(Washington–jc)  The Trump administration canceled 125 million in COVID-related taxpayer funds to the city of Chicago. City officials say they were notified by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services earlier this month that the grant was terminated. A news release from the city Friday said the move impacts 22 contracts and over 100 staff positions.

(Springfield-jm) – There’s proposed legislation in the state capitol that could put law enforcement officers at more risk. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema talks about the legislation…

53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema of Channahon.

(The Center Square) – State lawmakers are taking a phased-in approach to free school meals for all. Illinois House Bill 2365, sponsored by state Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, seeks to appropriate $67 million to the Healthy School Meals for All Program established in 2023. Legislators and advocates discussed the initiative at a House Appropriations Elementary & Secondary Education Committee hearing.  West said he also filed a bill to spend $209 million, but, citing the state’s current budget challenges, said the reduced measure would provide meals for schools with at least 40% of their students from low-income families.

(Chicago–jc)  – Illinois’ gross domestic product from the most recent quarterly report stands at 1.8%, more than half a percentage point below the national average of 2.4%.The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released the latest set of data for the last quarter of 2024. The report also shows personal income for Illinois increased by 4.2%, below the national average of 4.6%. 

updated(Paxton–dm)-If you don’t know what to get Dad for Father’s Day, the Paxton Park District is planning a bus trip to Wrigley Field on Sunday June 15th. Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman has the information.

Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman

(Paxton–dm)-Summer time is the time that school districts do a lot of maintenance work.  Paxton-Buckley-Loda School Superintendent Travis Duley tells us some of the summer work that needs to be done this year.

Paxton-Buckley-Loda School Superintendent Travis Duley

(Springfield-jc)  – A gold coin from the 1880s, a Joe DiMaggio baseball card with a piece of his bat, vintage pocket watches and more are being auctioned off Friday through April 6 by the Illinois Treasurer’s Office. The unclaimed property auction includes 100 lots featuring multiple items. Interested bidders can log on to the auction through the HiBid auction website.

(Buckley–jc)  – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley.  The Christian based High School has been in operation since 1997. Christ Lutheran Executive Director Sandy Spitz provides a little history about the school…

Fundraising for the school continues throughout the year. Officials with C-L-H-S have their annual auction and dinner set for Saturday August 23rd at the Ford County Fairgrounds in Melvin.  Sandy Spitz says several fundraisers are coming up in April……

Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz. 

Enrollment is starting for the fall semester at the school, based in Buckley

(The Center Square) – A new report reveals how a trial lawyer's political action committee has spent more than $1 million exclusively on Democratic candidates and committees since Election Day 2022. The report is called “Follow the Money: How Illinois Trial Lawyers Fuel a Lawsuit-Friendly Legislature” and was compiled by the group Illinois Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse.  According to Executive Director Phil Melin, from 2022 through early 2025, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Political Action Committee has contributed to only one side of the aisle, sending 100% of its contributions to Democrats in the General Assembly and statewide offices.

(Champaign county–jc)  A part of Interstate 74 was shut down for a period of time on Sunday, as a semi was blown over due to high winds. Local police agencies reported numerous accidents along the I-74 and I-57 corridor on Sunday.  A shed in rural Tolono and some buildings along I-57 south of Champaign received damage in the storm. 

(The Center Square) – With barely two weeks of reserves in its rainy day fund, new data from Pew Research shows Illinois now ranks last among all 50 states in its ability to withstand a financial crisis.As it is, data shows Illinois barely has just two weeks of reserves in its rainy-day fund and the state also has less funding to pay its own bills than any other at just 28 days of reserves. With the state’s total fund balances also ranking last and the state being the only one in the country with less than 30 days’ worth of total reserve balances on hand, Ugaste warned Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2026 budget plan, with all its proposed spending increases, stands to do little to help the situation.

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s trade mission to Mexico includes a delegation of more than 70 people. A statement from the governor’s office said the trip, scheduled from March 30 to April 2, is aimed at deepening economic ties and fostering greater cooperation between the state of Illinois and Mexico.The statement from Pritzker’s office shared the names of 71 people who would be joining the governor in Mexico. The delegation includes people from the private and public sectors, including five Democratic state lawmakers, members of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and members of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that weather permitting, construction on Illinois 115 in Ford County will begin today. The work zone is from Roberts to Illinois 9.  Work will include patching, milling and resurfacing the road and rebuilding the shoulders. There will be intermittent lane closures controlled by flaggers during the $7.7 million project, which is expected to wrap up in July.

(Rantoul—dm)-The Rantoul Rotary Club will be hosting a Business Expo on June 14th in the Main Hangar at the former Chanute Air Force Base.  Rotary Governor Elect John Calderon Sr. tells us you can learn about Rotary Clubs, but also local businesses.  

Rotary Governor Elect John Calderon.  If you would like more information about setting up a booth, you can 217-721- 7929.

(The Center Square) – McLean County school districts asked voters to approve a 1% sales tax on their taxpayer-funded websites, a move that has one resident accusing officials of a criminal offense. Dean Fletcher, an Illinois resident, lodged a complaint with the Illinois State Policy Special Investigations Unit and the Attorney General's Public Integrity Bureau. Both agencies declined to investigate. The McLean County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating Fletcher's complaint of alleged election interference. Sheriff Matt Lane said the main issue has to do with internet posts but there may be “more to it.” Fletcher has accused area school districts of illegal intergovernmental coordination with the “Yes for McLean County Schools” PAC established to pass the referendum. He hopes the McLean County sheriff’s office looks at that aspect.

(Paxton-jm) – Two men from Champaign-Urbana were arrested in Ford County after police said an online sale turned into an armed robbery last weekend. Our partners at the Ford County Chronicle reported that the Paxton Police Department announced the arrests on Thursday. Devin Starkey of Champaign, and Steffonce Moffitt of Urbana, were arrested on charges of armed robbery. Police said the robbery happened Saturday. The victim was selling two pairs of shoes online and they were contacted by Starkey, who offered to buy them. The victim met Starkey at Fulton Park, and he allegedly displayed a gun. He took the two pairs of shoes that the victim was selling and $120. Moffitt, meanwhile, is accused of demanding money from other people who were in the victim’s car. The pair allegedly fled south in a gray Hyundai Sonata. Using automated license plate readers, authorities were able to use the Sonata to identify Starkey and Moffitt as suspects.

(The Center Square) – A Republican state legislator advanced a measure out of the Illinois House Gun Violence Prevention Committee.  State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, proposed House Bill 1316 in response to a situation in his district where a student threatened another student that they would shoot them. A school staffer waited until the next morning to notify others about the alleged threat. Davidsmeyer said the immediate reporting ensures the child does not have access to a firearm. Despite the measure clearing the committee, Davidsmeyer said he has an amendment to take law enforcement out of the equation and work with school officials around the state to get to an agreed bill.

State Representative CD Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville

(Springfield-jm) – A new measure in the Illinois General Assembly would remove move-in fees from renters. Currently, landlords are allowed to charge a move-in fee in addition to a security deposit. State Rep. Nabeela Syed said many of the junk fees imposed on renters are unnecessary. The bill passed out of the Housing Committee and now heads to the House floor. 

(The Center Square) – Democratic lawmakers are attempting to place more restrictions on Illinois police agencies, this time involving warrants. State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, has introduced House Bill 1611 that would prevent the use of no-knock warrants on drug offenders unless there is evidence that they are dealers. Buckner said he was inspired by an incident in 2019 when Chicago police served a no-knock warrant at the home of Anjanette Young. Young was handcuffed while police searched her residence. It was revealed that police had the wrong address. 

State Rep. Kam Buckner D. Chicago

(Springfield-jm) – After school program providers, legislators, and families continue to call on the governor to release millions of dollars appropriated in the Illinois state budget for after school programs. The Afterschool for Children and Teens Now coalition, known as ACT Now, is asking for the Illinois State Board of Education and Gov. J.B. Pritzker to distribute the funding to after-school providers as soon as possible. The Illinois State Board of Education said the agency is waiting for guidance from the General Assembly regarding the distribution of the funds.

(Paxton–dm)-If you and your dog frequent the Paxton Dog Park, you have noticed that it has been closed.  Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman tells us why it has been closed, and when they plan to reopen the dog park.

Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Board of Trustees met on Thursday, and approved fee increases for prospective and current students. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the board approved an increase in the domestic undergraduate application fee from $50 to $75 and an increase in the domestic graduate application fee from $70 to $90. Current students in Champaign-Urbana will see a minor fee increase. The board approved an increase in student health insurance rates for the 2025-26 school year. The cost will increase $28 per semester for undergraduate students and $37 per semester for graduate/professional students.

(Rantoul-jm) – The number of cadets arrested after a fight at Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in Rantoul is up to five as the investigation continues. Police say it started over a vape pen, which the cadets weren’t even supposed to have to begin with. There were two separate groups or “teams” involved in the fight. Three of the 5 are juveniles who could not be identified. Two are 18 years old. Those cadets are Michael McKay of Zion and Anthony Williams of Peoria. Both were arrested for aggravated battery and mob action. In addition, McKay is facing a charge of criminal damage to property because Brown said he damaged the inside of a squad car once he was placed there. The fight happened Wednesday evening and involved 70 to 80 cadets. 

(The Center Square) – An effort underway in Springfield aims to better identify victims of human trafficking. Based on recommendations from the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group, with input from over 60 stakeholders and state agencies, proposed legislation in Senate Bill 2323 would establish a strategic plan to build a network of services for trafficking survivors. The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, said human trafficking is happening all around 

Illinois.

State Sen Julie Morrison D-Lake Forest.

(Springfield-jm) – In signing an executive order Thursday to close the U.S. Department of Education, President Donald Trump is putting to rest concerns raised by Illinois Democrats. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been critical of the anticipated move, warning the move could mean more than $3 billion fewer federal tax dollars for Illinois special education and other programs. Before signing the order Thursday, Trump said Democrats’ concerns about programs are unfounded.

(The Center Square) – Illinois Republican lawmakers are urging their colleagues to join them in “stopping” illegal immigration while suggesting Gov. J.B. Pritzker is “shifting his view” on the issue. State Rep. Paul Jacobs, R-Pomona, introduced House Bill 1345 to repeal the Illinois TRUST act and end the state’s sanctuary status.

State Rep.Paul Jacobs, R-Pomona

(Undated-jm) – A bill moving through the Illinois General Assembly would help protect the Mahomet Aquifer from carbon sequestration. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Chapin Rose of Mahomet and Paul Faraci of Champaign. The Mahomet Aquifer – a vital sole-source aquifer supplies clean drinking water to approximately 800,000 people across 15 counties in East Central Illinois.

(Watseka–dm)- The consolidated election is April 1st, and if you have moved or changed your name you will have to do grace period voting.  Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver explains.

Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver

(Champaign County-jm) – If you’re looking to break into the criminal justice field — there’s new opportunities in Champaign County. The Sheriff’s Office is making a push to hire about a dozen people in their corrections department to fill an increased need. The department says they need more people to effectively open the renovated Champaign County jail. Inmates who are currently in other counties will be moving back in soon. Which means more correctional officers and behind the scenes personnel will be needed.

