(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers approved a measure that would allow rideshare drivers to unionize and negotiate with companies like Uber and Lyft. Under the proposal, drivers will be able to form and join organizations to represent them in negotiations over pay and working conditions. The bill also requires companies to pay a fee on each trip originating in Illinois.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois could soon reform the state’s regulations on delinquent property tax sales after the General Assembly approved a bill that lets homeowners keep their equity. The key change is if a homeowner fails to pay their debt in an initial redemption period, and their property is seized and sold, they will receive any surplus funds left over from the auction. Illinois is the last state to come into compliance with a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that determined the sale process violated citizens’ rights to fair compensation for government seizure of property and ruled any surplus funds from the property sale must be returned to the owner.

 

(Springfield–jc)  One area state leader wants the state to abolish the Illinois Estate Tax or “death” tax that has big implications on farmers and their families. Dean Abbott reports…

   

(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul bus driver accused of sexually assaulting a minor has been denied pretrial release. Johnnie McClendon Junior made an appearance in Champaign County court for arraignment and detention. He was charged with a single count of predatory criminal sexual assault against a minor. If convicted he would receive a mandatory prison sentence. The judge denied pretrial release.. He’s due back in court on June 25th.

 

(Springfield–jc)  –The Citizens Utility Board says it has identified at least $54 million worth of overcharges in Illinois American Water's proposed $142.4 million rate increase.  When requesting approval of the hike from the Illinois Commerce Commission earlier this year, the water utility estimated that the typical residential customer would pay about $14 more per month and typical wastewater customers would pay an extra $28 per month.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  Just before 11 Tuesday morning, Rantoul Police Officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Saint. Andrews Circle drive in the village, for a caller stating he had been shot. METCAD dispatch also advised they received additional calls of people shooting as well as Raven Gunshot Detection alerts in the vicinity. Officers arrived on scene and located one male victim who had sustained a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began administering first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The victim was subsequently transported to Carle Hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.  Rantoul police did pursue an arrest warrant to a home in the village on Tuesday.  Rantoul police are continuing to investigate this incident. If you have any information on this crime, please contact the Rantoul Police Department 217 892-2103, or CrimeStoppers 217 373-TIPS.

 

(Paxton–jc) Regulating E-Bikes and scooters continues to be a subject for city of Paxton leaders. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the council has ideas on how to proceed, but the city is waiting on some state decisions concerning e-bikes…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.. WPXN News will have more on the subject on our Wednesday and Thursday 

 

(Cullom–jc)  Tri Point school leaders will be looking at building upgrades and options when their school board meets as a committee on Thursday.  At the meeting, school leaders and the board will look at expectations for school buildings including the Kempton building. That committee meeting comes to order at 5, Thursday afternoon at the Tri-Point Board room in Kempton

 

(Gibson City–jc)  One Ford County town is set to celebrate the nation’s 250 anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Gibson City will celebrate on Saturday July 11th says Gibson City event Spokesperson Susie Tongate…

   

Gibson City Event Spokesperson Susie Tongate. The day will feature a patriotic parade, a ribbon cutting for the Social Lott District,  games for kids and adults, live music and lots of food options. 

 

(The Center Square) – Included in the recently passed state budget, the Illinois State Board of Education will get money for property tax relief. Statehouse Republicans called for the relief program to be funded after the funds were not included in the budget for the current year. In the final hours of talks regarding Illinois’ record $55.9 billion spending plan for the 2027 fiscal year, lawmakers noted that the budget included $45 million for ISBE’s Property Tax Relief Grant program. As a Senate Democrat Leader on Appropriations, Sen. Elgie Sims Jr., D-Chicago, said the $45 million allocation for the coming year is because the state was able to complete a study on the effectiveness of the program.

 

(Washington–jc) The corn crop continues to emerge locally around the state and Nation. U-S-D-A meteorologist Brad Rippey takes a look at the  U.S. corn crop…

   

U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey

 

(Springfield-jm) – Bills expanding privacy for abortion medical records and access to birth control services passed in the final days of the General Assembly’s spring session. The first measure would create the Reproductive Health Privacy Act and would require the separation of information about abortion services or diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a patient’s digital medical record if a patient chooses. Access to those records would be restricted for out of state entities. Lawmakers also passed a bill that expands access to birth control for minors, allowing them to consent to birth control without additional consent from a parent or guardian. 

