billion below last April’s levels, a drop of $1.5 billion on a net basis. The COGFA report said the substantial declines in April erased nearly all of the growth accrued throughout the fiscal year. With two months remaining in the fiscal year, General Funds receipts in fiscal 2023 are now only $132 million above last year’s pace. In comparison, at the end of February, fiscal 2023 receipts were $2.5 billion higher than fiscal 2022 year-to-date levels, which shows the extent that revenues have fallen over the past two months.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House of Representatives voted to reappoint the Illinois Inspector General.  House Joint Resolution 35 reappoints the Honorable Michael P. McCuskey as Legislative Inspector General for a term that begins July 1, 2023 and ends June 30, 2028. At the time of his appointment last year, numerous House Republicans voted against the appointment, not because of McCuskey’s qualifications, but because of the Legislative Inspector General not being allowed to do their job to the best of their ability.   Republicans voted for the resolution today, saying with the recent corruption trial in federal court in Chicago and the convictions of the “ComEd 4”, the Legislative Inspector General is needed more than ever. The resolution was co-sponsored by State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian who encouraged an AYE vote during floor debate…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian.

(Urbana-jm) – An elusive emu evaded Illinois State Police along Interstate 74 in Central Illinois on Tuesday afternoon. Illinois State Police released a statement that they responded to a report of an animal on the roadway on Interstate 74 at milepost 189, just east of Urbana, around 12:15 p.m. When officers arrived, they reported that there was an emu on the interstate. State Police said troopers chased the emu off the roadway. However, they said the emu ran into some heavy timber and the troopers lost sight of the emu.

(Vermilion County-jm) – the Vermilion County Health Department is asking for the public’s assistance with the collection of dead birds to test for West Nile Virus . Each summer, the health department collects dead birds and mosquitoes around Vermilion County to determine the prevalence of WNV in the county. Birds are collected May 1, 2023 through October 15, 2022. VCHD will be accepting a limited number of dead birds (5) for testing. Crows and Blue Jays are preferred but Finches, Sparrows and Robins will also be accepted.

(Undated-jm) – The National Association of Letter Carriers will conduct its annual national food drive this Saturday, May 13. NALC's food drive, first held in 1993, helps feed thousands of neighbors in eastern Illinois. The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, the country's largest one-day food drive, provides the community with an easy way to donate food to those in need. Simply leave a donation of non-perishable food items next to your mailbox on Saturday, May 13. Letter carriers will collect these donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and Eastern Illinois Foodbank will distribute the food throughout their 18-county service area.

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary used this week's AIM for Climate Summit as an opportunity to update on two climate oriented efforts announced last fall at the United Nations' COP27 event. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois State Police say any purchase of firearms or attachments the state deems as “assault weapons” from during the six-day injunction against Illinois’ gun ban will be illegal after January 1, 2024. In January this year, Governor J.B. Pritzker enacted the ban on more than 170 semi-automatic firearms and magazines over certain capacities. Part of that includes a registry of already owned guns starting October 1 with the deadline to register being January 1, 2024.  When the Southern District of Illinois federal court issued a preliminary injunction against Illinois’ gun ban last month, gun stores were busy. Those sales ended six days later when late last week the appeals court put a stay on the injunction. After the injunction was reversed while lawsuits continue, state police said firearms purchased during the injunction will be illegal because they were possessed after the January 10 effective day of the Protect Illinois Communities Act.

(Springfield-jm) – More than 23,500 borrowers in Illinois–who work in the public sector–have been approved for nearly $1.6 billion in student loan forgiveness between Oct. 2021 and May 2023. That's more than $67,000 per borrower, according to the U.S. Department of Education. It's all part of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program under temporary changes the Biden-Harris Administration made to the program. The program covers public employees—such as teachers, firefighters, and members of law enforcement, as well as those who work for a non-profit organization—in a variety of fields by forgiving the remaining federal student loan balance for those who make the required 120 qualifying monthly payments.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois is getting $8 million to lead a national research project focused on developing learning technologies through artificial intelligence. The university announced the award comes from the National Science Foundation. Over the next five years, the NSF will give out an additional $12 million to establish the Inclusive and Intelligent Technologies for Education Institute.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in finding two women accused of stealing from Champaign’s Meijer and pepper spraying an employee who confronted them. Officials said the incident happened on December 13 of last year. The women entered the store, picked out over $1,000 worth of merchandise and then headed for the store’s exit, making no attempt to pay for the merchandise. When a loss prevention employee approached them at the exit, officials said one of the women used pepper spray on the employee, which is considered an aggravated battery. Police are asking for help in identifying the women, who were recorded on store security cameras as they left. Both are Black, have dark hair and are approximately 20-30 years old. One was wearing a black jacket and had a nose ring on her right nostril. The other was wearing a bright red Calvin Klein jacket. The two left the store with the stolen merchandise in a burgundy Ford Taurus.

(Paxton-jm) – A viewing party was held last night in downtown Paxton as Gina Miles performed in the semi-finals of the hit NBC show The Voice. Donna Pepper organized the viewing party…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold was at the viewing party and shares what Miles’ appearance on the show means to Paxton…

Miles advanced to next Monday nights show where the top 8 will perform for a chance to go to the finals.

(Danville-jm) – Danville officials and community members gathered to celebrate one of the city’s historic figures. The Vermilion County Administration Building will be named after Joe Cannon. He served nearly five decades in Congress, including eleven as Speaker of the House.