(Paxton–dm)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Paxton Hardware and Rental. 

If you are seeding your lawn or just patching in bare spots, taking care of the lawn is fairly simple, says Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen…

Rental is part of their name and they have everything from backhoes to tents

says Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen…

 Paxton Hardware and Rental is the WPXN Business of the Day, today

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-930 across from the Piper City Community Center, 10-10:30 at the corner of Main and Melvin Streets in Thawville, 11-11:30 across from Melvin Convenient, 12:15-12:45 at the Gibson City city hall, 1-1:30 at the Elliott village hall and 2-2:30 at the north side of the Paxton fire station.

The Iroquois County Public Health Department will hold a safe sitter class on Saturday from 9-3:30. Cost is $40. Registration is required by calling 815-432-2483.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Upper Room Bible Church on Saturday from 10-2.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their Mountain Oysters on Saturday from 12-2 for $15.

The Gifford Lion’s Club will have a chicken dinner on Sunday from 10:30-1pm at the Gifford Fall Festival Building. Cost is $17 for adults. $12 for kids 10 and under. Drive thru available at the south door. 

(Rantoul–jm) – A fight broke out between 70-80 cadets at Lincoln’s Challenge Academy Wednesday evening in Rantoul. Police detained at least six to eight cadets. In addition, a couple were transported to the hospital for injuries.

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois House committee approved a plan Wednesday to create state oversight for homeschooling after hours of debate. The measure was approved along party lines with one Democrat voting present. Under the new bill, families would be required to tell their school districts when they decide to homeschool their children, and the parents or guardians would need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. If education authorities have concerns that children are receiving inadequate schooling, they could require parents to share evidence of teaching materials and student work. Hundreds of homeschool parents and students to the bill packed into the state capitol Wednesday morning to oppose the bill, along with over 40-thousand witness slips being posted against the bill. Representative Regan Deering of Decatur spoke on her support for the families who showed up at the capitol and on her opposition to the measure…

State Representative Regan Deering of Decatur.

Representative Chris Miller of Hindsboro said following the vote that it’s important to not give up the fight…

State Representative Chris Miller of Hindsboro. The sponsor of the measure has promised to bring an amendment to the bill back to committee before it heads to the House floor for a vote.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Republicans gave an update Wednesday on the lawsuit they filed in late January in the Illinois Supreme Court, challenging the legislative map they claim unconstitutionally favors Democrats. Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said that the Illinois Attorney General, who is responsible for defending the state board of elections, has declined to take a position on whether the complaint was filed in a timely manner.  She also reported that on Friday of last week, Michael Casper, Mike Madigan’s longtime friend, attorney, and number three on his magic lobbyist list, filed a brief to intervene on behalf of Senate President Harmon and House Speaker Welch.  McCombie believes this to be a positive development for the lawsuit…

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. The Republican plaintiffs are asking the state Supreme Court to strike down the map and appoint a “Special Master” to draft a valid and constitutionally acceptable redistricting plan, an issue they say is going to positively benefit both Republicans and Democrats.

(The Center Square) – Workers in the Illinois Department of Aging’s Community Care Program are calling for higher taxes to pay for higher wages.  The program, established in 1979, assists older adults who might otherwise need nursing home care to remain in their homes by providing non-medical in-home and community-based services.Legislation has been introduced in House Bill 1330 that would require each in-home service provider to spend a minimum of 80% of total payments the provider receives for services on total compensation for direct service workers who furnish those services. The measure would create a minimum wage of at least $20 an hour for in-home workers.  In Home Health Care Worker Jenny Smith tells us her feelings.

In Home Health Care Worker Jenny Smith.

(Paxton–dm)-The Paxton Street Scape project is moving along but the city is looking for help from the state elected officials. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold has this update.

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.

(The Center Square) – In debating the Trump administration’s potential closure of the U.S. Department of Education, a Republican Illinois legislator is urging Democrats to butt out. President Donald Trump talked about closing the federal agency during the campaign. Last week, it was reported half of the department’s staff were being let go. On the Illinois House Floor Tuesday, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, told majority statehouse Democrats who’ve complained about Trump’s actions that it may actually be good for Illinois.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie R-Savanna. State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, responded that she would need some guarantees that special education, rural teacher grants and other programs don’t go away.

State Rep. Sue Scherer, D.-Decatur

(Rantoul–dm)-The Rantoul/Paxton VFW is sponsoring a dance on Saturday March 29th.  Rantoul/Paxton VFW Manager Jim Quinlan has more information.

Rantoul/Paxton VFW Manager Jim Quinlan.  Proceeds from the dance will be going to upgrade their kitchen.

WPXN News Notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-930 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City community center, 12:30-1 at the Watseka Trinity Church and 1:30-2 at the Milford post office.

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper this evening from 4:30-6:30. The meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 is $6, kids under 5 are free. Delivery is available in town by calling 217-379-0349.

(Springfield-jm) – The state agency responsible for keeping Illinois’ most vulnerable children safe has failed to produce legally required public reports of child deaths and thousands of serious injuries. According to the Illinois Answers Project, more than 1,200 deaths and more than 3,000 cases of serious injury have met the criteria for incident-specific reports since July 2018. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, who sponsored legislation requiring the reports when he was a state lawmaker in the 1990s, is calling the failure “reckless.”

(Springfield-jm) – For the first time since 2017, Brad Paisley will be returning to the Illinois State Fair Thursday, August 14. With three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards, Brad Paisley has earned his place in country music history as one of the most decorated male solo artists. Tickets for Brad Paisley will go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m.

(Springfield-jm) – The state is looking to invest in some local communities in a special project. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington explains the plan…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emington.

(Watseka–dm)-The consolidated election is April 1st.  If you are going to be out of town, or just want to vote early, Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver has information.

Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver

(Springfield-jm) – A new study shows that Illinois’ high gasoline taxes are not leading to good roads and bridges.  The Reason Foundation has released its Annual Highway Report, which examines pavement condition, deficient bridges, traffic congestion and the overall costs. Illinois fell seven spots from last year’s ranking to 36th in the country. In safety and condition categories, Illinois ranked near the bottom for urban interstate pavement condition, and in the bottom half for rural interstate condition. Illinois drivers pay the second highest gasoline taxes in the country and, by law, the proceeds are intended for transportation infrastructure. The only state with higher gas taxes is California. In spending and cost-effectiveness, Illinois ranks 45th in capital and bridge disbursements, which are the costs of building new roads and bridges and widening existing ones.

(Springfield-jm) – The Pritzker Administration says the latest surge in community college enrollment across the state is the highest on record. Pritzker said on Tuesday that the 2025 Spring enrollment at Illinois community colleges increased nearly 9% from the previous year, the third consecutive spring that community college enrollment has increased across Illinois. The governor has proposed a program to allow community colleges to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police is continuing efforts to combat human trafficking. ISP Director Brendan Kelly and other stakeholders are scheduled to address the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday regarding Senate Bill 2323. The proposed legislation aims to develop a plan to enhance a victim-centered, trauma-informed law enforcement response to trafficking victims and establish training standards for detection, investigation and response.

(Rantoul–dm)-If you like instrumental music, pasta dinners and raffles you will want to mark April 24th on your calendar.  Executive Director of the Community Service Center Cindy Crawford has more information.

Executive Director of the Community Service Center Cindy Crawford

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign Police were contacted by the Champaign County Coroner’s Office on the evening of March 17 with a notification that the victim of a March 16 shooting incident had tragically died. At the request of the Champaign County Coroner’s Office, Champaign Police can share that the victim was identified as Anthony Miller, 31, of Champaign. Miller was initially listed in stable condition after surgery but succumbed to his injuries. The incident has been reclassified as a Homicide investigation.

(Paxton–dm)-This summer, the main baskets at the PBL gym are going to be worked on to get them out of play during volleyball games.  They are also planning to do some work on the side baskets.  PBL School Superintendent Travis Duly explains

PBL School Superintendent Travis Duly

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois families face the highest state and local tax burden in the country in 2025, with residents forced to pay at least 17% of their income in taxes, according to a new report. WalletHub researchers report each Illinois household will spend an average of $13,099, or roughly 17% of their income, in 2025, adding families earning the median income of $79,004 will pay $4,472 more than the national average, or nearly 52% more. In addition, a recent survey found more than 50% of voters polled agreed if given the chance they too would move out of state with high taxes being their primary motivation.  With the state also being home to the second highest property taxes in the country, data shows almost three out of every five state residents believe the value of public service they receive is not worth what they pay in property taxes.

WPXN News Notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Thursday, March 20th from 9-930 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City community center, 12:30-1 at the Watseka Trinity Church and 1:30-2 at the Milford post office.

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, March 20th from 4:30-6:30. The meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 is $6, kids under 5 are free. Delivery is available in town by calling 217-379-0349.

(Springfield-jm) – Dogs, cats and cows are the subjects of legislation under consideration at the Illinois Capitol. State Representative Barbara Hernandez filed House Bill 2410 to restrict pet euthanasia in shelters except for health reasons, attitude issues or aggressiveness. State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro filed House Bill 1902, which would require breeders to genetically test dogs. Canines with genetic defects or diseases that cause early death or impairment would have to be sterilized. State Representative Curtis Tarver II, introduced House Bill 3056 to ban dogs under the age of eight weeks from being brought into Illinois. Tarver also filed House Bill 3647, which would require dogs and cats to undergo veterinary exams if they are imported into Illinois by animal shelters or animal control facilities. State Senator Rachel Ventura, filed Senate Bill 45 to ban the practice of pulling cow tails.

(Springfield-jm) – Nearly 4,000 opposition slips have been filed against a measure in Illinois to regulate homeschooling. That’s 100 times more than the nearly 40 who have filed in support. House Bill 2827 would create the Homeschool Act and require parents to inform their local school district if they decide to homeschool their children. If not, the children could be labeled truant. Proponents argue the bill would ensure children are protected from potential harm, including making sure that they are receiving adequate schooling. Under the bill proposed by Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, homeschool parents could face tighter restrictions that include requiring them to submit additional forms to school officials and follow specific curriculum guidelines. The bill would also require the state’s Regional Offices of Education to collect data on homeschooled children, with the findings being compiled into an annual report that includes the grade level and gender of all the students being educated in that way. The measure is set for a House Education Policy Committee hearing at 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.

(Washington–dm)-FFA Members nationwide are celebrating National Ag Day today.  WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has more.

(Champaign-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is appealing to the public for assistance in solving a homicide that occurred on October 4, 2022. Police were dispatched to the 1100 block of North Third Street in Champaign following reports of a shooting with injuries. Upon arrival, officers found 25-year-old Rashaud Weatherall suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. He later died at a nearby hospital. Two other gunshot victims arrived at the hospital by personal transport and were treated and released. The initial investigation revealed that the victims were attending a birthday party in the area when unknown assailants opened fire on the group. 