 

(Northern Illinois–jc)  The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois has issued a report he said confirms what he already stated publicly in response to intense press interest and inquiries. Andrew Boutros said in a statement that he has never appeared before any grand jury hearing or deliberating evidence on any matter since becoming U.S. Attorney in April 2025.  Last month, Boutros said the dismissal of charges against anti-immigration law enforcement protesters in Broadview came after “certain conduct” by the government in the grand jury.

 

(Springfield-jm) — A bill heading to Governor J-B Pritzkers desk could improve access to suicide prevention services. Sponsors say 988 information should be visible in county shelter care homes, daycares, public libraries, hospitals and nursing homes. 

 

(Springfield–jc)  After voting no on next year’s budget early Monday morning, 104th District  State Representative Brandun Schweizer, Republican from Danville, says while Democrats continue their tax more  and spend more cycle,  the democrats did not help  in providing affordability for working Illinois families…

 

 

104th District State Representative Brandun Schweizer, Republican from Danville

Schweizer added that since taking office, Illinois Democrat Governor J-B Pritzker has increased state spending by 40 percent and enacted 57 tax and fee increases

 

(Urbana-jm) – A man is facing charges after being accused of raping a woman in Urbana. Johnathan Fuller Junior was charged with four counts of criminal sexual assault. Fuller allegedly pushed the victim in her own apartment on May 29th and sexually assaulted her.. He was denied pretrial release.

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – Three bridges crossing I-57 in Iroquois County will be partially or fully closed to traffic starting today as part of a larger construction project on the highway. The bridges affected include East 200 North Road near Loda, East 400 North Road near the northbound Main Line Rest Area and East 700 North Road south of Buckley. The 200 North Road bridge will have one lane of traffic maintained while the other two will be fully closed. Work on the bridges are expected to be completed by August.

 

(Paxton–jc)  –  The second in the series of First Friday night concerts is set for this Friday night in downtown Paxton. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says a Chicago based band called…”Back in Time” is coming back to Veteran’s Square…

 

Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper. The concessions stand opens at 6pm with the free concert at 7pm in downtown Paxton 

 

(Savoy–jc)  The Advocates for Aging Care in Champaign County is encouraging the public to attend a public hearing next Tuesday in Savoy. The local group has applied for a license for 120 skilled nursing beds to be placed in the county. Currently, Champaign County is short more than 300 skilled nursing beds. The hearing takes place at 1pm, Tuesday June 9th in the Village of Savoy Municipal Board room

 

(Rantoul–jc)  Community Development Block grant funds will help some projects in the village of Rantoul including some houses and streets. Village Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says the earned grant dollars continue to help in upgrades…

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third

 

(The Center Square) – Illinois is still waiting to benefit from a law promised to generate hundreds of millions of dollars by restricting credit and debit card swipe fees. U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Kendall ruled that a federal order issued in April effectively blocks the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act that was signed into law in 2024. Hours before the ruling, state lawmakers voted to delay implementation of the fee until July First  20-27. Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said IRMA proposed the law that would generate $200 million annually and help the state address a budget shortfall.

 

(Washington–jc) The soybean crop continues to emerge locally around the state and Nation. U-S-D-A meteorologist Brad Rippey takes a look at soybeans…

 

U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey

 

(Chaampaign–jc)  – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a single-family home in the 400 block of South Russell Street just before midnight last night Fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire. No one was hurt in the fire.

WPXN News notes…

The Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce annual fish fry will take place on Thursday, June 4th from 5-7 pm at the North Park Pavilion in Gibson City. Cost is $5.

 

Paxton townwide garage sales will take place Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th.

 

The village of Rantoul will hold their summer nights concert series on Friday, June 5th with Aces N’ Rhythms in downtown Rantoul.

 

The 2026 Roberts Fun Day will take place on Saturday, June 6th. Activities include breakfast from 8-11, vendors from 8-3, bounce houses and silent auction 9-3, kids cart rides 11-1, bingo 11-2, food trucks 11-3, bags tournament at 4 and live music from 7-10.

 

Logan Kirby will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday, June 6th at 7pm. Cost is $10. 