(Washington-jm) – A strong U.S. dollar is cutting into export sales of U.S. agricultural products. Gary Crawford reports…

(Chicago-jm) – The four former Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists convicted in a bribery scandal centered around former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan are scheduled for sentencing in January 2024. A jury convicted former state lawmaker and lobbyist Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and former contract lobbyist Jay Doherty of a multi-year scheme to bribe Madigan with no-show jobs, contracts and payments to associates in exchange for support with legislation that would benefit the utility's finances. McClain and Pramaggiore were convicted of nine counts of conspiracy, bribery and willfully falsifying books and records. Hooker and Doherty were convicted of six counts of conspiracy, bribery and willfully falsifying books and records.

(Springfield-jm) – A measure that passed the Illinois House would require school districts to implement full-day kindergarten across the state. State Representative Mary Beth Canty, of Arlington Heights, filed the proposed legislation, which has the backing of the Democratic majority in the House and Senate. House Bill 2396 would benefit parents and children alike, according to Canty. The measure, if passed into law, would require the districts to implement the changes by the 2027-2028 school year. Schools that lack the funding for the changes can apply for a two-year extension with the state. Governor J.B. Prtizker's budget proposal for 2024 includes an extra $250 million for early childhood education in Illinois.

(Springfield-jm) – The spring legislative session is winding down. The Illinois General Assembly has until the end of the month to wrap up business. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City joined senate Republicans about concerns they want addressed before the spring session ends…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – The Urbana Park District officially broke ground on the new Health and Wellness Center.  The Urbana Park District officials broke ground on the new $13.8 million facility. The new indoor health and wellness facility is the largest construction project in the 116-year history of the park district, officials said. It will be located on E. Washington Street, between the Brookens Center and Preston Williams Elementary.

(Undated-jm) – If it seems like you’re preparing for tornado threats a little more than usual lately, there’s some truth to that, at least if you live in Illinois. According to the National Weather Service, Illinois is leading the nation in tornadoes this year. Eighty-six tornadoes have already rolled through the Prairie State in 2023, nearly double the state’s average of 50 twisters per year. The National Weather Service reports, Illinois has braced through more than double the number of tornadoes in any other state this year aside from Alabama (80) and Georgia (45). Per NWS, Illinois also leads every state in severe weather reports (466) this year aside from Texas. That number represents the total of confirmed tornadoes, plus hail and wind damage reports.

(Oakwood-jm) – A 24-year-old motorcycle driver is dead following a crash on Interstate 74 over the weekend, the Illinois State Police announced. State Police officials said the crash happened in the eastbound lanes near Oakwood on Saturday. They determined that the deceased motorcycle driver, identified as Jacob Lovell of Danville, ran over a pothole on his Harley Davidson and lost control of the vehicle. He was subsequently ejected into the middle of the lane. Officials added that there were two cars driving behind Lovell. The driver of the one immediately behind him was able to swerve their car out of the way. The driver of the second car, however, did not see Lovell in time and could not avoid hitting him with her car.

(Washington-jm) – Corn growers making big strides in planting. Gary Crawford reports…

(Chicago-jm) – Exelon Corporation, Commonwealth Edison's parent company, continues to spend money on lawsuits after a bribery scandal and is preparing to pay out another $173 million. That's on top of the $200 million ComEd paid in July 2020 to resolve a criminal investigation into the years-long bribery scheme centered around former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. As part of the deferred prosecution agreement, ComEd admitted it arranged jobs, vendor subcontracts and payments to associates of Madigan in a bid to influence the speaker on legislation affecting the utility's finances. The utility also returned about $38 million to customers as part of an agreement with the Illinois Commerce Commission, a quasi-judicial body created by lawmakers to regulate utilities. That agreement resolved the question of whether customer funds were used in the scheme. The $31 million ICC refund is going to customers during the April billing cycle. The remaining money is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are calling for legislation to be passed that would provide justice for crime victims. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police were dispatched at 11:42 p.m. Friday night, to the 2500 Block of Springfield Avenue in Champaign for a report of a Shooting with Injuries. Upon arrival, officers located a 28-year-old female victim from Champaign with a non-life-threatening graze wound from a gunshot to the left hand. The victim was treated on-scene. The initial investigation indicated that the victim was a bystander struck by a bullet after an unrelated argument escalated and shots were fired. Anyone with information is asked to call Champaign Police.

(Campustown-jm) – A Champaign man and a juvenile were arrested early Sunday morning for weapons offenses following an alleged unprovoked attack in Campustown on two University of Illinois students. U of I police say officers were called to the 300 block of East Green Street at 12:15 a.m. Sunday for a report of a man who had jumped out into the personal space of a female student to scare her. When her male friend attempted to intervene, several people in a group began punching and kicking the male friend and the female was pushed to the ground. Kayveon A. Watkins of Champaign, was identified as one of the people involved in the attack and told police that he had a gun in his pants. Officers recovered a loaded handgun with an extended magazine. Watkins was arrested for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated battery, and mob action. Upon searching the vehicle, police found a second loaded handgun on the floor in the backseat, and officers learned that it belonged to a 15-year-old who was arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.