(The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman supports the idea of college athletes getting paid like school employees, but others say programs might be cut and players could get fired. At a recent hearing of the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust in Washington, Illinois U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia, D-Chicago, said he opposed legislation to grant the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) an antitrust exemption.

Illinois U.S, Rep. Chuy Garcia D-Chicago.

(Champaign–dm) – State Farm Center has announced “Honoring the Legacy of REO Speedwagon – A Concert Event – Back Where it All Began,” set for Saturday, June 14 at State Farm Center.  The show will be a retrospective concert experience, honoring the legacy of REO Speedwagon, featuring special guests and former members Neal Doughty, Alan Gratzer, Bruce Hall, Terry Luttrell, Mike Murphy, and Steve Scorfina, as well as a special “In Memorium” to early band members Gary Richrath and Gregg Philbin.  The show benefits the REO Charitable Foundation. Tickets go on sale to the public this Friday, March 21 at noon.  You can order online at StateFarmCenter.com, over the phone at 866-ILLINI-1, or at the Illinois Ticket Office at State Farm Center. Ticket prices range from $25 to $185 plus fees.

(Springfield-jm) – Some Democratic Illinois lawmakers are once again trying to legalize internet gambling. The bills, House Bill 3080 introduced by state Rep. Edgar González, Jr., and Senate Bill 1963 introduced by state Sen. Cristina Castro, are nearly identical to previous versions. This marks the third consecutive year that legislation has been proposed, with the latest version including a tax rate of 25% on adjusted iGaming revenue. Supporters of the iGaming bill claim Illinois could collect an additional $1 billion annually in taxes. 

(Springfield-jm) – A new survey shows an increasing number of small businesses in Illinois expect revenue losses due to shifting U.S. trade policies. The business networking platform Alignable’s survey shows 41% of small business owners nationwide anticipate revenue losses, with 18% expecting significant declines as a result of tariffs. Researcher Chuck Casto said in January, 35% of Illinois small businesses were concerned about the effects of tariffs. The top three sectors of businesses worried about tariffs are architecture, manufacturing and retail.

(Springfield–dm)-There was a pretty big report released last week by the Illinois Auditor General who looked into some state programs.  Republican State Representative  Jason Bunting tells us what was found.

Republican State Representative Jason Bunting

(Undated-jm) – The National Weather Service has confirmed 3 more tornadoes from Friday nights storms. The weather service confirmed a tornado near Gifford. That tornado was rated an EF-1 with estimated winds at 100 mph and was on the ground for 13 and a half miles. Other confirmed tornadoes include Hammond, Lovington, Neoga, Mattoon and Paris.

(Rantoul–dm)-Rantoul will soon have a new place to eat. Rantoul Chamber of Commerce Director Susie Avalos tells us about an upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony.

Rantoul Chamber of Commerce Director Susie Avalos

(Champaign County-jm) -- Champaign County is facing a shortage of skilled nursing beds — one of only two counties in the state with this issue. This is a result of the county lacking facilities to accommodate patients who require more specialized medical attention. The two counties short on these beds are Champaign and Livingston. Livingston is short about nine beds, and for Champaign, the number is 337. Skilled nursing facilities provide both long-term and rehab care.

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is bracing for a possible measles outbreak in the state. Nationwide, nearly 300 cases have been reported, far ahead of last years’ pace. Measles is considered to be one of the most infectious diseases. Officials with IDPH said the best prevention method for measles is getting vaccinated, and that Vitamin A does not prevent measles.

(Illinois–dm)-Don’t count on a four leaf clover to keep you safe this St. Patrick’s day.  WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story.

(Springfield-jm) – Some Illinois lawmakers are proposing legislation that would ban third-party service companies from selling restaurant reservations online. State Representative Margaret Croke, one of the sponsors of the bill, said she has been working with the Illinois Restaurant Association, which drafted the ordinance. The measure wouldn’t impact Resy and Open Table but third-party vendors who are using bots.

(Paxton–dm)-It’s the time of year that school districts are planning their summer projects.  Paxton Buckley-Loda School Superintendent Travis Duly tells us about upgrades going on in the PBL high school gym.

Paxton Buckley-Loda School Superintendent Travis Duly

(Rantoul-jm) – The Rantoul Police Department is celebrating the retirement of one of their own. Deputy Chief Justin Bouse retired Friday after 25 years.

(Undated-jm) – Strong storms Friday into Saturday morning caused some damage in rural Champaign County. A possible tornado touched down damaging a farm near Flatville before moving northeast flipping horse trailers at Gordyville and damaging a house north of Gifford. Tornadoes were also reported down in Neoga and Paris.

(USDA–-dm)-: Additional details about the schedule sign-up for USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program include sign-up deadline, and tools available to assist eligible producers in the sign-up process.  Rod Bain has the story.

OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that weather permitting, one lane in each direction of Interstate 57 at the Buckley interchange in Iroquois County will be closed beginning today. The closure is necessary to complete construction of the Iroquois County Highway 9 bridge over I-57. The work is part of a $4.1 million project to replace the deck of the CH 9 bridge over I-57. Other work includes milling and resurfacing the bridge approaches and lighting replacement. CH 9 will be open to one lane in each direction on the south half of the bridge and controlled by temporary traffic signals. The project is expected to be completed by July.

(Springfield-jm) – Military veterans gathered at state capitols across the nation to protest President Donald Trump’s executive order to make cuts to the Department of Veteran Affairs. More than 100 people, including veterans, stood on the steps of the Illinois State Capitol to protest and they all agreed enough is enough. The Trump administration has vowed to cut 80,000 jobs in the Department of Veterans Affairs. More than 530,000 veterans live in the state of Illinois, with nearly 7% living in poverty.

(Springfield-dg)-Some Conservatives in the Illinois State government are pushing several measures in Springfield to lower property taxes for all Illinoisans. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet,  says tax reform for citizens of Illinois is a serious issue…

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet. 56th District State Senator Erica Harris, Republican from Glen Carbon,  says senate bill 2093 will try to put money back in the people’s pockets…

56th District State Senator Erica Harris, Republican from Glen Carbon

(Rantoul-jm) – The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is moving from Urbana to Rantoul this year.  Since 2017, this parade has taken place every St. Patrick’s Day in Urbana. But this year, it’s moving to Downtown Rantoul. The party starts at 4 p.m. this afternoon, but the parade itself doesn’t start until 5:45 p.m. and lasts less than five minutes, with festivities ending at 6 p.m. Prior to the parade, there will be a pre-party from 4-5 p.m. The Shamrock Academy of Irish Dance will also be performing around 5 p.m.

(Urbana-jm) – A man accused of killing two women in a fatal Urbana hit-and-run was back in court after a grand jury reviewed his case. 29-year-old Julio Bol appeared on Zoom Friday wearing an orange jumpsuit. After reviewing Bol’s case, a grand jury indicted him on all counts, meaning they found probable cause that he committed the crimes he’s accused of. He is accused of killing 20-year-old Katie Abraham and 21-year-old Chloe Polzin after rear-ending their car at an Urbana intersection back in January.

(Paxton–dm)-If you are going to be planting grass seed, now is the time to get started. Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has more information.

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

(Springfield–dm)-A Democratic plan in the Illinois House could require more venues to add baby changing tables to their restrooms.The legislation would mandate that all hotels, schools, movie theatres, healthcare facilities and public parks install a baby changing station in their restroom Opponents said it would be extra costs for private companies. The proposal passed along party lines and will now go to the House floor for consideration.

(Undated-jm) – Burn bans continue to be in place across the area today due to the dry windy conditions. Ford and Iroquois Counties both have burn bans in effect for the entire counties until further notice.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill in Springfield would change one of the requirements for sex offenders. The new bill is being proposed to reduce the prohibited distance for child sex offenders to reside near schools, playgrounds, and child care facilities from 500 feet to 250 feet. The bill is opposed by law enforcement groups and advocacy groups.

(Springfield–jc)-- Hundreds of homeschooled students and their parents continue to speak out on House Bill 28-27, known as the Homeschool Act.  The proposed legislation seeks to create a more structured environment for homeschooling in Illinois. Updated reaction from 104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer of Danville…

104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer, Republican from Danville

(Springfield-jm) – Gambling, video gaming, casinos, lottery, sports betting and racing have all helped fund the Illinois budget across the years. A new gambling expansion, if approved, could add an extra $1 billion in revenue for the state. Known as IGaming, legalization would allow any tablet, phone, laptop, desktop etc. to access online gambling websites. Customers could join a virtual table and play some card games or play slots on the phone screen. These would all use real money. Opponents said in a House committee hearing that this industry would "cannibalize" the current video gaming market which keeps many bars and restaurants afloat.

(Undated–jc) Taxpayers have one month to complete their taxes this year. Don't’ make those simple mistakes in filing your return. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois judges are required to consider a person's youth during sentencing, yet many people are serving life sentences without parole because they were sentenced before state law changed in 2012. A new proposal in Springfield could allow people who were convicted of felonies while 21 or younger to petition for a new hearing before a judge. Sponsors and advocates said this change could help 50 to 100 prisoners receive a constitutional sentencing hearing. The Illinois State's Attorneys Association is currently opposed to the bill, as members would like to see a narrowing of the scope of the offenses eligible for hearings.

(Rantoul–jc)  It’s soccer time this weekend and next weekend  at the Rantoul Sports Complex.  Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reid says the upcoming month of April and beyond will see  additional soccer leagues and tournaments  at the Rantoul facility…

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reid

(Champaign-jm) – A man from the suburbs of Chicago was convicted in Champaign County court of shooting a man in his driveway last year. After a two-day trial, a jury convicted Allen Williams on charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery. They determined that the Calumet City native was the person who on February 19, 2024 shot a man on West Vine Street as he was sitting in his car parked in his driveway. Williams is scheduled to be sentenced April 29.

(Gibson City-jm) – Dry conditions kept firefighters busy again yesterday. Gibson City and Elliott firefighters battled a grass fire along Route 9 near 700 East. Kempton-Cabery firefighters as well as Piper City firefighters were also called to  grass fires. Ford and Iroquois Counties are both under burn bans until further notice. A Fire Weather Watch and Wind Advisory are in effect today. The entire WPXN listening area could see severe weather this evening into the overnight hours.

(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois House Democrat plan could force more venues to add baby changing tables to their restrooms. The bill would make all hotels, public and private schools, movie theaters, small entertainment venues like bowling alleys, healthcare facilities and public parks with restrooms install a baby changing station. Republican lawmakers on the committee voted against the bill, saying private companies will be forced to pay the installation cost. The proposal passed the committee on a partisan 5-3 vote. It now heads to the House floor for further debate.