 

Champaign Firefighters Local 1260 will hold a 5k on Sunday, June 7th from 8-10:30 at Carle at the Fields.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – One person has died after suffering a medical emergency at the Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center in Rantoul yesterday.  Emergency personnel  were called to the pool at 4pm on Monday. They arrived in around 3 minutes at the facility, where life guards were already performing C-P-R.  The individual was transported to the hospital, where they later died. The name of the individual has not yet been officially released by the Champaign County coroner's office. WPXN news will update this story as more information becomes available

 

(Springfield–jc)-- Illinois House Democrats finalized passing legislation to allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public universities.  88th District  State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur ,voted against the measure…

   

88th District State Representative Regan Deering Republican from Decatur. Those voting no said the state is giving benefits to those illegally here in the state. The governor is expected to sign the measure into law. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Chicago Bears are sticking with their current timeline for selecting a site for a new stadium amid an uncertain future for a proposal in the Illinois state legislature that would provide incentives for the NFL team to build its new home in the state. The Illinois Senate passed a bill early Monday morning that would have cleared the way for Arlington Heights and Chicago to create local stadium authorities, creating a pathway for the Bears to avoid paying property taxes on a new stadium in Illinois. But the House adjourned without taking up the measure on the last day of the state's spring legislative session. The Bears said they are finalizing their evaluation of possible stadium sites in Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana, and they “remain on the late spring/early summer timeline.”

 

(Melvin–jc) As the United States looks to celebrate the 250th anniversary with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Ford County is celebrating 100 years of the local county fair this month. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is now involved in a Champaign shooting investigation in the hopes of finding new information to pass along to police. The shooting happened the morning of May 6 on Redwood Drive near Bradley Avenue. Officers responded to a report of a shooting with injuries, and they found a 27-year-old man with gunshot wounds. Crime Stoppers said the victim is still recovering from his injuries. Investigators are still trying to identify the potential suspect involved in this confrontation. He was described as a Black male with a thin build who was wearing a mask and all-black clothing.

 

(Champaign–dm)-The planting season in Champaign County is running above average, while statewide planting progress is at average to above average.  Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady has the update. 

   

Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Bailey Conrady

 

(Watseka–jc)  – The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency announced today  that it has completed all requirements necessary to utilize the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System in the county. The county is now equipped to communicate critical emergency situations to all citizens in Iroquois County. The addition of the new warning system,  provides Iroquois County emergency personnel the ability to rapidly disseminate life-saving information during severe weather, and other emergencies.

 

(Ford County–dm)-The Ford County Highway Committee will meet on Wednesday June 3rd at the Highway Department in Roberts.  Items up for discussion include an update on County  Department work, and discussion on a county transportation agreement.  Also other items up on the agenda include petitions for aid and a resolution for Patton Drainage Project. The meeting is scheduled to start at 7AM.

(Springfield—jc)  Less than 24 hours after receiving the state budget document of over 3 thousand 600 pages, Democrat state lawmakers passed a nearly 57 Billion dollar state budget that includes over 800 million dollars in new taxes. Reaction to the budget from Illinois Republican Tony McCombie from Savannah…

 

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

 

(Springfield-jm) – Families across Illinois can access free meals and snacks this summer for children 18 and younger through federal nutrition programs administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. More than 1,000 meal sites across 72 counties are currently participating, with additional locations still being added throughout the summer. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said the program helps ensure children continue receiving healthy meals while school is out. Families can find nearby meal locations by using the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder online, texting “Summer” to 914-342-7744, or calling the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY.

 

(Champaign–jc)  –  Several special America 250 events are set in Champaign County starting later this month. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…

 

 

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Nearly 69 million people in the United States speak a language other than English at home, yet weather warnings have long been issued almost exclusively in English. A new study documents how the National Weather Service is using artificial intelligence to change that, developing a comprehensive translation program that delivers life-saving forecasts and alerts in Spanish  and, Chinese, to French and other languages. The new multidisciplinary study was led by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign  meteorology  professor Joseph Trujillo-Falcón and National Weather Service scientist Monica Bozeman.The study was published in the journal Artificial Intelligence for the Earth Systems.

 

(Springfield–jc)  More reaction coming in from local lawmakers about the nearly 57 Billion Dollar State of Illinois Budget for the coming fiscal year. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet says Illinois taxpayers pay one thousand 700 more in taxes than those in neighboring states…

 

 

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, republican from Mahomet

 

(Paxton–jc)  Yes chickens or No Chickens, that is the question before a city of Paxton committee tonight. The city of Paxton License, Permit, Zoning and Insurance committee will look at the future of chickens on local properties when they meet at 6-30 tonight on the second floor of city hall 

 

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs thanked members of the General Assembly  for passing Senate Bill 29-68  in advancing legislation that expands investment opportunities for non-profit organizations across Illinois.