(Washington-jm) – Grain markets this coming Friday will have a lot of new USDA information to chew on. Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana-jm) – The City of Urbana is in the process of evaluating its public safety service delivery and city officials are inviting the community to meet with the people conducting the review. The city is working with national consulting firm BerryDunn for the review, which involves considering which services are to be provided by the police and fire departments. The review is also determining which services are more appropriate for an alternative response model. As part of the project, the city is giving the community a chance to voice their thoughts on public safety and explore the proposed alternative response models. BerryDunn will be hosting a town hall tomorrow to facilitate this community engagement. The town hall will take place at The Stone Creek, 2502 South Race Street, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Monical's Pizza of Paxton. Monicals is famous for it’s Family Pleaser, french dressing and sandwiches too. Monicals Pizza of Paxton Store Manager Jason Mills talks about the Monday night special…

Monicals Pizza of Paxton Store Manager Jason Mills says the dressing is available in bottles and is available to take with you and ship it anywhere …

Monicals Pizza of Paxton Store Manager Jason Mills

(Springfield-jm) – Measures removing gender-specific language from various Illinois laws have cleared the General Assembly. One changes "mother" to "person who gave birth." Another removes gender-specific language from who can be insured for certain cancer screenings. House Bill 2350 removes gender language for who can get Pap smears or prostate exams covered by their insurance. A Pap smear test for cervical cancer in women. A prostate exam tests for colon cancer in men. House Bill 1596 replaces in state statute the word “biological” with “birth," replaces the word “mother” with “person who gave birth,” and replaces references to “boys and girls” with “children.” Republicans argue there are more serious issues to discuss and push extreme leftists social agendas.

(Springfield-jm) – Local legislative reaction continues to come in following the guilty verdicts of 4 Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists last week. One of those is 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Paxton-jm) – A viewing party for Gina Miles' semi-final appearance on the NBC hit show The Voice will be held tonight in downtown Paxton. Doors open at 6:30 with the viewing beginning at 7 pm at the Dr. E.T. Grove Civic Room on the 2nd floor above The Mercantile. 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man has been arrested following an investigation into an April 2023 shooting on Sherwood Terrace. On April 29th, Champaign Police were dispatched to the 700 Block of Sherwood Terrace for a report of a Shooting with Injuries. Upon arrival, officers located a 32-year-old male victim from Champaign with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the left leg. An investigation indicated that the victim had been standing outside when Artez Winston, of Champaign, arrived and opened fire before fleeing the scene. The victim indicated that he and Winston had engaged in an argument earlier in the night. Friday, members of the United States Marshals Great Lakes Regional Task Force arrested Winston on a warrant for his involvement in this incident. He remains in the custody of the Champaign County Correctional Center awaiting arraignment on charges including Aggravated Battery with a Firearm.

(Washington-jm) – The USDA will hold listening sessions beginning in May as part of its information gathering process for its cattle contracts library pilot program. Rod Bain reports…

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Centennial High School is investigating a threat made on social media Friday morning. The school’s associate principal sent out a communication just before 8:30 a.m. informing school families and staff that they were made aware of a generic social media threat Friday morning.

(Springfield-jm) – A new ruling overrides an injunction that was placed by a downstate judge on enforcement of Illinois' weapons ban. Last week, Judge Stephen McGlynn of the Southern District of Illinois granted a statewide injunction against Illinois' weapons ban. The injunction blocked enforcement of the controversial ban. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Circuit Judge Frank Easterbrook granted a stay on the injunction on Thursday afternoon. This stay means that enforcement of the ban is back in effect. The ban, which was signed by Governor JB Pritzker back in January, ended the sale, delivery, and purchase of certain firearms and high-capacity magazines.

(Springfield-jm) – Tax revenues collected by the state of Illinois for the month of April declined by more than $1.8 billion. The monthly report from the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability said general fund revenues took a "dramatic turn" last month, dropping more than 21% compared to the same month in 2022. The declines erased nearly all of the growth accrued throughout the fiscal year, the agency said. 

(Springfield-jm) – A group of Senate lawmakers is hi-liting legislation aimed at preventing Fentanyl related deaths in Illinois. One measure requires all public high school students enrolled in health class to learn about the dangers of Fentanyl, says Senator Laura Ellman of Naperville…

State Senator Laura Ellman of Naperville. Another bill requires large music venues to have opioid overdose medication on hand while a third makes Fentanyl test strips more available.

(Champaign-jm) – A Kentucky man was arrested at State Farm Center after U of I Police officials said he was involved in a physical altercation with a security guard. Officials said Brandon Wahler of Owensboro, Kentucky, was attending The Kid Laroi’s concert when he started pushing other concertgoers. When a security guard approached Wahler to speak to him about this behavior, officials accused Wahler of trying to punch the guard in the face. Wahler was arrested and taken to the Champaign County Jail, where he was booked on a charge of aggravated assault.

(Springfield-jm) – The “ComEd Four” were found guilty by a federal jury on all counts this week for their involvement in multi-year scheme to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and influence legislation in Springfield. Dean Abbott reports…

(Champaign-jc) – Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs will deliver the keynote address during Parkland College’s 2023 Commencement Exercises, Thursday, May 11, at 8pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Frerichs has served as Illinois State Treasurer since he was first elected in 2014, and he is the 74th person to serve in this role. He was born and raised in the farming community of Gifford. After graduating from Yale University, he spent two years in Taiwan, where he taught English to young students and learned to speak Chinese. He returned to Champaign County and launched his own technology business. He was elected to the Champaign County Board and elected as the county’s auditor. He also served as a volunteer firefighter.

(Rantoul–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is E T’s Restaurant downtown Rantoul. E T’s is known for brisket, the classic atmosphere business has become a “must stop” lunch and dinner spot in the village. The business is in its 4th year and had a great start, survived during covid and  has become a favorite local restaurant… 

Popular local business owner Eric Thompson started E T’s in 2019 and with the success of the restaurant, expanded the site in downtown Rantoul… 

E T’s Restaurant downtown Rantoul, the WPXN Business of the Day, today

The Battle Creek Country Band will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30 with the concert beginning at 7.