(Springfield–jc) Some Conservatives in the Illinois State government are pushing several measures in Springfield to lower property taxes for all Illinoisans. 50th District State Senator Jill Tracy, Republican from Quincy,  says tax reform for citizens of Illinois is needed…

50the District State Senator Jill Tracy, Republican from Quincy

(Watseka–jc–  The Watseka Family Festival Committee announced the concert lineup for this year’s vibrant 2-day festival, taking place at the Watseka American Legion Park in Watseka, on August 22nd and 23rd. On Friday, August 22nd, the festival will feature Revel in Red, a dynamic band from Central Illinois renowned for their electrifying performances and impressive accolades. On Saturday August 23rd, the headliner will be Country Music recording artist Sara Evans. Neal McCoy, a 2 time Entertainer of the Year will be the opening act.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill heading to the Illinois House floor could require school districts to include suicide prevention contact information on the back of school employee IDs. Illinois currently requires school districts to include this information on identification cards for students in grades 6 through 12.  The new proposal would ensure teachers and other school staff have the same information readily available.

(Springfield–jc)  Legislation to keep girls in girls sports and boys in boys sports. That is the focus for some legislators in Springfield. 88th District Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur says to all biological females…she will fight for you…

88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur

(Springfield-jm) – State representatives hope to create a more equitable system for incarcerated people with disabilities to have education and job opportunities. Anyone entering the Illinois prison system is required to take the Test of Adult Basic Education, or TABE. Although, experts believe the test does not adequately accommodate the unique cognitive and learning needs of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. House Bill 1810 would allow incarcerated Illinoisans with intellectual or developmental disabilities to have a waiver for the test and ensure equal access to sentence credit opportunities.

(Paxton–jc)  Music, a bagpipe performance, silent auction, fun and fundraising, will take the spotlight on Saturday in Paxton. The first annual First Responders Appreciation fundraiser is set for the Cadillac in downtown Paxton on Saturday. Event Spokesperson Ashley Cage says tickets for the public for the three bands, bagpipes, silent auction and fun are free…

First Responders Appreciation Night Fundraiser Spokesperson Ashley Cage. 

More information is found on line and the Cadillac facebook page. 

(Champaign-jm) – A plaza in downtown Champaign will open later in the Spring. 

City of Champaign officials announced the Downtown Plaza near the intersection of Neil and Main Streets will open in early May, with bench swings, planters, and open space available for all to enjoy.

(Undated–jc)  –   A Chicago pizza shop and a cannabis dispensary are joining forces to make a record-setting cannabis-infused pizza to celebrate Pi Day, today Pizza parlor Paulie Gee's is teaming up with Ivy Hall, Chicago's first social equity dispensary, to attempt to make the world's largest cannabis-infused pizza.  They plan to make a 64-by-32 pizza pie that will serve what they said will be 50 perfectly dosed slices at the dispensary

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-10 at 185 W. Sangamon Avenue in Rantoul and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Center.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti supper this evening from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread and salad for $10.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their pancake breakfast on Saturday from 7-10 am. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, hashbrowns and eggs for $8.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Paxton Buckley Loda Band on Saturday from 10-2.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois lawmakers are educating themselves on what losing federal funding for Medicaid would mean for the state. This comes as Congress is looking to cut eight hundred and eighty billion dollars in spending over the next ten years. Capitol News Illinois reports lawmakers heard from healthcare experts, Medicaid recipients and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services during a committee hearing. They all agreed the loss of funding would be devastating. House Democrats say the hearing was also a way to put pressure on the state’s three congressional Republicans to vote against the cuts. But Representative William Hauter says the hearing is just a performance…

87th District State Representative William Hauter, republican from Morton. 43rd District State Representative Anna Moeller says what happens in Washington DC over the next few weeks will have a direct impact in Illinois…

43rd District State Representative Anna Moeller.

(Springfield-jm) – Snoop Dogg is set to take the stage at the 2025 Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Wednesday, August 13. Tickets for the highly anticipated performance will be available for purchase starting Saturday at 10 a.m.

Danville, IL- Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has identified the victim of the house fire that occurred early Wednesday on Fletcher Drive North in Danville as 85-year-old Judith A. David, resident of the home. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday and her family has been notified. Coroner McFadden stated that the Danville Fire Department and the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office is still investigating the cause of the fire.

(The Center Square) – A social welfare advocacy group has filed a federal complaint against the Illinois State Board of Education alleging discrimination.

The federal civil rights complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education by Awake Illinois alleges ISBE is discriminating on the basis of race for funding “affinity groups,” or groups focused on racial identity and other factors. Awake Illinois President Shannon Adcock addressed the state board this week…

Awake Illinois President Shannon Adcock. Awake Illinois’s complaint lays out how  The Illinois State Board of Education facilitated funding through Teach Plus for “educators who identify as people of Color” and provided leadership coaching and a $2,500 stipend. The complaint also states that 2 Million dollars was set to retain  only teachers of color.”

(Champaign County-jm) – Early voting will be delayed in the Champaign County consolidated general election until Friday. Due to a late filing of an amended ballot certification by a municipality, early voting will be delayed until Friday, March 14. 

Ballot certifications are what municipalities file with the Clerk’s office as the official language to go on the ballot for their jurisdiction. The Brookens Administrative Center in Urbana will be open for early voting beginning Friday at 8:30 a.m.

(Ford County-jm) – Ford County fire departments were busy Wednesday afternoon with brush fires. Paxton firefighters were called to a controlled burn that got out of control on south Stockholm Road near 200 North. Sibley, Roberts-Melvin and Gibson City firefighters battled a brush fire near 650 East 1100 North. 

(Watseka–jc) It’s local election time and one Iroquois County Mayoral race will feature a candidates forum. The event will feature two vying to be Watseka mayor. They are Benny Marcier and J. Scott Anderson. Aldermanic contested races will also be featured at the event. The forum takes place at 6pm on March 19th at the Homestead in Watseka. 

(Springfield–jc)  Assessed values tied to property taxes need to be capped. Some in Illinois are seeing their property taxes rise by more than the rate of inflation. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet, says common sense needs to be used with property taxes…

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet

(Kankakee–jc) Students from nine local schools have original artwork on display for the 35th annual Kankakee Community College High School Juried Art Exhibition. The show runs through March 19th at the Arts & Sciences Building. Display hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. A reception, awards presentation and juror’s critique will be on Wednesday, March 19, at 6pm. Among the high schools participating are Iroquois West High School in Gilman and Watseka Community High School.

(Springfield–jc)  – The Illinois Department of Employment Security  announced Wednesday that nonfarm payrolls were almost unchanged, while the unemployment rate  at 4.9 percent in January, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  December unemployment rate of 5.2 percent. 

(Springfield–jc)  The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal  announced on Wednesday, the recipients of the  Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of 4 million dollars  was  awarded to 178 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state.  Netting grants were Champaign County Fire protection districts in Homer, Eastern Prairie, Cornbelt, Thomasboro, Gifford, Pesotum and Tolono, In Iroquois County grants were given the the Crescent Iroquois Fire Protection District, Gilman Fire Protection District and the Watseka Fire Department. The Bellflower Fire Protection District also received the small equipment grant. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

(Gilman-jm) – The man accused of sexually assaulting a girl on an Amtrak before fleeing, leading police on a massive manhunt in Gilman back in 2022 has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. Joel Smith pled guilty to criminal sexual assault for the incident. He was given credit for time served.

(Springfield–jc)  Some House Republican lawmakers held a press conference in the Capitol on Wednesday morning, to discuss the dire state of public safety in Illinois and present their pathway forward, aiming to deliver a state where families can succeed. 117th District State Representative Patrick Windhorst, of Metropolis says the law run through by Democrats continues to harm police officers, first responders and the victims of crime…

117th District State Representative Patrick Windhorst, Republican from Metropolis

Republicans have introduced legislation to repeal the Safety Act and also introduced a bill to make tougher fentanyl laws and fleeing and eluding laws.

(Champaign County-jm) – A child was taken to the hospital after a three-car crash on Illinois Route 47. Illinois State Police reported a crash happened on Illinois Route 47 about a mile south of County Road 1900 North. Police said a Maroon Chrysler Pacifica was heading north when two vans ahead came to a stop for emergency vehicles to pass. The Pacifica did not slow down, struck one van and pushed it into the second van. The passenger in the Pacifica, a 7-year-old child, was taken to a hospital for minor injuries. Additionally, one of the drivers of the vans reported minor injuries on-scene but was not taken to the hospital. The other two drivers weren’t hurt. The driver of the Pacifica was ticketed for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.

(The Center Square) – Some Illinois agricultural programs have come to a halt as a result of a funding freeze from the federal government.  Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello says several agreements with the federal government and Illinois are  frozen or suspended, including the local Food Purchase Assistance Program. ..

Illinois Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.

(Danville-jc)  –East Central Illinois Community Action Agency  is celebrating 60 years of service to the Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion counties. The public is invited to join them in the celebration. The positioning statement from the group is to Help people and change lives. The 60th anniversary celebration is set for April 25th 6pm at the New Life Banquet Center on North Bowman Avenue in Danville

(Springfield–jc)  – The Illinois Commerce Commission’s  Office of Diversity and Community Affairs’ 20-24 Annual Report shows that diverse spending by the state’s largest investor-owned utilities has grown steadily for the fourth year in a row at over $2 billion. Some utilities reported a nearly 45 percent share of their total spending with diverse suppliers, including minority, women, veteran, and small business enterprises. The big 6 utilities include Ameren Illinois, Illinois American Water and Nicor Gas Company

(Springfield–jc)  The 2025 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 5 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. An early opportunity at select trout sites – the spring catch-and-release fishing season – will open Saturday, March 22. No trout may be kept during the catch-and-release period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season beginning April 5. The daily harvest limit for each angler is five trout.The Illinois Catchable Trout Program receives funding support by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps. 

WPXN news notes…

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours today from 5:30-7:30 pm.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, March 14th from 9-10 at 185 W. Sangamon Avenue in Rantoul and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Center.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 15th from 7-10 am. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, hashbrowns and eggs for $8.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Paxton Buckley Loda Band on Saturday March 15th from 10-2.

(Springfield-jm) – As artificial intelligence becomes cheaper to implement, more companies across industries are adopting it into their business models. Now one Illinois state lawmaker is working to regulate its use in healthcare. Capitol News Illinois reports the “A-I Use in Health Insurance Act” would allow the state’s Department of Insurance to oversee how companies use AI to deny claims. It would also prohibit companies from reducing or terminating coverage based on decisions made solely by A-I. Democratic Representative Bob Morgan of Deerfield says his bill is about protecting consumers…

State Representative Bob Morgan of Deerfield. The bill passed out of the House Insurance committee Tuesday along party lines, with Morgan committing to bring it back with an amendment.

(Chicago–jc)  –The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights is investigating 60 universities for antisemitism, including Northwestern University in Evanston. The department said the institutions are receiving warnings due to allegedly not complying with Title Nine obligations to protect Jewish students. The action also comes days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Columbia University graduate student who led pro-Palestinian protests.

(Springfield–jc)  –   Following a floor speech from a Chicago Democrat at the state capitol,  supporting  transgenders to play in girls sports, one area legislator is supporting only biological girls in girls sports. Reaction from Springfield with 88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur….

88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur

Deering said that as a sponsoring House Bill 11-17 protecting women and girls in sports.