The legislation creates the Non-Profit Investment Pool, a safe and efficient investment option allowing eligible nonprofits to make the most of available funds while reducing administrative burdens. The measure is intended to help nonprofits strengthen their financial stability and maximize resources that support communities throughout the state.

 

 

WPXN News notes…

The 2026 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour will stop in Rantoul on Tuesday, June 9th at 11 am.

 

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Onarga American Legion on Tuesday, June 9th from 1-6 pm.

 

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, June 11th from 5:30-7:30 pm at Promise Healthcare in Rantoul.

 

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual golf outing on Friday, June 12th at Lakeview Country Club in Loda.

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, June 12th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10.

 

Rantoul will hold their summer nights concert series on Friday, June 12th with Candy Foster and Shades of Blue performing in downtown.

 

The 2026 Mahomet Soda Fest will take place on Saturday, June 13th from 10-6.

 

(Springfield–jc)  The vote was along party lines and the democrat majority in Springfield voted for a 56 Billion dollar plus budget that includes 800 Million dollars in new taxes.  51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet, voted NO…

 

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, also voted NO…

 

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington

 

(Springfield-jm) – A bill looking to require schools to consider the use of mobile panic alert systems has passed both the House and Senate. The bill would require school districts and private schools to consider the use of a mobile panic alert system in the development of their school emergency and crisis response plans by the beginning of the 2028-2029 school year.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House passed a bill Saturday night to ban schools from expelling students in Kindergarten through second grade. Sponsors said early exclusion from school can trigger a domino effect of negative interactions between schools and families. This bill also states schools cannot suspend Pre-K through second graders without the principal receiving written or verbal consent from the superintendent.  The measure now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for final consideration.

 

(Ford County-jm) – Roberts and Melvin firefighters were called to a two vehicle accident Friday evening. It happened at the intersection of 800 north and 700 east just before 8:30. One vehicle did roll over and an occupant was trapped. It’s unknown if there were any injuries.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could expand youth civic engagement in honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson. The bill would ensure all high schools offer students of voting age the opportunity to register during the school day in a safe, accessible and nonpartisan environment.  Sponsors said this plan can help even more young people be prepared to vote. Senate Republicans argued the State Board of Elections already provides voter registration information to schools. 

 

(Paxton–jc)  City of Paxton leaders are looking at regulations concerning E-Bikes in the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city has investigated possibilities, but is waiting on some current legislation at the state level in Springfield to see, how to proceed, locally…

   

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Police Department is investigating multiple shootings that happened Sunday and are asking for the public’s help as information is limited. Officers became aware of the first incident early Sunday morning, when a 17-year-old male arrived via personal transport at a local hospital with a potentially life-threatening gunshot wound on his abdomen. The teenager told police he was walking in the 2000 block of Moreland Boulevard when he was shot. He remains at the hospital in stable condition at this time. Just hours later at 5:32 a.m., a second person, a 36-year-old man, walked into the same emergency department with a head injury. He initially said he was hurt because of a sports-related incident in the Garden Hills neighborhood, but medical personnel quickly discovered it was a gunshot wound. The victim didn’t share any more details on what happened, and he also remains in stable condition at the hospital.

 

(Ford/Iroquois)-It’s the time of year when planting season is wrapping up.  Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Clair gives us an update on progress being made in our area.

 

Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Clair

 

(Rantoul–jc)  A Rantoul man was arrested on allegations of predatory criminal sexual assault Thursday night. In a release from Rantoul police Friday afternoon, police say they arrested 35-year-old Johnnie C. McClendon Junior of Rantoul. Upon an investigation by the Rantoul Police Department. McClendon was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Champaign County Jail, where he is being held pending formal charges and court proceedings. McClendon is employed as a bus driver by First Student, Inc., which provides transportation services for the Rantoul City School District. At this time, investigators have received no allegations of misconduct related to his employment, and the investigation appears to involve matters unrelated to his position with the company. Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, no additional information is being released at this time. The investigation continues. Any information about this case may be given to the Rantoul Police Department or Champaign County Crime Stoppers.