(Aurora-jm) – An Aurora man is charged with threatening the life of Governor J.B. Pritzker. The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office said 46-year-old Steven Woletz has been charged with threatening a public official. Woletz allegedly called the governor’s office last month and left a message full of expletives and threatened to kill Pritzker. Illinois State Police located Woletz and took him into custody. He has since been released on bond.

(Springfield-jm) – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that qualified Illinois consumers who were deceived into paying for tax services that were available for free will soon receive settlement checks from a multistate settlement with TurboTax's owner, Intuit. Under the bipartisan settlement announced in May 2022, Intuit will pay $141 million as restitution to millions of Americans, including more than $4.38 million to more than 143,000 affected Illinoisans. Eligible consumers will be contacted by email, and checks will be mailed throughout the month of May. Those eligible for settlements include those who paid to file their federal tax returns through TurboTax for tax years 2016, 2017 and 2018 but were eligible to file for free through the IRS Free File Program.

(Springfield-jm) – 12 officers killed in the line of duty last year were honored at the annual Illinois Police Memorial Ceremony in Springfield Thursday. The event is held on the lawn of the state capitol, near the memorial where the names of the fallen police are etched. Their families attended, along with officers from all over the state. Governor J-B Pritzker spoke to the crowd…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Among those honored, Ford County Sheriff Deputy Brian Norton.

(Urbana-jm) – Urbana police have announced the arrest of a 19-year-old for attempted first-degree murder in connection with a stabbing in Urbana. Authorities said on Wednesday, May 3 officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Vawter Street at 11:29 a.m. for a reported stabbing. Officers arrived and found a 36-year-old Urbana man who had been stabbed in the face. Nikya Humbles was arrested for attempted first-degree murder.

(Springfield-jm) – The state is recognizing the state’s pork production. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – A former University of Illinois student was arrested in Florida after U of I Police officials said he threatened violence at the university on the social media platform Reddit. Officials said Jonathan Zheng was arrested at his home in the Tampa suburb of Wesley Chapel. When questioned by members of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, officials said Zheng admitted to writing a post on Reddit that caused concern Monday night. A Reddit user alerted U of I Police to a post on the UIUC Subreddit that threatened, among other things, that the anonymous poster would “shoot up the school.” Following his arrest, Zheng was booked into the Pasco County Jail on a preliminary charge of writing threats to kill or conduct a mass shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and U of I Police are working with federal authorities to explore additional charges against Zheng.

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

Cissna Park will hold townwide garage sales today and tomorrow.

Lake Iroquois Garage Sales will take place today from 8-5 and Saturday from 8-1.

Parkland Motorsports will host cars and coffee at Parkland College Saturday. This free event will take place in the W2 parking lot on the west side of the college campus from 8 to 11 a.m.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree on Saturday from 10-2.

Parkland College’s Perimeter Road 3rd Annual Music Festival, Saturday beginning at noon in the B1 parking lot at the Parkland campus.

The Battle Creek Country Band will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday. Cost is $10 for adults 13 and older. Doors open at 5:30 with the concert beginning at 7.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers are voting to prevent books from being banned at public and school libraries. The legislation denies state funding to libraries that toss out certain books. It was spearheaded by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias who says it’s needed to fight back against extremist groups that challenged 69 different titles last year in Illinois…

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. The bill has passed both the House and Senate but still needs to be signed into law by the Governor.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced the return of poultry shows for the 2023 fair season. The influx of highly pathogenic avian influenza cases forced the cancellation of in-person poultry shows at Illinois county fairs and the Illinois State Fair in 2022, with only virtual poultry shows being held. The Illinois State Fair begins August 10.

(Springfield-jm) – Last month was warmer and drier than normal in Illinois. Overall, April temperatures were just about a half degree above normal but that doesn’t tell the whole story. State Climatologist Tremt Ford says the first half of the month was unseasonably warm, breaking 33 daily maximum temp records. Early on, the Olmstead Lock and Dam in downstate Pulaski County hit 91 degrees…

State Climatologist Trent Ford. Rainfall was close to an inch and a half below normal statewide. Parts of southern and northern Illinois saw a little more precipitation than usual, but many areas between Interstates 70 and 80 were pretty dry.

(Champaign-jm) – A man was punched multiple times in Champaign after asking a stranger for the time, according to the University of Illinois Police Department. The victim says he was punched around 6:55 p.m. on Tuesday at an apartment building in the 300 block of East John Street, Champaign. The victim said he asked the offender for the time, and the offender started punching him.

(Springfield-jm) – Republican state lawmakers are calling for an audit of an expanding state program. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington talks about the reasons for the audit…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Gibson City-jm) – Police officers will be stationed at Gibson City Melvin Sibley High School, after a teacher found a note threatening to bomb the school on May 4. On Wednesday, Jeremy Darnell, Superintendent of Gibson City Melvin Sibley schools posted a statement on the school district’s Facebook that the school had successfully identified persons responsible for the threatening note, and confirmed there is no threat to student safety. He also asked for people to be respectful and “understand we are dealing with children”. The day before, Darnell sent out a text message to parents letting them know that for the rest of the week student’s backpacks will be checked, and they will be required to enter school through the main entrance.

