(Undated–jc) Today is Tax Day. taxpayers have until midnight tonight to pay their taxes on time. One option is obtaining an extension. Tax Day was established in 1913 and has been put on April 15th, since 1955.
(Springfield-jm) – On Tuesday, the Illinois Supreme Court announced amendments to a number of Supreme Court Rules to address some unmet legal needs across the state. Specifically, “legal deserts” have become an issue in largely rural areas across the United States. These are described as areas where there are a limited number of practicing attorneys. Of the 8,327 Illinois resident attorneys admitted to practice between 2020-2024; just under 92 percent are practicing in or around Cook County . As a result, many legal offices have trouble recruiting and retaining attorneys. The amended rules are intended to help address both civil and criminal legal needs.
(Paxton–jc) Money from a backpack was reported stolen in downtown Paxton on Tuesday. According to witnesses, a bag was placed in the Lennington Realty business, and was later found in the downtown area by local authorities. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken in the theft. Local authorities continue to investigate the theft.
(Tolono–jc) One area school was in E-learning on Tuesday due to a water main break at its high school. The Unity of Tolono district building was closed yesterday due to the water issue. The issue only affected the high school as the other schools in the district had school as normal. Students and parents are reminded to check school instruction pages, on classes.
(Springfield-jm) – Advocates across the state were in Springfield Tuesday, calling on state lawmakers to save SNAP benefits for nearly 2 million Illinoisans. Their push comes as federal cuts included in the Big Beautiful Bill could strip benefits from up to 250,000 Illinois families as soon as May 1. One plan could create an emergency assistance fund for one-time payments of $600, or three months of the average SNAP benefit, for Illinoisans at risk of losing benefits due to the new work requirements. A separate bill would expand food assistance for 16,000 lawfully present immigrants who are set to lose SNAP benefits under federal eligibility changes. .
(Springfield–jc) 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emington, is disputing Governor J-B Pritzker's claim that local school boards are to blame for Illinois' record-high property tax rates. Bunting says it is the governor's policies that are putting higher tax pressures on local governments and school districts, driving up costs for everyone.
106th district State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican, from Emmington
Bunting also pointed out that House Republicans have filed numerous bills to bring property tax relief to Illinois residents, but Democrats refuse to act on them.
(Washington–jm) – The war in Iran is causing strain on farmers around the country, impacting diesel and fertilizer prices during planting season. It’s causing some farmers in other states to switch their crops. The USDA released its most current estimates last week. Officials said they expect less corn planting compared to last year, but farmers are slated to plant more soybeans. Diesel prices will be a factor for farmers bottom-line, costing them more to run farm equipment this year.
(Vermilion County-jm) – Discussions have begun on how much county officials being elected this fall will be paid. The Vermilion County Finance and Personnel Committee is proposing a 3-percent hike. The compensation for officeholders in the November 3, 2026 General Election must be set at least 180 days before election day. The salary for the Sheriff and Regional Superintendent of Schools is set by the State. Other local offices on the ballot this fall include the County Treasurer, County Clerk, Supervisor of Assessments, Board of Review Chairman and two commissioners, and County Board Chairman.Under a proposal being considered, pay for the County Treasurer, County Clerk, and Supervisor of Assessments would increase in steps from just under 90 thousand dollars to 95 thousand dollars by 20-30.
(Washington-jm) – Freeze events are forecasted to follow a stretch of extreme heat in parts of the Southeast quadrant of the country this week, raising concerns for winter wheat crops in impacted areas. Rod Bain reports…
(Chicago–jc) –– Attorney General Kwame Raoul Tuesday announced a national settlement in principle with Albertsons that, once final, would require the grocery chain to pay more than $773 million to address its role in the opioid crisis. In addition to the financial terms, a final settlement remains contingent on agreement on critical business practice changes. To date, national investigations and litigation against the pharmaceutical industry over the opioid crisis have led to more than $50 billion in settlements, with Illinois’ share at more than $1.4 billion.