(Paxton-jm) – A man was arrested in Paxton Monday night after police said he pointed a gun at a police officer. Paxton Police wrote in a report that one of their officers was doing a wellness check at a camper on Market Street around 9:30 p.m. Monday night. The officer approached the camper, and police said 52-year-old Damon Legereit of Metropolis pointed a pistol at the officer through the open door. The officer retreated and called for backup with both their department and the Ford County Sheriff’s Office. After more officers arrived, they called Legereit, who exited the camper without incident. Legerit was taken to the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, where he was charged with Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Police also obtained a search warrant and found a bag containing almost 120 grams of cannabis inside. Legerit was also charged with Unlawful Possession of Cannabis.

(Cissna Park–jc)  The town of Cissna Park has a new business in Dollar General coming to the village this Spring. Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Rachael Bauer talks about new owners at Knapp and Steiner True Value Hardware in Cissna Park…

Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Rachael Bauer. 

(Ludlow–jc)  Another field fire popped up Tuesday afternoon. Fire crews were called to the fire near Ludlow at 36 hundred North at 19 hundred East. On Monday, field fires near Rantoul and Westville were reported. 

(Springfield–jc)  Assessed values tied to property taxes need to be capped. Some in Illinois are seeing their property taxes rise by more than the rate of inflation. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet, says he is sponsoring Senate Bill 22-46 to bring common sense into property taxes…

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet

(Springfield–jc)  –Illinois Environmental Protection Agency  Acting Director James Jennings announced the investment of more than $112 million through water infrastructure loans to local governments and water districts on Tuesday.The Illinois EPA State Revolving Fund  Program provides low-interest loans which fund wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water projects. Included in these investments is a 43 million dollar loan to the Champaign and Urbana Sanitary District for upgrades and usage.

(Springfield-jm) – As Illinois faces potential energy shortages in the next few years, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition is calling on state lawmakers to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act. Capitol News Illinois reports the bill aims to make it easier and faster for solar and wind energy to connect to power grids. It would also create a plan for the state to develop large scale batteries to store clean energy. Representative Ann Williams says the plan builds off the successes of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and takes the next step…

State Representative Ann Williams. The rise of power-hungry data centers is another part lawmakers are working to address. Williams is hopeful she’ll have a clean energy package passed by the end of the spring session.

(Springfield–jc)  –Illinois State Police hope to increase the number of female police officers by hosting their first ever all-women recruitment event.The State Police Academy in Springfield will be open to the public on March 18. During the event, Illinois State Police will share employment information and offer opportunities to meet with professionals specializing in forensic science, investigations, crime scene services and patrol

(Springfield–jc)  Some conservatives in Springfield are putting some property tax measures into consideration. 56th District State Senator Erica Harris, Republican from Glen Carbon says Senate Bill20-86 will help Senior citizens and those on fixed incomes…

56th District State Senator Erica Harris, Republican from Glen Carbon

(Champaign-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci is announcing a new state program that will help all Illinois college students prepare for graduate school and in-demand careers.The Prepare for Illinois’ Future Program is the result of a commitment by the State of Illinois, Illinois Student Assistance Commission and leading global education company Kaplan to provide free test preparation courses to students enrolled in Illinois’ public universities as well as five community colleges. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has already onboarded the program.

(Champaign–jc)  The State Farm Center is set to host the I-H-S-A Boys basketball finals this week. I-H-S-A Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha talks about the special venue at the University of Illinois…

I-H-S-A Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha

(Chicago–jc)  –Southwest Airlines, with a hub at Chicago’s Midway Airport, is doing an about face on its “Bags Fly Free” policy. The airline announced Tuesday that it is ending its more than 50-year baggage policy in May. The move comes as Southwest is poised to cut 1,750 jobs in April, which will be the first round of layoffs in company history.

(Paxton–jc)  –  Those with the Cadillac Event Center are honoring first responders, while raising money for Tunnels to Towers.  The free to attend event, features live music with Scotty Hasting, The Ridgeland Band and Logan Allen.  Cadillac First Responders Spokesperson  Ashley Cage says to honor first responders on Saturday is a way to say “thank you”...

The Cadillac First Responders Event Spokesperson Ashley Cage.  The event starts at 6pm. A silent auction and raffles hilite the event to raise money for Tunnels to Towers.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which provides students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Students ages 8 to 18 may submit contest entries until the deadline of June 13, 2025.  Bright Start scholarships of $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded to students who place first, second or third in each of the three age categories.  The Treasurer’s Office is accepting electronic submissions for the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest at www.CreamoftheCropContest.com. Deadline is June 13th

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton and Ludlow firefighters battled a brush fire along I-57 Monday evening. The call came in just before 5:30 pm of the fire in the east ditch of northbound I-57 at the 100 North bridge. 

(Washington–jc)-Illinois Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth is making an effort to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs as part of the Trump Administration's efforts to slim down the federal government. Duckworth introduced the Protect Veterans Jobs Act on Monday, which would reinstate some of the workers. Duckworth said veterans make up more than 30 percent of the federal workforce and it is estimated that more than 6,000 veterans have been fired.

(Illinois–dm)-Tariffs are sparking a debate among Illinois officials and organizations.  WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the story.

(Urbana-jm) – University of Illinois Public Safety is alerting the community of a sexual assault that happened on campus over the weekend. The University of Illinois Police Department received a report from campus security that a student was sexually assaulted at a fraternity around midnight on Saturday, March 8. They added that the victim didn’t know the offender.

(Paxton–jc)  –  Through a facebook post, the Paxton Park District has announced the local Dog Park in the city will be closed until further notice. The post stated that local officials have been notified that several unvaccinated dogs have been visiting the park over the past several days. The pets have tested positive for Parvo Virus, which is a highly contagious disease. Those wanting more information are asked to contact the Paxton Park District. 

(Springfield–jc)  National Federation of Independent Small Business is speaking out ahead of the Illinois Pollution Board’s hearings on adopting some of California’s vehicle emissions standards. The state plans to phase out the sale of new gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, leading to a complete ban on the sale of new non-electric vehicles in 2035. The NFIB Illinois director said members report that they would consider scaling back their business, moving to another state, or closing their business if these mandates go into effect

(Ford County–dm)-The Ford County Emergency Management Agency is hosting a Traffic Incident Management Training program at the Cabery Fire Dept. on Saturday March 29th.  Ford County EMA Director Terry Whitebird has more information.

If you have questions or want to attend, RSVP by e-mailing twhitebird@ford county.illinois.gov  before March 22nd.

OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that weather permitting, construction on Illinois 115 in Ford County will begin Monday, March 31. The work zone is from Roberts to Illinois 9. Work will include patching, milling and resurfacing the road and rebuilding the shoulders. There will be intermittent lane closures controlled by flaggers during the $7.7 million project, which is expected to wrap up in July.

(Springfield-jm) – Comptroller Susana Mendoza is warning the public to be on the lookout for tax related scams. Con artists will pose as an IRS employee, contacting people by text, email or phone and asking for personal information or even offering a refund. Some calls may be threatening, saying the taxpayer needs to send money right away or click on a link to correct a problem on their return. Once you file your state taxes, you can visit Find My Refund on the Illinois Office of Comptroller website to check the status of your refund if applicable.

(Springfield-jm) – Hundreds of homeschool families joined Republican lawmakers outside the state capitol to oppose a bill that could put more regulation on homeschooling in Illinois. Capitol News Illinois reports the bill will require families to notify their local school district if they decide to homeschool. Parents could also have to show teaching material and proof of a student’s work if there is a concern a homeschooler isn’t being taught. Ashton Bandy with Illinois Christian Home Educators says the bill gives the state too much power over children’s education…

Illinois Christian Home Educators Spokesperson Ashton Bandy

Families used the annual “Cherry Pie Day” to give pies to lawmakers and talk to them about the legislation.

(Undated-jm) – Rantoul firefighters were called to a brush fire on I-57 south of the village Monday. It happened in the median near mile marker 248. 

(Rantoul–dm)-Spring is just around the corner, and the Rantoul Sports Complex has a full schedule for spring and summer. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reid tells us what lies ahead for activities as well as the impact on the city of Rantoul.

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of SportsOperations Ryan Reid

(Moline–jc)  - Another Illinois municipality is adopting a grocery tax. In response to the state’s decision to eliminate its 1% grocery tax starting Jan. 1, 2026, the city of Moline has approved the implementation of its own 1% grocery tax. City leaders said it is necessary to maintain essential revenue streams. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation last year that repealed the state's grocery tax but granted municipalities the authority to impose local grocery taxes at their discretion.

OTTAWA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that weather permitting, one lane in each direction of Interstate 57 at the Buckley interchange (exit 272) in Iroquois County will be closed beginning Monday, March 17. The closure is necessary to complete construction of the Iroquois County Highway 9 bridge over I-57.

WPXN News notes…

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, March 13th from 5:30-7:30 pm.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, March 14th from 9-10 at 185 W. Sangamon Avenue in Rantoul and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Center.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti supper on Friday, March 14th from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread and salad for $10.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 15th from 7-10 am. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, hashbrowns and eggs for $8.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the First Lutheran Church on Saturday March 15th from 10-2.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Thursday, March 20th from 9-930 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City community center, 12:30-1 at the Watseka Trinity Church and 1:30-2 at the Milford post office.

(The Center Square) – Some Republican lawmakers want to go after those who deal fentanyl in Illinois. Saying it is time to address the fentanyl crisis, G-O-P lawmakers, including State Senator. Sue Rezin, Republican from Morris, introduced a package of bills that includes increasing penalties for distributing and selling the drug, and reclassifying fentanyl overdose deaths to fentanyl poisoning. McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder said she is seeing more instances of fentanyl being mixed with a wider variety of drugs. Yoder says her office has seen Fentanyl  being mixed with heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and at times, marijuana. 

(Emmington–jc)  Do you have your Real I-D yet? Time is running out. 106th District State  State Representative Jason Bunting has some needed details….

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington

Chicago–jc)  –An engineering firm working on the Obama Presidential Center says that claims it racially discriminated against a Black-owned subcontractor on the project are baseless and that simply criticizing the subcontractors’ work does not amount to racism. The New York-City-based engineering firm was responding to a lawsuit accusing it of acting with racist intent when it criticized the alleged underperformance of a Black-owned concrete subcontracting firm. The lawsuit has drawn national attention to the diversity, equity and inclusion goals connected to the project, which has been plagued by delays and costs ballooning from an initial $350 million to $830 million.

(Washington–jc)  – What are some of the outlooks for beef, pork, and poultry meat production, trade, and prices for this year? Rod Bain has the answers…

(Paxton–dm)-The Paxton Foundation has been working on the Crown on the Town project.  Paxton Foundation President Royce Baier provides the latest on the project time-line...

Paxton Foundation President Royce Baier

(Champaign–dm)-Migraines are a part of life for many, and an online search for at-home treatments will yield plenty of options. What works, and what’s fiction? Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare cuts through the noise.

Oberheim says if a migraine tactic is doing more harm than good, stop it. And it’s never a bad idea to see a provider to get a tailored plan for headache relief.