(Washington-jm) – Filling out that ag census form may not be as difficult as you might think. And there may be some help available. Gary Crawford reports…

(Cissna Park–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Outdoor Pro and Fine Living in Cissna Park. It’s Amish made furniture and more at the store located along Route 49 in the southern Iroquois County town. Store Manager Audrey Kaeb says its Patio chairs and gliders, but also fire pits, self watering pots and more…

Outdoor Pro’s Audrey Kaeb says the store has a large selection on hand…

Outdoor Pro and Fine Living Manager Audrey Kaeb

(Springfield-jm) – Ambulance drivers would get more training about the use of lights and sirens under a bill making headway in the General Assembly. The bill is sponsored by Senator Adrian Johnson of Buffalo Grove and requires the extra training as well as using both lights and sirens when an ambulance passes through an intersection. It was prompted by the death of a North Chicago man last year…

State Senator Adrian Johnson of Buffalo Grove. The legislation has passed the Senate and now awaits a vote in the House.

(Springfield-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have fallen 3.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.02/g today, according to GasBuddy. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 6.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.58/g. The national average is up 8.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 59.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy.

(Springfield-jm) – In need of a moving company? The Illinois Commerce Commission is offering some tips on selecting the best one for the job. It pays to do your research, says Illinois Commerce Commission Chief of Police Ruben Ramirez. That means reading reviews, checking the company’s social media pages and making sure they are licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission. When it comes to cost, Ramirez says you should get an official quote, not just a price jotted down on a piece of paper…

Illinois Commerce Commission Chief of Police Ruben Ramirez. Ramirez says a legitimate moving company will not ask for cash up front and tipping is not required.

(Champaign County-jm) – The weather radio signal for Champaign County is close to being restored. High winds damaged the antenna and cable in February. The National Weather Service called the damage catastrophic and rare. Work could be finished by the end of the day today. 

(Springfield-jm) – A program to help undocumented immigrants is having financial issues. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign-jm) – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that a Champaign man pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography. The Attorney General’s office prosecuted Bryan A. Clark, 50, who pleaded guilty in Champaign County Circuit Court to the possession of child pornography, a Class 2 felony. Clark was sentenced to 180 days in the Champaign County Jail and four years of sex offender probation. Additionally, Clark is prohibited from having contact with children under 18 years of age and will have to register as a sex offender for life.

(Washington-jm) – How concerned should farmers be about the confidential data they enter into the Census of Agriculture? Gary Crawford reports…

(Undated-jm) – Illinois State Police on Tuesday learned another person died as a result of Monday's deadly pile-up on I-55. The number of people killed is now seven. ISP said the number of deaths increased after they learned the remains of what was believed to be one deceased person was actually two people. A total of 37 people were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical and ages spanning 2-years-old to 80-years-old.

(Chicago-jm) – After a nearly seven week trial that included testimonies from 50 witnesses and countless FBI recordings, a jury has convicted 4 top Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists on bribery-related charges implicating former House Speaker Mike Madigan. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie…

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.

(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian is demanding an explanation from Governor Pritzker concerning an internal error made in the allocation of funds that could shut down several after school programs and lead to about 50 layoffs in his district and at the same time. Project Success recently notified the families of approximately 500 children enrolled in the program in 6 local communities, that Project Success’ programming would end at the conclusion of its summer program at those schools.  Funding for one-third of Project Success of Vermilion County after school enrichment programs has disappeared, prompting the non-profit organization to make the difficult decision to cease programming at sites in Westville, Georgetown and Oakwood come August. Marron called in very concerning and answers are needed from the Governor as to why this occurred…

State Representative Mike Marron of Fithian. ISBE was expected to distribute $12 million in federal money this spring to learning centers across the state, but instead sent a letter April 10 to program directors informing them an internal error had been made in the allocation of funds and that ISBE would not have enough money to adequately fund 21st CCLC programs that have grants expiring June 30.

(Washington-jm) – Nationally the pace of corn planting is just about even with the five-year average. but that covers a lot of differences from state to state. Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana-jm) – A recent University of Illinois research study has found a new link between nutrition and cognition. The study, led by psychology, bioengineering and neuroscience professor Aron Barbey, found a correlation between blood markers of two saturated fatty acids, larger brain structures with higher volumes of gray matter and better scores on memory tests. These results, the researchers said, add to the evidence that these factors jointly contribute to brain health in older adults. They collected data from 111 healthy older adults with MRI structural scans, blood-based biomarkers of 52 dietary nutrients and cognitive performance tests of memory and intelligence. By combining these measures, the team found associations between dozens of features that appear to work in tandem to promote brain and cognitive health in older adults.

(Springfield-jm) – State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet is working to help local businesses receive recovery funding through a state grant program implemented to help those greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rose is partnering with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to host a Back to Business online webinar today at 10:30 a.m. to assist businesses with the application process, and to answer any questions related to eligibility. Representatives from DCEO will be on hand to provide information and to guide business owners.

(Paxton–jc)  –  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is the Frederick Community Bank of Paxton and Cissna Park.  The bank first opened in 1908 in Clarence as the Clarence State Bank, It’s first president was David Arthur Frederick. The bank moved into Paxton in 1933 and started a Cissna Park State Bank in 1941. Frederick Community Bank Loan Officer Alden Harms says banking is more than just a brick and mortar building from mobile banking to the loan process…

Frederick Community Bank Loan Officer Alden Harms

Tradition, local banking professionals and trust are keys to connect with customers and friends in the community says Frederick Community Bank's Kendall Cox… 

Frederick Community Bank's Kendall Cox

(Springfield-jm) – As the Illinois General Assembly heads toward its final week of the spring legislative session, State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur said there are two things that haven’t been brought up by the majority party this year…and they probably won’t be. One is the elephant in the room that is talked about every year, and that is pension reform…

State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur. The other is ethics reform. The Decatur Republican said these two things will not be heard during this session and it is dragging the state down.

