(Undated-jm) – Thirty six schools from the Chicago area to Southern Illinois were put on notice Thursday afternoon. The Department of Justice announced it was launching investigations into the content in their classrooms. The DOJ is looking into whether gender ideology or sexual orientation content is making it into curriculums, as well as whether or not schools are segregating sports and intimate spaces based on gender at birth. Among those being looked into is the Bloomington Public School District, Iroquois County Community Unit School District and the Ridgeview School District.

 

(Springfield–dm)-51st District Republican State Senator Chapin Rose recently held a press conference to discuss his new piece of legislation called Senate Bill 4196. This bill would make changes to the SAFE-T Act and repeal recent laws from Governor Pritzker regarding ICE in Illinois. 

   

51st District Republican State Senator Chapin Rose

 

(Champaign-jm) – It was a violent week in Champaign last week. On Tuesday, an 18 year old was shot in the Schnucks parking lot on the city’s west side. On Friday, a man was stabbed in the Walmart parking lot on North Prospect Avenue then that evening, police responded to a person shot in the 500 block of East Columbia Avenue. The victim, 33 year old Aaron Sibley was pronounced dead at Carle Foundation Hospital. Anyone with information on any of the crimes are asked to call Champaign Police.

 

(Roberts–dm)-Friday May 15th Jeremiah 33:6 will be holding a free produce pantry and health fair at the RobertsVillage Gym.. Jeremiah 33:6 spokesperson Valarie Wright tells us about a free A-1-C test that will be available that day.

   

Jeremiah 33:6 spokesperson Valarie Wright.  The Produce pantry and Health fair is free to anyone, regardless of income.

 

(Sadorus-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help after someone stole over $8,000 worth of soybean seeds from a property in April. According to the sheriff's office, it happened in rural Tolono Township near Sadorus on April 24. Officers responded to the area of County Roads 600 North and 700 East for reports of stolen agricultural materials. According to police, the victim reported two large boxes of soybean seeds with an estimated value of around $8,200 missing from a shed on their property. The sheriff's office is asking for the community's help in gathering information related to the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.

 

(Iroquois County–dm)-The Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau is sponsoring Camp 911 to 3rd graders in the area.  Ford County Farm Bureau Manager Casey Claire explains what Camp 911 is.

   

Ford Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Casey Claire 

 

Illinois gas prices have risen by an average of more than 50 cents per gallon in the last week. According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded was $4.86 on Friday, up from $4.30 one week before and $4.67 on Thursday. The average Illinois price one year ago was $3.40.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson is urging the U.S. Senate to swiftly pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The House approved the bill by a vote of 224 to 200 on Thursday. The legislation updates funding levels for crop insurance and price support, disaster assistance, risk management programs, operation and marketing loans, and federal agricultural research.

 

 

(Normal–jm) – Illinois State University administrators said they’re willing to negotiate in good faith with striking workers after Governor JB Pritzker urged the two sides to return to the bargaining table. A sixth session with the federal mediator is scheduled for today at 11 a.m., which would be the second meeting since about 350 dining, building services, and grounds employees went on strike over salary April 8. No agreement was reached during an April 15 bargaining session, and no talks have been held since then. The administration said it contacted the federal mediator Thursday morning about resuming negotiations. According to ISU’s webpage, the most contentious issues include AFSCME’s demand that union workers receive the same or greater pay increases than non-union employees, and that pay increases should be retroactive to July 1, 2025.

 

(Springfield–jc)  – After a proposed state constitutional amendment on redistricting did not advance this week, the timing will not see a redistricting question on the November ballot. 89th District and Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombe says the latest power grab attempt by the democrats, has failed…

   

89th District and Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombe Republican from Savannah

 

(Savoy-jm) – United Airlines has postponed its launch of service to Chicago O'Hare from the University of Illinois-Willard Airport. Fly Champaign-Urbana said the postponement is due to the FAA capping flights at O'Hare. The service is now expected to start on Oct. 25, after it was previously set to begin June 1. Willard Airport announced in January that United Airlines would launch the service at the facility. Customers affected by the change or who need more information about their booked flights can visit United's website or call 1-800-825-9925.