(The Center Square) – A Republican state legislator says Illinois’ liberal policies are to blame for the state’s poor demographic showing. U.S. Census Bureau data shows Illinois lost 56,235 people to other states in 2024 to rank 48th across the country in losses from domestic migration, with many of the now former residents pointing to the state’s high taxes as the top reason for them deciding to walk away.

State Representative Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills,says the policies of Democrats over the past 20 years  have created an unsustainable environment. Some Democrats now want the state to eliminate the state’s flat income tax system in favor of a progressive tax structure.  McLaughlin worried about what could come next for already stressed-out taxpayers.

(The Center Square) – Taxpayers are spending tens of thousands of dollars per student at public high schools in Chicago, and at two schools, the number is more than $100,000 per student. According to the Illinois State Board of Education’s Illinois Report Card, Douglass Academy High School on the West Side spent more than $93,000 per student. Douglass had about 35 students enrolled and a chronic absenteeism rate of 62%. According to the Illinois Report Card, Chicago Public Schools had an overall chronic absenteeism rate of 40.8% in 2024. The chronic absenteeism rate for CPS teachers was also reported around 40% last year.

Chicago’s public schools on average spend $19,908 per student in taxpayer funds.

(Springfield–dm)-Hundreds of homeschooled students and their parents were in Springfield last week to speak out on House Bill 28-27, known as the Homeschool Act.  The measure is currently under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly and has been assigned to the House Education Policy Committee. State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) called homeschooling an incredible asset that allows students to flourish.   

State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decator) 

(The Center Square) – More Illinoisans are getting taxpayer subsidized food assistance now than from before the pandemic. State Representative . La Shawn Ford, Democrat from Chicago, is calling on lawmakers to do more to aid struggling state residents after the number of individuals relying on food assistance sharply jumped over the past five years. Data composed by the Illinois Department of Public Health shows more than one million households across Illinois were reliant on food assistance as recently as last October, representing a 12% increase since 2019. In addition, almost 2 million Illinois residents, or one out of every seven, made use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits over that time

(Washington–jc)  Some states are reporting high levels of drought in a reporting period that ended over the weekend. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the numbers…

U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey

Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul , as part of a bipartisan coalition of 38 attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice , proposed a final package of remedies to end Google’s illegal monopoly over internet search engines and restore competition to the benefit of consumers. The revised proposal is similar to the robust package of remedies the coalition has offered. Raoul and coalition have worked closely with the DOJ to offer a comprehensive and legally sound proposal that promises to tear down barriers to entry, restore competition, and invite renewed innovation and consumer benefits in the monopolized markets.

(Rantoul–jc)  Rantoul township High School board members will look to approve boiler repairs in the west wing when they meet tonight in monthly session. Board members are also looking at bids for new bleachers in the main gym, will renew their membership with the I-H-S-A and will look to hire positions for summer work at the school. The Rantoul Township High School board meets at 6 tonight at the high school

WPXN News notes

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, March 13th from 5:30-7:30 pm.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, March 14th from 9-10 at 185 W. Sangamon Avenue in Rantoul and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Center.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti supper on Friday, March 14th from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread and salad for $10.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the First Lutheran Church on Saturday March 15th from 10-2.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 15th from 7-10 am. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, hashbrowns and eggs for $8.

The Iroquois County Public Health Department will hold a safe sitter class on Saturday, March 22nd from 9-3:30. Cost is $40. Registration is required by calling 815-432-2483.

The Gibson City Restoration Association will hold a chili cookoff on Saturday, March 29th from 11:30-3 at the Gibson City American Legion. Cost for participants is $25 per entry.

The PBL FCCLA will hold a spring craft and vendor show on Saturday, April 5th from 9-2 at PBL High School. Those interested in participating are asked to email charleykaye06 at gmail dot com.

(Springfield–jc) A large number of Democrats in the Illinois State House are  against the farming tariffs imposed by the federal government. That action angered some local state representatives that farm in Illinois. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington says a recent bill to help farmers was opposed by democrats and he wants them to help farmers with action, not just words…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting Republican from Emmington.

(Chicago–jc)  A former female corrections officer at Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center is facing charges, accused of sexually abusing four women who were inmates. The indictment charges Brittany Hall, 31, with five counts of sexual abuse and three counts of abusive sexual contact. Collectively, the charges carry a possible sentence of more than 80 years. Hall resigned from the agency last year.

(South Holland–dm)-A former nonprofit executive has admitted to her role in a fraud scheme that diverted more than $1.8 million intended for underprivileged youth programs. Barbara Harris, 55, of South Holland, was the executive director of the Center for Community Academic Success Partnerships, which received government grants to provide after-school programs in Chicago-area schools. Prosecutors say she, along with another nonprofit executive, inflated the organization’s expenses.

(Menard County–dm)-Two people have been arrested in connection to a number of recent ATM burglaries in Menard County.  The Petersburg Police Department said it conducted a traffic stop and a search turned up several electronic items that were consistent with information received from other law enforcement agencies of recent ATM burglaries. Police believe that the vehicle stopped before its third trip to the bank, which could have resulted in “jackpotting.” ATM jackpotting refers to the exploration of physical and software vulnerabilities in automated banking machines that result in the machines dispensing cash.

(Springfield–dm)-The public overwhelmingly favors retaining the current state flag, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced following the five-week voting period to consider a redesign of the flag. Voters had the option to choose their favorite design from one of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 new designs, or one of three former flag designs, including the current one, which has not had a major redesign in the past century. Of the nearly 385,000 votes that were received, over 165,000, or 43 percent, were cast for the current Illinois State flag, which received more votes than the next five top designs combined.

(Springfield–jc0 Hundreds of homeschooled students and their parents were in Springfield  to speak out on House Bill 2827, known as the Homeschool Act.  The proposed legislation seeks to create a more structured environment for homeschooling in Illinois. Reaction from 104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer of Danville…

104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer, Republican from Danville

(Rantoul–dm)-The Rantoul Sports Complex has a full calendar this year, and this weekend is no different.  Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reid has more information.

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Sports Operations Ryan Reid 

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has amplified his support for mandates that would require school districts to limit cell phone use during classroom instruction. The governor proposed the ban during his State of the State address last month and repeated the call Thursday at Centennial High School in Champaign. The governor said cell phones are commonly cited as an impediment to classroom learning. He cited a Pew Research study that found that 72% of high school teachers identified cell phone distraction as a “major problem” in their classroom.

(Paxton–dm)-The General Election will be held April 1st.  Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick has information on early voting and when the poles will be open for in person voting.

Ford County Clerk Amy Frederick.  If you mail in your ballot a reminder that it must be postmarked by midnight April 1st.

Danville, IL – The Vermilion County Health Department is announcing the launch of its Residential Sharps Collection Program, this will provide residents of Vermilion County with a free and safe way to dispose of sharps properly. This program is made possible through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Residential Sharps Collection Program grant.

(Paxton–jc)  One local fitness and health business is set for an open house in Paxton, tomorrow.  Gibson Elite Sport and Fitness Trainer Jeff Cialkowski says the staff will work with you on starting a new way to better health…

Gibson Elite Sport and Fitness, Paxton location, Trainer Jeff Cialkowski. The event runs from 8am to 1pm on Saturday at Elite Fitness in Paxton

(Southern Illinois–jc)  –A unique item is on display as part of the 100th anniversary of the Tri-State Tornado that hit southern Illinois in March 1925.The Jackson County Historical Society is displaying a maple tree with a 2X4 piece of wood driven through it which occurred during the F5 tornado. The tornado created havoc and traveled over 200 miles across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.The National Weather Service said the tornado possibly had winds of more than 300 mph, killing 695 people in its path.

(Buckley–jc)   Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday is this Sunday, at St John’s Church in Buckley.  Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler will be the guest speaker. St Johns Church Spokesperson Larry Abbe says the event has been in the planning stages since July 20-23…

The service starts at 11 with a luncheon to follow. A free will donation to the Lutheran Hour will be taken.

(Springfield—jc)  Check smoke alarms with time change. The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal reminds Illinoisans to test, inspect and replace broken or expired smoke and CO alarms in their homes with new 10-year sealed battery alarms while they change the clocks this weekend. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9.

(USDA–dm)-Does a projected increase in planted corn acreage translate to a possible record in U.S. corn production for this season? Rod Bain has the story.

WPXN News notes…

The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, March 7th from 4-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of fish or chicken, baked beans, green beans, coleslaw and tartar sauce for $10.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their Family Night Dinner on Friday, March 7th from 5-7pm. Dinner includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and 2 sides for $15.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Loda Immanuel Lutheran Ladies on Saturday March 8th from 10-2.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Roberts will hold their pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday, March 9th at the Roberts Gym from 7-1. Cost is $10 for adults, kids 10 and under are $5.

The C-U Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on Saturday, March 8th at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, March 13th from 5:30-7:30 pm.

Note…

Make sure to turn your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night. Daylight Savings time starts at 2am on Sunday morning. 

(Springfield-jm) – A plan moving in Springfield could require the Illinois State Board of Education to identify days where major school events may conflict with cultural or religious holidays. Sponsors and advocates told the Senate Education Committee that many public school students have missed major events with their classmates because they were absent or unable to attend school that day. Schools and the Illinois High School Association would have the option to use this online list as an advisory tool to help make the best schedules for their local community. The plan would not allow for school closures or excused absences due to cultural reasons but would assist school districts with planning events around the observances.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill in the Illinois statehouse is pushing for all schools to create a set of plans for emergencies. State Senator Michael Hastings is pushing for a bill giving school districts all over Illinois standards for their threat assessment procedures. This is after countless threats and school shootings both in Illinois and the U.S. In the bill, the Illinois State Board of Education and the Office of the State Fire Marshal would write guidance for school districts, private schools and first responders for how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans and cardiac emergency response plans.

(Springfield–jc)--  One bill in Springfield would ban certain herbicides. In updating our story from earlier today, 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington says actions are needed by area citizens……

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington.

More information is found on Buntings website.  

(Undated-jm) – The leases of six federally-leased buildings in central Illinois are on the chopping block, according to the Department of Government Efficiency website.The DOGE website claims that eliminating these leases will save around $350,000. They include the International Revenue Service National Office and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in Champaign and the Departmental Management, the Employment Standards Administration: Wage and Hour Division, the Public Buildings Service and Small Business Administration in Springfield.

(Rantoul–jc)  The village of Rantoul is in the process of hiring an adjudication employee. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith talks about the new position…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(The Center Square) – Some Indiana lawmakers want to change their state’s border and welcome 33 Illinois counties that want to leave their state. Over the past few years, 33 of Illinois’ 102 have voted to leave the state. The most recent string of southern Illinois counties supporting secession included Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Iroquois, Jersey, Madison, and Perry, all of which voted to secede from the state in November. Instead of creating a new state, like some of the counties want, the Republican-majority Indiana General Assembly wants to adjust Indiana’s border and welcome the unhappy counties into the Hoosier state.