(Washington-jm) – How are soybean growers doing as they plant this year's crop? Gary Crawford reports…

(Urbana-jm) – An Urbana man is wanted for aggravated battery and Champaign County Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in finding him. Officials said George Harris was last known to be living on Lincoln Avenue in Urbana. He is 66 years old, 5 feet 9 inches in height and 210 pounds in weight. He has black hair and brown eyes. Harris was last booked on aggravated battery charges in July of 2022, and he was released two days later. Harris appeared in court for arraignment the following month, during which he pleaded not guilty. But he failed to appear during another court hearing on April 11. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.

(Savoy-jm) – University of Illinois Police are investigating a car theft after a car rental company at Willard Airport reported one of their cars stolen. Officials said the theft is the result of a renter failing to return the $17,000 car on its assigned due date. It was rented on February 20 and due on March 3, but that date came and went without the car being returned. The company tried to contact the renter several times but received no response.

(Montgomery County, Illinois-jm) – Strong winds and blowing dust caused a major accident south of Springfield on Monday.  Preliminary information indicates the following occurred: ISP Troops 6 and 8 responded to the above area for multiple crashes with injuries. At 10:55 a.m. there was a crash on northbound Interstate 55 at Milepost 76. At the same time, there were numerous crashes on southbound Interstate 55 at Milepost 76. The crashes occurred within a two-mile stretch – from roughly Milepost 76 to Milepost 78.At this time, 72 vehicles are reported being involved in the crash.  A total of 37 people were transported to area hospitals. Injuries range from minor to life-threatening and ages span from 2-years-old to 80-years-old.Reports show there are six fatalities, all occurring in the northbound lanes. At this time, one decedent has been identified as 88-year-old Shirley Harper of Franklin, WI. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office is working diligently to identify the other five individuals and notify their families. Northbound and southbound lanes remain closed. Once the interstate is cleared of all vehicles, the Illinois Department of Transportation will have to inspect the roadway before it is re-opened. ISP continues to investigate this crash. I dot officials says traffic continues to re routed in that area

(Springfield-jm) – Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is pushing legislation that prohibits police from pulling someone over just for having something hanging from their rearview mirror. Many people may not realize it’s technically illegal to hang an air freshener, placard or other item from their rearview mirror. Secretary Giannoulias says it’s a law that shouldn’t be a cause for a traffic stop…

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. The bill has passed the House and now awaits a vote in the Senate.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois has the second highest taxes on cannabis products in the nation, behind only Washington State, and some believe the high amount is hurting the state's profits. In March, Illinois generated $135 million from legal cannabis sales as the state implemented a tax rate of 25% of the purchase price of marijuana. In 2022, Illinois generated $445 million in tax revenue from legal cannabis sales. Lawmakers have suggested cutting the tax so the state can stay competitive and businesses can thrive in Illinois.

(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is urging Medicaid recipients to complete the renewal process and ensure they continue to receive coverage. Annual Medicaid renewals have resumed and the Governor says the first round of notices are going out. This will continue on a rolling basis through mid-2024. Some customers will need to fill out the form, while others won’t have to do anything…

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. Governor Pritzker says it’s critical that Medicaid recipients have their correct address on file. They can check their contact information online at: abe dot illinois dot gov.

(Urbana-jm) – Police are investigating a car theft that happened at Carle Hospital last week and Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving the case. Officials said that on April 23, a man entered the Carle Heart and Vascular Institute around 9:25 a.m. and walked around for a few minutes before stealing an employee’s backpack. The suspect then emptied the backpack of the victim’s credit/debit cards, cash and car keys before leaving the backpack in another part of the building. The suspect then left the building, located the victim’s car in the employee parking lot and drove off in it. The car was described as a blue 2015 Nissan Murano with Illinois license plates AC77517. The suspect is described as being a Black male with a medium build and a black and gray beard. He was last seen wearing a red coat, dark pants, black and white shoes and a white floppy hat.

(Champaign County-jm) – Central Illinois Land Bank is covering the cost of home repairs. Thanks to ARPA funds they now have $500,000 to start their home rehab project. The program is designed to fix exterior objects like roofs, porches, and gutters. They say you must be a homeowner, have insurance and earn 65% below the median area income.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers returned to the state capitol last week following a short break. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington passed his first bill through committee …

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(St. Joseph-jm) – A St. Joseph woman was killed in a two-vehicle head-on collision east of St. Joseph on Sunday, April 30. Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup said that Rebecca S. Gerald, 62, was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:35 p.m. An autopsy was scheduled for today, at the Champaign County Regional Autopsy Facility in Urbana. State Police say Gerald was driving west on Illinois 150 around 8:35 p.m. when it reportedly crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming vehicle. The crash was under investigation by Illinois State Police and the coroner’s office.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois farmers continue to beat last year’s pace for planting corn and soybeans. It was another cool, dry week, leaving an average of five days suitable for fieldwork. Statistician Mark Schleusener says 39 percent of soybeans have now been planted and three percent have emerged. As for corn…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 15 percent of winter wheat has headed and 66 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition, a decline from the previous week. Average statewide topsoil moisture also dropped, to 2 percent very short, 10 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus.

(Gifford–jc)  The 2023 Gifford Celebration is set for Saturday July First in the Champaign county town. The day starts with a 5K run and walk that steps off at Emord Park at 7am. The annual 4th of July Parade takes place on Main Street at 10am. WPXN will have the parade live on July First.  Activities, including a waterball fight, take place from 11am to 3pm in Werner Roessler Park. An Afternoon car show and bags tournament are events for Main Street. The celebration concludes with fireworks at dusk.