 

(Chicago–jc)  Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker says he looks forward to resuming public events soon after he underwent a medical procedure on Friday.

The governor’s deputy chief of staff for communications, Matt Hill, said in a statement provided to The Center Square that Pritzker completed a routine outpatient urology procedure. Hill said the governor would fulfill his duties but pause public events for the next week while he rests.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The man already convicted of a deadly drunk crash in Urbana last year saw his trial on federal charges pushed back to September. Julio Cucul-Bol appeared in court via Zoom for a previously scheduled status hearing in the federal case against him. The federal charges against Bol, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, consist of making false statements on a bank application, possessing a false green card and a false Social Security card, and false use of a passport. Prosecutors allege that Bol used an alias to obtain these documents and in an application to JPMorgan Chase Bank. The documents and banking statements with the alias were found in the wreckage of Bol’s Mitsubishi Outlander the night of the deadly crash on January 19, 2025. Urbana Police determined that he got behind the wheel drunk and rear-ended a Honda Civic at University and Coler Avenues, killing 21-year-old Chloe Polzin of Deerfield and 20-year-old Katherine Abraham of Glenview. He was sentenced to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for aggravated DUI causing death and leaving the scene of a deadly crash.

 

(USDA–dm)-What weather conditions where during the month of May, may be of concern for crop growers with planting and plant establishment occurring? USDA’s Rod Bain has the story

   

(The Center Square) – A new Civic Federation report has identified a persistent structural imbalance in the Illinois budget, with expenditures projected to grow faster than core revenues. The Chicago-based government research organization examined how Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 advances the state’s goals for financial stability. The report said Illinois’ fiscal position is likely to weaken unless the state adopts policy changes to better align revenues and expenditures, support stronger economic growth and expand the tax base.

 

(Champaign–jc)  – The Illinois Flash Index of Economic Growth for April continued its gradual decline falling to 101-point-zero compared to its 101-point-two level in March. The reading one year ago was a bit higher still. 

While the Illinois economy is still growing, the Illinois unemployment rate has diverged from the national rate. In July and August of last year, both rates stood at 4-point-three percent–a rare occurrence for Illinois. Now the Illinois' unemployment  rate is   5-point-One percent while the national rate is still at 4-point-three percent.

 

 

(Paxton–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Picket Fence Florist in downtown Paxton. Owner Dawn Mertes says they are ready for a wide variety of gifts for Mom for Mother’s Day…

She says they also have candy bouquets……

   

Picket Fence Florist downtown Paxton Owner Dawn Mertes.

You can order Mom’s Flowers and more on line or call Picket Fence Florist at 217-379-4245

Picket Fence Florist downtown Paxton is the WPXN Business of the Day, t

WPXN News notes…

The St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library is having a used book sale  Monday, May 4th through Wednesday, May 27th.  All sales are by donation to the library.

 

The River Valley Church of Christ in Fisher will hold their free garage sale on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th. Hours both days are 7-noon.

 

The Rankin Lions Club will hold their Friday Supper on Friday, May 8th from 4:30-7:30pm.

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, May 8th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10.

 

The Harvest Moon Twin Drive In will hold their Spring Fling Craft and Vendor Show Mother’s Day Market on Saturday, May 9th from 9-2.

 

Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School’s third annual Greenhouse Plant Sale & CTE Expo is set for 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the high school’s greenhouse in Gibson City.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – A state board unanimously voted Thursday to approve a 204 page report detailing its investigation into misconduct by on-duty federal immigration agents amid Operation Midway Blitz. It is also sending letters to local law enforcement agencies for potential prosecution of the agents. The Illinois Accountability Commission, created by Governor J-B Pritzker was tasked with forming a public record to document the impact of the federal immigration campaign on Chicago communities, but also to produce recommendations for  harm reduction and prevention of future abuses. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that unemployment is up slightly from February, despite the state adding more than 8,000 jobs in March. The data shows that the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in March.