 

(Paxton–dm)-If you have bare spots in your yard and plan on planting grass seed, Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen tells us a good way to get new grass started in your yard

   

Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott Saturday Mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success

 

(Kankakee–jc)  –Daniela Hernadez-Patrevito a 2026 graduate of the registered nursing program at Kankakee Community College, has been awarded The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Students. The annual award is part of The DAISY Foundation's mission to express gratitude to nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care they provide patients and families. Hernadez-Patrevito, a Momence resident now works at Riverside Healthcare in Kankakee.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could help address youth who are repeat gun offenders. Advocates say the intersection of mental health and juvenile gun crimes is a complex and pressing issue that must be addressed. The plan could require probation agencies to conduct an assessment of the minor's needs and identify restorative justice programs for high risk youth, cognitive behavioral therapy, family engagement and mentoring options.

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Urbana Public Health District says six people from Champaign County are being monitored for Ebola symptoms after they recently returned from Central and East Africa. CUPHD says the six are being monitored but they are considered low risk and monitoring is not an indication that there is a danger to public health.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate passed the bipartisan plan to institute a statewide school cell phone ban Sunday. The bill requires school districts to adopt policies to ensure students do not use their cell phones during class time in a way that meets the needs of their community.  Districts would need to allow exceptions for high school students, children with IEPs, emergencies, student health or when the device is used for translation services. Schools will not be allowed to enforce cell phone bans through fines, fees or deployment of school resource officers and local law enforcement. The bill now goes to the governor.

 

(Melvin–jc)  The 2026 Miss Ford County Fair Queen pageant is coming soon. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…

 

(Springfield-jm) — The Illinois House passed a bill Friday night to ban companies from manufacturing or selling cosmetic products containing forever chemicals. This ban would apply to PFAS found in makeup, hair and nail products, soaps, lotion, tanning products, perfume and cologne. Sponsors said Illinois should ensure beauty products are safe for everyone. House Bill 3409 passed out of the House on a 74-38 vote. It previously received unanimous support in the Senate. The measure now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for final approval.

 

(Springfield–jc)  The month of June will be Illinois Fallen Heroes month after legislation was passed this week in Springfield. 104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer, Republican from Danville, helped with the measure…

 

104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer, republican from Danville

 

(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois building was evacuated over the weekend following a chemical spill. Fire and Hazmat crews responded to Roger Adams Laboratory in response to a chemical spill. The incident was contained without incident.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  village leaders in Rantoul continue to provide the needed funds and studies involved with Prospect sub station for power on the west side of the village. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says the next study and needed supplies were approved by the board this month…

 

Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third

 

(Paxton–jc)  –The Ford County Sheriff's Office has released its month of May report. During May, the Ford County Sheriff’s Office had just over 47 thousand dollars in income for the month including 23 thousand 528 in boarding fees. Sheriff’s police assisted 15 agency requests, 9 animal complaints, 4 suspicious vehicle reports, two thefts and 7 domestic issues. There was one death investigation in Ford County in May.

 

(Washington–jc)  The soybean crop continues in the planting and emerging stage around the area, state and nation. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey takes a quick look at this year’s crop…

U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey

 

(Paxton–jc) Backyard chickens will be the topic of a city of Paxton committee on Tuesday. The committee of city council members will be looking at a proposed draft on keeping chickens on local property in Paxton. The meeting comes to order at 6-30 on Tuesday night on the second floor of city hall in downtown Paxton .

 

 

WPXN News notes…

The Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce annual fish fry will take place on Thursday, June 4th from 5-7 pm at the North Park Pavilion in Gibson City. Cost is $5.

 

Paxton townwide garage sales will take place Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th.

 

The village of Rantoul will hold their summer nights concert series on Friday, June 5th with Aces N’ Rhythms in downtown Rantoul.

 

Paxton Main Street will hold their First Friday concert on Friday, June 5th Back in Time performing at Veterans Square from 7-9 pm.

 

The 2026 Roberts Fun Day will take place on Saturday, June 6th. Activities include breakfast from 8-11, vendors from 8-3, bounce houses and silent auction 9-3, kids cart rides 11-1, bingo 11-2, food trucks 11-3, bags tournament at 4 and live music from 7-10.

 

Logan Kirby will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday, June 6th at 7pm. Cost is $10.