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is A Picket Fence Florist downtown Paxton. The business is owned by Teri Hancock and features everything from fresh floral arrangements to candy boutiques to “saddles” for gravesites and prom wristlets,  says A Picket Fence Florist of Paxton Lead Designer Dawn Glad...

The local shop is busy with Proms, getting ready for Mother’s Day and Graduations. A Picket Fence Florist has great gift ideas for mom from fresh flowers and inspirational signs to Candy Boutiques says Lead Designer Dawn Glad… 

Store hours are 9am to 4pm Monday through Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays The number to remember is 217-379-4245. 

The local business is hosting a jewelry event this Saturday and a one day pop up event on Saturday May 13th called It’s a Spring Fling.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning about a multi-state Salmonella outbreak connected to Gold Medal brand flour. General Mills has issued a recall of their 2, 5 and 10 pound bags of Gold Medal unbleached and bleached all purpose flour. Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey says the use by dates on the affected bags are March 27th and 28th of 2024…

State Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey. According to the CDC, 13 people have fallen ill with Salmonella infection including two in Illinois. Symptoms include headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and vomiting.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill moving through the statehouse could require water bottle filling stations inside future large buildings in Illinois. The plan would apply to new properties that are 5,000 square feet or larger and any buildings with an occupancy of over 100 people. Illinois state law requires water fountains in public buildings, but sponsors explained that more people are using their own water bottles or containers to reduce plastic and help the environment.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department on Aging is celebrating Older American Month in May. The designation offers a chance to hi-lite the many programs offered by the Department, says Director Paula Basta. They include the Community Care Program, which provides in-home care to seniors, as well as a newer initiative, Illinois Care Connections…

Illinois Department on Aging Director Paula Basta. Additionally the state offers nutrition programs for older Illinoisans, providing healthy food or just someone to share a meal with, says Basta. You can learn more about what the Department on Aging offers at: il aging dot illinois dot gov.

(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the preliminary design and location for the dog park coming to the area in the near future. The chamber shared on social media that they are developing a fenced perimeter, off-leash dog park which is planned to be roughly 4-6 acres in size. Officials said there will be two separate areas: one for small dogs and one for large dogs. The dog park will be developed at the Bill Seeber baseball diamonds located on Keal Avenue.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Police Department says a student reported that he lost $1,675 in a sexual extortion scam on April 18. 

An unknown person contacted the university student through social media and encouraged him to send intimate photos of himself. The scammer then threatened to send the photos to the student's social media contacts unless he sent money. The student sent $1,675 after the scammer posted one of the photos to social media.

(Springfield-jm) – One area lawmaker is asking the Illinois Department of Corrections to address concerns at the Pontiac Correctional Center. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says there are concerns about the future of the facility…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. So far, the Illinois Department of Corrections has not yet responded to those concerns.

SPRINGFIELD – Medicaid recipients in Illinois should be on the lookout for correspondence from the state regarding their coverage as the normal renewal process resumes for the first time in three years. Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income and disabled people that is jointly funded by the federal government and the states. With the pandemic ending, those enrolled must now go through the normal process of reapplying every 12 months to determine whether they were eligible,  Redetermination letters will be sent to Illinois Medicaid recipients in waves over the next 12 months. Some go out this week .State officials are urging all Medicaid recipients to update their information within the Illinois Medicaid program to ensure their benefits are not wrongly ended due to the state being unable to contact them. On line at Abe-Illinois-dot gov or by calling 1-800-843-6154 

(Urbana-jm) – The Regional Planning Commission informed the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities in the middle of March that it will exercise the option to not renew its Independent Service Coordination grant agreement for Fiscal Year 2024 due to extenuating circumstances impacting the program. The RPC committed to working collaboratively with the Division through June 30, 2023, to transition the ISC program and services to another provider in a manner that serves the needs of the families and individuals in Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, Vermilion, Mason, Tazewell, Woodford, McLean, Livingston, Bureau, LaSalle, Putnam, and Marshall Counties.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois farmers continue to beat last year’s pace for planting corn and soybeans. Corn planting surged ahead this past week, with 40 percent now complete. That compares to 18 percent planted at the same time last year. 4 percent has emerged. State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener looks at soybean…

State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener. 15 percent of winter wheat has headed and 66 percent of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition. Average statewide topsoil moisture declined to 2 percent very short, 10 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus.

(Springfield-jm) – A federal judge in East St. Louis issued an order Friday blocking enforcement of Illinois’ ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines until a lawsuit challenging the law is resolved. Judge Stephen  McGlynn, of the Southern District of Illinois, said the law is likely to be found unconstitutional when the case goes to trial and the plaintiffs in the consolidated cases will suffer harm without a preliminary injunction to block its enforcement. In a 29-page opinion, McGlynn acknowledged that the law was passed in the wake of a mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park last year. But he said the “senseless crimes of a relative few” cannot be used to justify abridging the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. McGlynn’s decision came less than a week after another federal judge, Lindsay Jenkins, of the Northern District of Illinois, reached an opposite conclusion and denied a motion to halt enforcement of the law. Plaintiffs in that case have indicated they intend to appeal to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The state argued that the law is consistent with historical tradition because neither assault weapons nor large-capacity magazines were in common use when the Second and 14th Amendments were ratified.

(Springfield-jm) – Four Illinois counties are at an elevated risk of COVID-19. That’s up from two counties the previous week, but all remain at medium risk. None are at high risk. State Public Health Department Spokesperson Mike Claffey says although the official pandemic emergency ends May 11th, the virus is still circulating…

State Public Health Spokesperson Mike Claffey. There were nearly four thousand confirmed new cases of COVID reported this past week. An additional 19 people have died. Claffey says they recommend that seniors and those with a compromised immune system get a second dose of the bivalent COVID booster shot.