(Springfield-jm) – State senators passed a bill Tuesday to protect survivors of domestic violence from digital harassment and surveillance. The plan would update the state's definition of harassment to include conduct like doxxing, electronic tracking, repeated surveillance and digitally altered sexual images.
Sponsors said the bill also allows survivors to request a remote order of protection hearing so they don't have to be in the same room as their abuser. The legislation also allows domestic violence survivors to expand their order of protection as long as necessary, even if that means indefinitely.
(Springfield-jm) – A new statewide poll shows strong bipartisan support for the proposed POWER Act, aimed at increasing oversight of data centers across Illinois. According to the survey, nearly 70 percent of likely 2026 voters support the legislation after hearing a brief description, with support climbing to 75 percent as voters learn more about the bill’s details. Backing spans across political parties, including Independents and Republicans, as well as voters outside the Chicagoland area. The measure, supported by the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, would require data centers to be more accountable for their energy and water use, limit so-called backroom deals, and ensure facilities supply their own clean energy. .
(Washington-jm) – The USDA's latest agricultural trade mission is one of its largest ever with the destination - the Philippines. Rod Bain reports…
(Undated-jm) – Law enforcement, Fire and EMS departments are recognizing the critical role of emergency dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026. They are joining together to honor the professionals who answer emergency calls and help coordinate lifesaving responses across the state. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is observed each year during the second week of April, recognizing the individuals who often serve as the first point of contact in emergencies and help bring order to chaotic situations.
(Rantoul–jc) – It’s next Thursday. That is the day for a fundraiser for the Community Service Center of Rantoul. The event runs from 5pm to 8pm at the Rantoul Knights of Columbus Hall in the village. Money raised helps support the many programs covered by the center. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford provides some insight into the many programs served from their Rantoul location…
Rantoul based Community Services Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford.
Tickets for the event are available on line or calling the center.
(Chicago–jc) O’Hare International Airport in Chicago has reclaimed its position as the busiest airfield in the world, according to new data from Airports Council International World. O’Hare recorded 860,015 aircraft operations in 2025, a 10 percent increase over 20-24. The second busiest airport is, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International.
(Springfield–jc) A push to consolidate government units in the state could have a wide range of effects on local units of government in rural Illinois. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…
(Gifford–jc) Gordyville U S A will be a busy place tonight with the 20-26 Coaches versus Cancer Kickin Cancer Dinner and Auction hosted by University of Illinois Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Underwood. Doors open at 5 this afternoon with great food, auctions and representatives of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball program. The event is sold out again this year.
(Gibson City–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Allens Computer Repair of Gibson City and Melvin. The business started in 2008. Owner Allen Moore says the decision to go into computers was to help support his family…
Allen Moore says he provides repair an A to Z approach for services and also helps buy and build computer systems…
Allens Computer Repair of Gibson City and Melvin Owner Allen Moore.
The business number to remember is 217-530-7678
Allens Computer Repair of Gibson City and Melvin is the WPXN Business of the day, today.
WPXN News notes…
The East Central Illinois Community Action Agency will hold a health and resource fair on Thursday, April 16th from 11-2 at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. Call Beth Badger at 217-554-9122 for more information.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, April 16th from 4:30-6:30 pm. Dinner includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, $6 for kids 6-13. Deliveries available in town by calling 217-379-0349.
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Gibson Area Hospital on Friday, April 17th from 11:30-5:30.
The Gibson Area Hospital Foundation will hold their Glo Bingo fundraiser on Friday, April 17th at 6:30 pm at the Kruse Center. Tickets are $30 each.
The EAA Chapter 29 will host a Young Eagles Flight Rally on Saturday, April 18th from 9-11 am at the Rantoul National Aviation Center.
The Thawville Community Sale will take place on Saturday, April 18th starting at 10 am.