(Springfield-jm) – A bill in Springfield would help train middle school and high school students how to behave appropriately in the workplace. State Representative Camille Lilly said many high school graduates have issues keeping their first jobs, as the culture shift from school to the workplace causes the new workers to commit ethical violations without even realizing. This plan from Illinois House Democrats would train teenagers from grade 6 onwards how to behave professionally, dress appropriately, respect authority and arrive on time among others.

(Springfield-jm) – Republican lawmakers provided an update on their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Illinois' legislative map. The lawsuit, originally filed on January 28, argues that the current state map is a product of partisan gerrymandering.  Republicans have requested that the Illinois Supreme Court appoint a special master to redraw the map. They emphasize the urgency of addressing the district boundaries before the next election cycle.

(Springfield–jc) A number of Chicago area House Democrats rose to speak on the House floor Wednesday afternoon to talk about how badly they believe President Trump’s action on tariffs will hurt the agriculture industry in the state of Illinois.  Their action didn’t sit well with the several lawmakers, including 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting Republican from Emmington.

Last year, despite having 28 sponsors from both sides of the aisle, Democrat leadership would not allow the measure to be brought to the floor for debate or even be assigned to a committee.

(Springfield-jm) – Does your teenager have a hard time getting up to go to school every morning? State lawmakers could pass a plan this spring to change the high school start time to 8:45 a.m. Advocates told the House Education Policy Committee Wednesday that students can sleep for eight hours, succeed in classes, and experience better mental health. Libertyville High School changed the start time to 8:45 a.m. in 2018, and students have seen significant improvements. California and Florida have implemented similar laws to improve outcomes for high school students.

(The Center Square) – As the backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives continues across the country, scores of women gathered at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield calling for more trade jobs.  Dozens of building trades affiliates, union leaders, contractors and construction workers gathered Wednesday for Illinois Tradeswomen Advocacy Day. State Representative . Lisa Hernandez, Democrat from Cicero, has introduced a resolution in an effort to create equal access to job opportunities in construction…

2nd District State Representative Lisa Hernandez, Democrat from Cicero

(Roberts-jm) – The Roberts Village Board of Directors unanimously approved a $2 increase in the monthly base rate for water service this week. Our partners at the Ford County Chronicle report that the board voted 5-0 on the increase, which will be effective at the start of the new fiscal year on May 1. The board initially talked about raising the water rates during their January and February meetings. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requires a 3-5% increase to stay eligible for state grant funding.

(Loda–jc)  The Loda American Legion Auxiliary is hosting a craft show and bake sale on Saturday at the American Legion Hall in the village. Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts talks about who will be there…

Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts. The event runs from 9am until 2pm 

(Champaign–jc)  Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer is releasing the name of a Champaign man who has died after he was struck by a motor vehicle on Tuesday evening. 58 year old James McCammon,  was pronounced dead in the Carle Foundation Hospital Emergency Department last night.An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, March 6th This death is being investigated by the Champaign Police Department and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office. 

(Springfield-jm) – State senators are advocating for new legislation aimed at assisting children who struggle with stuttering by requiring insurance companies to cover speech therapy. The proposed measure seeks to nurture children's communication skills, enabling them to become more functional adults and providing families with essential support. Currently, insurance policies only cover speech therapy if the issues were present at birth or are the result of an accident.

WPXN News notes…

The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, March 7th from 4-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of fish or chicken, baked beans, green beans, coleslaw and tartar sauce for $10.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their Family Night Dinner on Friday, March 7th from 5-7pm. Dinner includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and 2 sides for $15.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Loda Immanuel Lutheran Ladies on Saturday March 8th from 10-2.

The C-U Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on Saturday, March 8th at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Roberts will hold their pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday, March 9th at the Roberts Gym from 7-1. Cost is $10 for adults, kids 10 and under are $5.

(Champaign–jc)  – Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a fume extractor and dust collector outside building “T”, at Parkland College, in Champaign on Tuesday afternoon.  Fire crews were able to quickly get the fire under control.    The building was searched by firefighting personnel to ensure all occupants were safely evacuated while additional crews worked to gain access to the fire inside the equipment and extinguish the fire. There were no injuries reported for civilians or emergency responders.   

(Chicago–jc)  –Convicted defendants in the ComEd Four case still face sentencing on five corruption-related charges, even though a federal judge dismissed four counts this week. The four, a former lobbyist and Illinois state representative, a former ComEd CEO and two other former lobbyists, were convicted in 2023. A judge dismissed four bribery-related counts this week, but five other convictions remain. Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is awaiting sentencing on 10 corruption-related counts after his conviction last month.

(The Center Square) – The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is expected to question four U.S. mayors about their cities’ immigration policies this morning .Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have been asked to discuss their cities’ migrant sanctuary policies.

(Arlington Heights–jc) –The Arlington Heights Village Council voted to move forward with its plan to try to lure the Bears out of Chicago. The board will resume work with an engineering firm to discuss the viability of a new stadium on the site of the old Arlington National race course.The Bears have been publicly advocating for a new lakefront stadium in downtown Chicago, but have kept the Arlington Heights option open, since purchasing the property in 2023.

(Springfield–jc)--  One bill in Springfield would ban certain herbicides. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington has some details…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington.

WPXN news will have more on this issue  later today. 

(Chicago–jc)  –Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel isn't ruling out the possibility of trying to get his old job back. Near the end of a nearly hour long interview before the Economic Club, Emanuel was asked if he'd consider being mayor again. He replied that he’s not done with public service. Emanuel served as mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019.

(Springfield–jc)  Illinois has the highest tax rates in the country, according to a new analysis. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…

(Paxton–jc)  A concert, and silent auction, is set to benefit Tunnels-2-Towers. The free event to attend is set for Saturday March 15th at the Cadillac in downtown Paxton. Cadillac First Responders Event Spokesperson Ashley Cage says the event is to honor local first responders and music will highlight the night…

The Cadillac First Responders Event Spokesperson Ashley Cage

(Georgetown–jc)  –The Georgetown Fair Board is announcing that Priscilla Block will perform at the Georgetown Fair this summer. Block will perform at the fair on Saturday, July 12th. The duo Roseland will join Block on stage as the opening act.

(The Center Square) – U.S. farmers are asking President Donald Trump to resolve issues that led to an escalating trade war, warning that struggling farmers could see higher costs as a result of U.S. policies. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said the measures will hurt rural Americans.Duvall pointed to potash, a key ingredient in fertilizer, as an example. 85 percent of potash is imported from Canada. Farmers want a quick end to what they see as harmful trade measures. Duvall's warning came after a similar message from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the largest business lobbying group in the nation. The U.S. Chamber warned that Trump's trade policies could push up prices for American consumers who are already struggling.

(Springfield–jc)  One local state senator is backing a resolution to proclaim 20-26 as Route 66 year in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon talks about the resolution passed in committee yesterday in Springfield…

53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon. The resolution now moves to the full Illinois State Senate. 

(Chicago–jc)  –Burger chain Red Robin, with 20 locations in Illinois, could be on the verge of closing dozens of restaurants.According to a recent earnings report, the company is evaluating alternatives for approximately 70 underperforming restaurant locations.The report did not contain a list of the underperforming restaurants, but most are expected to close as their leases expire over the next five years.

(Washington–jc)  – The Agriculture Secretary announced plans are in development to build up rural development and strengthen rural communities through a collaborative initiative. Rod Bain reports

(Springfield–jc)  –Illinois House Republicans gave an update Tuesday afternoon on the lawsuit they filed in late January in the Illinois Supreme Court, challenging the legislative map they claim unconstitutionally favors Democrats. Minority leader Tony McCombie says the issue is moving in the right direction…

89th District State Representative and Republican Minority Leader Tony McCombie of Savannah

(The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers can expect to spend almost $4 billion on early childhood programs throughout the state over the next two years. The Department of Early Childhood is a new executive agency created last year dedicated to early childhood spending. During a House hearing in Springfield Tuesday, state Representative . Will Davis, Democrat from Hazel Crest, said legislators have important work to do in starting a new agency.

(Springfield–jc)  –The first round of voting is now open in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s sixth annual “Makers Madness” contest, a bracket-style tournament in which the public will decide what product earns the 2025 title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. More than 250 unique products from around the state were nominated for this year’s contest, with candidates ranging from agriculture and energy storage equipment to life-saving medical products, and a variety of vehicles.

WPXN News notes…

The PBL FCCLA will hold a spring craft and vendor show on Saturday, April 5th from 9-2 at PBL High School. Those interested in participating are asked to email charleykaye06 at gmail dot com.

Paxton Main Street will hold their pancake breakfast and easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 12th at Veterans Square.

Kickin Cancer- Coaches vs Cancer Dinner and Auction will take place on Wednesday, April 16th at 5pm at Gordyville USA.

The Loda American Legion Auxiliary will host a craft fair and bake sale on Saturday, March 8th from 9-2.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Loda Immanuel Lutheran Ladies on Saturday March 8th from 10-2.

The C-U Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on Saturday, March 8th at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

(Champaign-jm) – A teenager convicted of murdering an Urbana Lyft driver three years ago will spend over five decades in prison for the crime. 19-year-old Tyjohn Williams booked a ride with Kristian Philpotts the night of Jan. 12, 2022, and was riding with him when Williams fired a shot that struck and killed Philpotts. Police believed at the time that Williams shot Philpotts during a robbery attempt, but a motive was never established during his bench trial in November. Rosenbaum found Williams guilty and oversaw his sentencing on Monday. Williams faced anywhere from 45 years to life in prison. He was sentenced to 55 years in prison and must serve 100% of the time.

(Paxton-jm) – A Danville man is facing charges in Ford County after Paxton Police said he was caught in a sting targeting child predators. The Ford County Chronicle reported that in a Paxton Police blotter, officers said they arrested Brooks Clarkson, 46 of Danville. The arrest happened after a three-week investigation by Paxton Police involving an officer posing as a 15-year-old girl. Officers said that Clarkson allegedly began communicating with that officer on February 7 and on March 1, he traveled to Paxton to meet the supposed teen. He was arrested around 9:28 p.m. near the intersection of Meuser Drive and Washington Street. Clarkson was arrested on preliminary charges of traveling to meet a minor, solicitation to meet a child and indecent solicitation of a child, officers said. Ford County court records show a criminal complaint against Clarkson was filed Monday with only one count — traveling to meet a minor.

(Highland Park–dm)-The man accused of carrying out the Highland Park Independence Day parade shooting in 2022 that killed seven people pleaded guilty before his trial got underway Monday.  Robert Crimo III faced 21 counts of first degree murder as well as 48 counts of attempted murder. Crimo will be sentenced April 23, and most likely will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

(Rantoul–jc)  The Rantoul Sports Complex has already started several sporting events for the year. This weekend, an adult slow pitch tournament and quadball come to the local facility. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the amount of events at the Rantoul Sports Complex continues to grow and the amount of visitors to Rantoul also continues to grow…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Danville, IL–dm) Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden stated that a house fire on North Griffin Street on Sunday, in Danville claimed the life of a 67 year old woman identified as Theresa L. Pundt of Danville. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Danville Fire Department, Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office and the Vermilion County Coroner’s Office. 