(Springfield-jm) – Some state lawmakers are looking to increase the number of days for substitute teachers to be in the classroom. Lawmakers said this is all in an effort to continue addressing the teacher shortage that many school districts in the state are still experiencing. If passed, substitute teachers would be able to fill a licensed teacher’s position in an emergency situation for 90 days or until the end of the semester. Lawmakers say under current law, substitute teachers may only fill vacancies in an emergency situation for up to 30 days.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers are working to further address the problem of bullying in schools. Legislation pending in the Senate updates current state laws on bullying. For example, Senator Sara Feigenholtz of Chicago says schools would be required to let parents know that their child has been bullied within 24 hours of administrators learning about the alleged incident…

State Senator Sara Feigenholtz of Chicago. The notification requirement would also apply to cyberbullying. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of bullying to include physical appearance, homelessness, socio-economic status and pregnancy.

(Melvin-jm) – The 2023 Miss Ford County Fair Queen Pageant will be held on Monday, June 26, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the fairgrounds in Melvin. Any interested young lady at least 16 years old and not older than 21 by January 1, 2024 are eligible to participate. Other requirements are that the individual must either; live in Ford County, currently attend or be a graduate of a Ford County school, or be a participant in Ford County 4-H sponsored activities. An Informational meeting will be held on Saturday, May 13 at the Wall Township Building starting at 9 AM. 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Centennial Principal Scott Savage has resigned following a video that surfaced on social media showing him grabbing a student during a physical altercation on April 18.

(Paxton–jc)  Property taxes will be due soon and several programs are available to homeowners for  senior citizens. Ford County Supervisor of Assessments Pam Bruens says some property tax relief is available for Seniors 65 years of age and older and her office has help. Bruens says information is available on line to a phone call

Ford County Supervisor of Assessments Pam Bruens. Bruens also  encourages those wanting to take advantage of the two programs,  do so by June Second.

(Urbana-jm) – Parkland College will soon become the temporary home of a Champaign School District program that provides trauma-informed alternative education to students. The school district said that the Board of Education approved a lease agreement with Parkland to move Novak Academy to Parkland for the upcoming school year. The program’s current home, Columbia Center, will be undergoing renovations soon and the program needed a new home in the meantime.

(Washington-jm) – The Environmental Protection Agency Friday announced it will again waive restrictions and allow summertime sale of fuels blended with fifteen percent ethanol at fuels pumps across the country. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois’ gun and magazine ban is on hold after a federal judge in the Southern District of Illinois ruled in favor of a preliminary injunction. On Friday, Judge Stephen McGlynn granted a motion for a preliminary injunction. It’s expected the state will appeal to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, where the court has the case brought by Law Weapons owner Robert Bevis. In February, Northern District federal Judge Virginia Kendall ruled in favor of the state, saying the state met the burden that the banned firearms are dangerous and can be banned under the history and tradition of how the U.S. regulated firearms.

(Springfield-jm) – A nonprofit policy organization is speaking out against legislation in Springfield that would make Illinois the first state to give the Income Share Agreement industry its own law. ISAs are a type of private student loan where the loan is made in exchange for the student’s agreement to pay the lender a percentage of their future income for up to 20 years. The Woodstock Institute, said the measure would codify the industry’s worst practices in dealing with student loans. House Bill 1519 would permit ISAs to consume up to 20% of a student’s income and codify interest rates above 20% APR.

(Springfield-jm) – Pets would be protected from further abuse under a bill awaiting a vote in the House. The measure lets police seize companion animals from someone arrested on a variety of animal abuse charges. It also gives judges greater discretion to ban an abuser from having a pet. Representative Anne Stava-Murray of Downers Grove…

State Representative Anne Stava-Murray of Downers Grove. A judge could impose a lifetime ban if warranted.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign Police were dispatched at 2:03 a.m. Saturday morning, to the 700 Block of Sherwood Terrace in Champaign for a report of a Shooting with Injuries. Upon arrival, officers located a 32-year-old male victim from Champaign with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the left leg. The initial investigation indicated that the victim had been standing outside his home when a vehicle approached, and a subject known to the victim opened fire before driving away. The victim indicated that he and the subject had engaged in an argument earlier in the night. No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. 

(Champaign-jm) – In order to install water main, Duce Construction and Illinois American Water will close lanes of Bradley Avenue between Duncan Road and Pomona Drive. An eastbound lane and a westbound lane of traffic will be maintained at all times in the area.  The closure will continue through Friday, May 26, weather permitting. Access will be maintained to all properties.

(Rantoul–jc)  Fundraising to help programs for the Community Service Center in Rantoul is always ongoing. A Spring Fling event is planned for mid-May. There is also a golf outing set for July. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says its a fun way to help your friends and neighbors…

Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford

(Watseka-jm) – The Iroquois County Public Health Department is getting ready for West Nile Virus season and they’re asking the public for help in finding bird cases. The public is asked to turn in any dead bird found in the county between May 1 and October 15. Health officials are specifically looking for crows, blue jays, finches, sparrows and robins, but said blackbirds, bluebirds, catbirds, cardinals, chickadees, starlings, purple martins and others are also acceptable for West Nile testing.

(Washington-jm) – The latest USDA Agricultural Prices report shows a total increase in what livestock producers received for prices for their commodities, and how that impacted the total ag price index. Rod Bain reports…