(Rantoul-jm) – Rantoul residents were able to learn about the water contamination from “forever chemicals” at the former Chanute Air Force Base during a public meeting last night. Representatives from the Department of the Air Force were on hand to answer questions on the contamination from the base from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The Department of the Air Force is now planning a Remedial Investigation to help identify the extent of contamination and its health and environmental effects. WPXN news will continue to update this story as it warrants.

 

(Urbana–jc)  In support of Israel, members of the Jewish community at the University of Illinois gathered at Alma Mater on the Urbana Champaign Campus on Tuesday. The group's efforts are to show their pride in Israel and unity toward peace. Jewish leaders in the twin cities planned the gathering earlier this week. The group heard speeches and positive messages on the U of I campus. More support for Israel events are being planned. 

 

(Washington-jm) – Cases challenging gun and magazine bans, including several lawsuits from Illinois, have been distributed for an upcoming conference of the U.S. Supreme Court. On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court moved several Illinois cases, and one challenging Maryland’s ban, to conference for May 16. The state of Illinois argues in filings that the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals made the right decision saying the ban has a likelihood of succeeding on the merits, equating banned semi-automatic firearms to military weapons.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Water Survey are reminding Illinois private well-owners to properly maintain their wells and recommend that they test their wells for potential contaminants. Officials said most private wells which are properly constructed and maintained provide safe water for years. However, contamination can occur due to improper construction, poor maintenance or releases of contaminants into the well’s aquifer. They add that many contaminants cannot be detected by sight, taste or smell.

 

(Washington-jm) – There are three things we should know about the current situation with bird flu in dairy cows. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Undated-jm) – Illinois State University in Normal is the latest school to feature an encampment to protest the war in Gaza. Students at schools around the country have been setting up tents to show support for Palestine. Protests and encampments continued on the U of I campus as well. Pro-Israel supporters held a rally near the Alma Mater while pro-Palestinian supporters continued their encampment on the south side of the main quad. Students at Northwestern University in Evanston recently took down their encampment after they said the school met their demands. 

 

(Champaign County-jm) – There is good news for drivers filling up their gas tanks. Gas prices have dropped in Champaign County, according to GasBuddy, and it could be the trend for a while. In the last week, prices have dropped an average of seven cents per gallon, now standing at $3.53. That’s also seven cents cheaper than the average price a month ago and 27 cents less than this time last year. Across Illinois, the statewide average sits at $3.93 per gallon. The national average is sitting at $3.63 per gallon, down by two cents compared to last week.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  As we turn the calendar to May, it is that time of year that schools look to graduation 20-24. Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio says with the large construction project at the high school, they looked at various venues for the commencement exercises, but are hoping for good weather and an outdoor program on Bill Walsh Field…

 

 

Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio.

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – The Iroquois County Sheriff's Police continue to investigate a single-vehicle accident on County Highway 9 near the 2840 East area over the weekend. Deputies responded to a report of a damaged utility pole, which seemed to have been hit by a vehicle that subsequently fled the scene. Upon arrival, they found a damaged vehicle parked at a residence close by. Deputies contacted Kenny Pheifer of Onarga at the residence and determined that he was the driver of the vehicle; however, he failed to report the accident. Pheifer was cited for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration.

 

(Springfield—jc)  It’s Officially Bacon day in the state of Illinois. State lawmakers in Springfield passed a joint resolution in the Illinois Senate and Illinois House to promote the pork industry in Illinois, says 53 District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Springfield-jm) – A downstate prison for women could be moved into the same site as Stateville Correctional Center as part of a plan to rebuild both facilities. The recommendation from the Illinois Department of Corrections comes a little more than a month after Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled a plan to rebuild Stateville and Logan correctional centers, citing the deteriorating condition of the facilities. IDOC officials are asking for $161 million in fiscal year 2025 for the project at Stateville and nearly $80 million for Logan.

 

(Washington-jm) – The Agriculture Secretary says the new IRS tax credit policy for sustainable aviation fuel is a big win for climate smart farmers. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – The man police say is responsible for shooting and killing Brandon Hardway, general manager at Pour Brothers in Champaign, was back in court Tuesday afternoon. Fidele Tshimanga was charged with first-degree murder in February in connection to the shooting in February. Tshimanga’s lawyer requested a psychiatric evaluation due to mental health concerns. This evaluation was what was discussed during the fitness hearing. Champaign County Judge Randall Rosenbaum reviewed the doctor’s evaluation. The report indicated that Tshimanga does suffer from a mental illness, but finds that he is fit to stand trial. Judge Rosenbaum ordered a second evaluation be done.

 

(Undated-jm) – Cop on a Rooftop will be making a return again this May. Law enforcement officers from around Champaign County will be on the rooftops of Dunkin Donuts in Rantoul, Urbana and Champaign on May 17th from 5 to noon to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Senate Republicans are voicing concerns over a potential new funding formula for higher education. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains…

 

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Urbana-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding an armed robbery. On April 14, at 11:15 p.m., a male subject entered Perkins Restaurant at 1214 West University Avenue in Urbana. The suspect approached the manager armed with a handgun and demanded money from the safe. The manager was able to escape out the back door unharmed, and the suspect stayed behind, forced entry into the office, and stole cash from inside. The suspect fled on foot from the restaurant. The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 6’3” tall, wearing a yellow and blue coat, green mask and gloves.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police is warning the public of a phone scam.  State police reports receiving several phone calls from individuals saying a person claiming to be an ISP investigator telling them their identity has been stolen. This is a scam. ISP special agents will not make cold calls requesting personal or financial information, or ask you to confirm personal or financial information. Authorities say if you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an ISP investigator, ask for the caller’s name, badge number, and phone number, and then hang up. Never provide or confirm personal or financial information over the phone to an unknown caller. You can verify if a caller is an ISP special agent by contacting one of the seven investigative regions throughout the state, which can be found on the ISP website.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  The Community Service Center in Rantoul provides a wide variety of services from utility bills to a daily food pantry. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says spring and summer bring challenges and they are just a phone call away…

Community Service Center of Rantoul Executive Director Cindy Crawford.