(The Center Square) – An Illinois state legislator suggests a proposed amendment to the Prevailing Wage Act could drive up costs for taxpayers. House Bill 1189 says if there is a federally funded construction project that is run by the state or a unit of local government, the higher of the federal prevailing wage or the state prevailing wage will apply to that project. Sean Stott, the director of governmental affairs at the Laborers' International Union of North America, said the bill would ensure Illinois workers' protection from action on the federal level in regards to wage setting.

(Paxton–jc)  One local fitness and health business is set for an open house in Paxton on Saturday.  Gibson Elite Sport and Fitness Trainer Jeff Cialkowski provides some insight into the business model of the local facility…

Gibson Elite Sport and Fitness, Paxton location, Trainer Jeff Cialkowski

Saturday's open house is set for 8am until 11am.  Tours, free giveaways and competitions hilite the event on Saturday in Paxton

Champaign, Illinois – The 16th annual Prom Benefit for Eastern Illinois Foodbank, presented by Martinelli’s Market, was held on Saturday, at  I Hotel & Conference Center, and raised more than 381,000 meals for food-insecure individuals and families in the Food Bank's 18-county service territory. At any given time, more than 100,000 people in eastern Illinois do not have access to enough nutritious food to support a healthy lifestyle. In the past year, pantries in the Food Bank's network saw a 90% increase in the number of neighbors being served since 2022.

(Paxton–dm)-On March 29th the Ford County Emergency Management Agency will host the State of Illinois Traffic Incident Management Training Program.  Ford County EMA Director Terry Whitebird has more information.

Ford County EMA Coordinator Terry Whitebird

(Chebanse-jm) – A Mahomet man was cited for a Scott’s Law violation after Illinois State Police said he hit a stopped squad car over the weekend. The crash happened on March 1 near Chebanse. Officials said a State Police trooper responded to I-57 just before 2 p.m. after a report of debris in the road. The trooper parked their squad car in the right lane, turned on their emergency lights and removed the debris. The trooper had just finished removing debris from the roadway, officials said, when their squad car was hit in the back by a Lincoln SUV that failed to move over. The trooper was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials said the driver of the SUV, 66-year-old Harold McComb of Mahomet, was also transported to the hospital with injuries. McComb was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for a Scott’s Law violation.

(Springfield–dm)-Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs marked Casimir Pulaski Day by announcing his office has purchased $15 million in Republic of Poland Bonds. It is the first time the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has invested in the Republic of Poland. Illinois celebrates Casimir Pulaski Day the first Monday in March. He organized the American cavalry during the Revolutionary War and helped win several battles before dying from combat injuries in 1779.

(Springfield–jc)  One local state legislator says Illinois does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington says the billions of dollars spent on non-citizens is now even larger…

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican,  of Emmington

(Metro East–dm)Ameren Illinois is scheduled to replace a decades-old pipeline in Metro East as part of efforts to meet federal safety standards. The project involves a nearly three-mile stretch of road in Collinsville and is expected to impact traffic in the area. It is part of a multi-year plan by the company to bring all natural gas transmission pipelines into compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines. The project is expected to be completed by September.

(Loda–jc)  The Loda American Legion Auxiliary is hosting a craft show and bake sale  on Saturday in the village. Money raised from the event goes to local veterans, says Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts…

Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts. The event runs from 9am until 2pm at the Loda American Legion on Saturday

Champaign, Ill. – State Farm Center and Central Illinois Multimedia Group are proud to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Temptations and The Four Tops on October 16 at State Farm Center.  This will mark just the second appearance of The Temptations at the venue and is their first visit since February 22, 1969.  The Four Tops will be making their debut at the historic arena when they take the stage for the 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday

(USDA–dm)-The Agriculture Secretary's weekend visit to Commodity Classic included further details of an economic and emergency assistance program for producers, including a new name. Rod Bain has the story.

WPXN News notes…

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Tuesday, March 4th from 9-930 at the St. Joseph library, 10-10:30 at the old high school ballpark in Ogden, 11-11:30 at the Homer post office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney community building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village office and from 2:30-3pm at The Oaks at Tolono.

The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, March 7th from 4-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of fish or chicken, baked beans, green beans, coleslaw and tartar sauce for $10.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Loda Immanuel Lutheran Ladies on Saturday March 8th from 10-2.

The C-U Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on Saturday, March 8th at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, March 13th from 5:30-7:30 pm.

(Undated-jm) – Fire crews from across the area had a busy last several days. Late Friday morning several departments across southern Ford and northern Champaign Counties battled a field fire north of Dewey. Late Saturday morning, Paxton firefighters were called to a grass fire behind the apartments along Route 45 on the north side of town. Sunday afternoon, Paxton crews were called to a dumpster fire on South Washington Street while Roberts and Melvin firefighters were called to a structure fire near 900 East 1200 North with assistance from Elliott, Gibson City and Sibley.

(Champaign-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation closed the westbound Interstate 74 ramp to southbound I-57 in Champaign over the weekend. This is to allow crews to complete the I-74 bridge over I-57 as well as underneath the bridge. Officials said it will be closed until late summer or early fall. IDOT will mark a detour including the new I-74 ramp to northbound I-57 and then exiting at Market St. Then drivers will enter southbound I-57 at Market St., where there will be temporary signals placed. The next exit available is in Mahomet.

(Illinois–jc)  –Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary record statewide total of 1,045 wild turkeys during the 2024-2025 fall archery turkey season. The total compares to last year’s harvest of 803 and the 5-year average of 763 birds harvested.The total shattered the previous record total for fall archery season in 2015 when 851 turkeys were taken. The top three counties for fall archery wild turkey harvest this season were Fayette, Jefferson and Pike.

(Springfield–dm)-A new report from the Illinois Auditor General confirms significant mismanagement in Gov. Pritzker’s taxpayer-funded free healthcare program for noncitizens, revealing thousands of potentially ineligible enrollees and costs far exceeding initial projections. Senate Republican Leader John Curran has more information.

Senate Republican Leader John Curran.

(Thomasboro-jm) – Illinois State Police responded to a car that had caught on fire on I-57 in Champaign County Sunday afternoon. The car was sitting on the right shoulder of I-57 in Thomasboro, near milepost 246. State Police arrived on scene around 12:09 p.m. to investigate. Around 12:28 p.m. the right lane was shut down to extinguish the fire. It reopened soon after. The car fire also caused a grass fire in the right ditch, which was extinguished by fire crews. No one was injured, according to State Police. State Police also said that no other information is available at this time.

(Kankakee–jc)  – Kankakee Community College will sponsor a Job Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, April 17th. Booths are available, free of charge, for area businesses to participate. The reservation deadline is April 11. Employers can register on line. The Job Fair is sponsored by KCC’s Charlton Family Foundation Career Services Center.

Champaign, IL –The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce will be holding a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, March 11 at 9am to celebrate the grand opening of Elite in Champaign.. Elite is a student-owned and operated store offering health shakes, refreshers, smoothie bowls and other protein items. The official grand opening will happen over this weekend  and offer giveaway prizes, samples and more. Elite is located at 202 East. Green St in Champaign, 

(Springfield–jc)  Several Illinois lawmakers addressed Illinois’ high property taxes at an event in Springfield.  56th District State Senator Erica Harriss, Republican from Glen Carbon says one reason she ran for office is to provide the citizens of Illinois with property tax relief…

56th District State Senator Erica Hariss, Republican from Glen Carbon

(Bloomington–jc)  – The longest running Corvette car show is moving downstate this summer. In its 52nd year, Bloomington Gold will be relocating from Normal to World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison in Metro East. Organizers said Corvette owners will be able to drive their cars on the racetrack. The show had a nearly $1 million economic impact on the Twin Cities last year.

Crescent City–jc)- The Iroquois County Fair Board has announced a new act coming for this summer’s fair.  Chris Cagle is set to take the stage at the Iroquois County Fair in Crescent City.  The concert is set for Saturday July 19th.  Tickets went on sale this morning.

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois Police Department has located a missing 19-year-old man. UIPD found 19-year-old Nicholas Cruz shortly after reporting him as missing at approximately 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Cruz was found safe and the department thanked the neighboring police agencies and community members who assisted in the search.

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man was sentenced to 31 years in prison for a road rage shooting that occurred in 2021. Derrick Humphery, 34, pleaded guilty to the attempted first-degree murder of Liam Gasser, a former University of Illinois student. On October 24, 2021, Gasser had a minor exchange on Town Center Boulevard and North Prospect Avenue, including the honk of a horn at the Derrick Humphery's vehicle. Humphery then produced a handgun and opened fire. Gasser lost consciousness after being shot in the back of his head, causing his vehicle to crash.

(Springfield-dm)-This week on the House floor, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie addressed legislation that she has filed every year since the death of DCFS worker Pam Knight of Dixon, who, in 2017 was beaten while trying to take a 2 year old boy into protective custody in Milledgeville. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie

(Champaign-jm) – A man was arrested on a gun charge in Champaign early Friday morning after police served a search warrant. The arrest happened on Providence Circle around 5:40 a.m. 22-year-old Omarion Purnell was arrested and booked into the Champaign County Jail on a charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm. 

(Chicago–jc)  American Airlines is putting new technology at Chicago O'Hare Airport to stop line-cutters.The airline is expanding technology to stop people from boarding before their assigned group. Now, when someone's boarding pass is scanned before it's their turn, an alarm goes off.The technology is already in use at a few other airports around the country.

(Springfield–dm)-Last month, Governor JB Pritzker delivered his annual State of the State and Budget Address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield. State Representative Norine Hammond, Republican from Macomb, says democrats in the state with the leadership of Governor Pritzker’s watch, state spending has increased by more than 15 billion dollars.

State Representative Norine Hammond, Republican  of MaComb

(Paxton–jc) It’s almost Spring and the time to get fit is now. Gibson Area Elite in Paxton is hosting an open house on Saturday. The event is set for Saturday from 8am until 11am. Several competitions, free giveaways, and tours of the facility will be given. Gibson Elite is located at 615 North Railroad Avenue in Paxton. 

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Circuit Clerk’s office is holding another Amnesty Week to help people save money. Amnesty Week is from March 31 to April 11. Anyone who owes money from the county due to an outstanding criminal, traffic, DUI, ordinance violation or conservation violation can pay without late fees or collection fees.The offer is not applicable for any fines and costs which have already been paid, or any tax refunds applied to the balance.

WPXN News notes…

The Loda American Legion Auxiliary will host a craft fair and bake sale on Saturday, March 8th from 9-2.

The C-U Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on Saturday, March 8th at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, March 13th from 5:30-7:30 pm.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Tuesday, March 4th from 9-930 at the St. Joseph library, 10-10:30 at the old high school ballpark in Ogden, 11-11:30 at the Homer post office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney community building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village office and from 2:30-3pm at The Oaks at Tolono.

Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the First Lutheran Church on Saturday March 15th from 10-2.