 

(Springfield–dm)-Illinois Republican House Minority Leader Tony McCombie recently held a press conference to talk about the  failures of Illinois’ Safety Act.

   

Illinois Republican House Minority Leader Tony McCombie.

 

(Champaign-jm) - A 16 year old has been arrested in connection with a shooting at a Champaign grocery store earlier this week. Champaign Police made the arrest Thursday morning. The suspect was arrested on preliminary charges of aggravated battery with a firearm. The teen is accused of opening fire on an 18 year old in the Schnucks parking lot Tuesday night.

 

(Champaign-jm) – An on ramp to I-57 in Champaign will be closed for about two weeks. IDOT announced the on ramp to southbound I–57 from Olympian Drive will close for approximately two weeks beginning Monday, May 4th. IDOT says the work involves tying all new ramps and bridges with permanent connections. Additional closures, taking up to four weeks each, are also scheduled throughout the summer.

 

(Cissna Park–jc)  –Thursday May 7th is the 75th National Day of Prayer. There are several events set for the area. In Cissna Park, the United Methodist Church is sponsoring a prayer event in the park pavilion in downtown Cissna Park. The praying event starts at 7-30am. The church is hosting a luncheon at 11-30. In Paxton The Paxton Church of Christ will be open for prayer for the National Day of Prayer. The church will be open with church representatives or to pray by yourself. 

 

(USDA–dm)-Part of federal efforts to boost domestic fertilizer production include financial awards and less burdensome permitting processes regarding facility and infrastructure construction.  USDA’s Rod Bain has the story.

   

The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a single-family home in the 70 block of Garwood Street on Thursday morning  Fire crews were able to quickly get the fire under control.   Once on the scene, fire crews reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the home.  Multiple hose lines were deployed, and the fire was contained to the structure of origin. The cause of this fire has not been determined as investigators remain on scene conducting their investigation.  There were no firefighter injuries reported.  The occupant was not home at the time of the fire.

 

(Paxton–jc) –  Sunday May 3rd the Loda American Legion Auxiliary is sponsoring a style show featuring designs from local Paxton Businesses.  Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts has the details.

   

Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts.  If you would like to purchase advance tickets, you can call Diane at 815-474-7364.

 

(The Center Square) – AAA says the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois has jumped 14 cents in one day. The organization’s daily gas prices website listed the average per-gallon price at $4.67 on Thursday, up from $4.53 the day before. The Illinois average one year ago was $3.41. Iowa and Missouri remain below $4 per gallon, according to AAA. The national average is $4.30.

 

(Chicago–jm) – Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas Company customers are likely to see minor credits on their bills for the next three years, thanks to a $125 million settlement agreement announced Thursday by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The benefit, if approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission, will average around $50 annually this year and around $40 each in 2027 and 2028, or about $3-4 monthly. 

 

(Undated-jm) – A former University of Illinois police officer was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman during an off-duty incident 8 years ago. Jerald Sandagge was tried on two counts of criminal sexual assault. A jury returned a guilty verdict on both charges following a three day trial. He will be sentenced June 12th. He is facing three other sexual abuse cases and a retrial on charges of official misconduct.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A bill aimed at protecting the privacy of people using medications for gender-affirming care is moving forward at the Statehouse. Capitol News Illinois reports the legislation would remove testosterone from the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program. The ILPMP is designed to protect against misuse of controlled substances. The plan would also make estrogen and the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol exempt from the program. 30th District State Senator Adraine Johnson, Democrat from Buffalo, worries the data could be used to target people who use these medications…

 

 

30th district State Senator Adraine Johnson, Democrat from Buffalo Grove. The bill passed out of a Senate committee and now heads to the Senate floor.
 

(Savoy-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is turning to the public to identify two people suspected of using counterfeit money at a local grocery store last week. The department says on Friday, April 24th, deputies responded to a report of counterfeit currency being used at the Schnucks in Savoy. They say a man and a woman are suspected of using counterfeit money during the incident. No description of the two were provided. Anyone with information is asked to call the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – Last July, Iroquois County EMA partnered with the Regroup Mass Notification System, and as of May 1st will have permanently transitioned from HyperReach. Notifications from the HyperReach platform will no longer be able to be received. The change provides Iroquois County residents with a powerful new mass notification system to keep the community informed and prepared during emergencies. The advanced Regroup platform delivers critical updates through text messages, emails, or even phone calls, ensuring timely communication when it matters most. Whether it’s severe weather or other emergency incidents that require immediate notification of Iroquois County residents, the Regroup system provides real-time alerts to help protect families, businesses, and the entire community. Iroquois County EMA encourages all residents to sign up for Regroup today to be informed and stay prepared for any situation. Together, we will build a resilient and safe community. There are three ways to sign up: scan a QR code with your mobile device, text join icema to 31002 or download the Regroup Mobile app and enter ICALERTS for registry code.

 

(Champaign–dm)-With a dry fall last year, and less than average snowfall this past winter,Central Illinois was classified to be in a severe drought.  Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady says that the rain this past week helped.

 

 

 Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady

 

(Champaign–dm)-On Monday, May 4, 2026, construction will begin on south Mattis Avenue from Windsor Road to Curtis Road in Champaign. Planned improvements include upgrading the corridor to arterial street standards with new concrete pavement, curb and gutter, storm sewers, street lighting, on-street bike lanes, and a multi-use path. The work will be completed under full closure for the duration, from May 4 through December 4, 2026 with a planned completion from the northern limit to the southern limit. Appropriate detours will be marked but generally, neighborhoods and businesses along Curtis Road will still be accessible via Duncan Road or Prospect Avenue.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  It’s another busy weekend at the Rantoul Sports Complex as we start the month of May. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandun Denton says its soccer and more…

 

 

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandun Denton

 

(Gibson City–dm)-The Gibson City Restoration Association invites you to join them this Saturday, May 2nd, for their Sip and Shop wine Hop.  Gibson City Restoration Association President Sharon Heavalin has the details.

 

 

Gibson City Restoration Association President Sharon Heavalin.

 

(Chicagp–dm)-A Venezuelan migrant who was in the United States illegally has 

pleaded not guilty to murdering Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman in Chicago last month. Jose Medina, 26, entered the plea on Wednesday at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago.

 

(Undated-jm) – It will soon cost more to shop at Sam’s Club. The company says the basic membership will increase $10 today to $60 per year. The plus version will now cost $120 per year.

 

(Rantoul–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Kinos Coffee. The business started in 2019 in Cissna Park and now has two additional locations with one in Paxton and one in Rantoul. Kinos Coffee Regional Manager Jessica Comstock talks about the popular business…

 

 

She says they like to partner with community groups…

 

 

 

 

Kinos Coffee Regional Manager Jessica Comstock. Kinos in Cissna Park Paxton and Rantoul is the WPXN Business of the Day, today

 

WPXN News notes…

The Gibson City Restoration Association will hold their Sip and Shop Wine Hop on Saturday, May 2nd. Check in begins at 10:30 am at 107 North Sangamon Avenue with the event running 11-2:30. Cost is $20 per person.

 

Impact Life will hold a blood drive at Kirby Foods in Paxton on Saturday, May 2nd from 10 am to 1pm. To sign up for a spot email Kevin Hanson at emtcoor at hotmail dot com.

 

The Melvin Community Hall welcomes Eric Gordon on Saturday, May 2nd.. Doors open at 5:30pm with music starting at 7pm.

 

The Rankin Lions Club will hold their all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday, May 3rd starting at 8am. Cost is a freewill donation.

 

The St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library is having a used book sale  Monday, May 4th through Wednesday, May 27th.  All sales are by donation to the library.

 

Rankin townwide garage sales will take place Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th.

 

The nonprofit group Jeremiah 33:6 will hold a free produce pantry and health fair on Friday, May 15th from 3-5 pm at the Roberts Gym in Roberts.