(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court says people cannot file public records requests to get information about their Firearm Owners ID card. In September, the Illinois Supreme Court heard a case brought by two individuals who used the Freedom of Information Act to try and get records regarding why their FOID cards were either revoked or suspended. During oral arguments, Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis raised the prevailing point that was ultimately issued unanimously Thursday. The justices said they agree the law does not provide any exemption for individuals who are seeking their own information, even if the individual provides consent for the disclosure.
(The Center Square) – The latest U.S. Census data for the state of Illinois shows small businesses are leading the way in terms of job growth as they added more than 51,000 jobs in 2022. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment claims in November for Illinois increased by over 1,300 for the week ending Nov. 18. Those claims are the fourth highest in the country during that week. Despite Illinois historically trailing the national average in terms of total unemployment rate, Illinois Policy Institute Dylan Sharkey said businesses with under 50 employees have been able to grow.
(Decatur-jm) – The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, has announced that Great White & Slaughter will be coming to the Devon on August 16th, 2024. Two of 80s rock’s favorites together in one big night of hits. Tickets will go on sale at a later date.
(Springfield–jc) How to pay for asylum seekers, immigrants and others who come into the United States is a major concern for state leaders in Springfield. Illinois Governor J B Pritzker says whether its through line items or made part of the budget, he feels the state needs help from taxpayers with the issue…
Illinois Governor J B Pritzker.
(Danville-jm) – The Vermilion County Animal Shelter in Danville, has temporarily suspended the intake of dogs while the health of one specific dog is further studied. There has been concern nationwide about a dog illness that may be spreading. It is not known yet whether it’s a virus or a bacteria. What is known is that it causes pneumonia-like symptoms, but can also be confused with respiratory problems that dog owners and animal shelters see quite often.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Chamber of Commerce, Paxton Main Street Group, Prairieland CEO and Pride in Paxton are all helping with a four day event in the city of Paxton. The event starts with the Chamber Home for the Holidays 3 hour shopping event in Paxton Friday from 5pm to 8pm On Saturday the Paxton Main Street Group is hosting a sausage and pancake breakfast, says Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper…
Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper. The group is also hosting the Christmas movie “Elf” in the Veterans’ Square building at 2pm on Saturday. A 5-K Jingle Run takes place at 9 Saturday morning and Pride is sponsoring Carriage rides from Noon until 4pm on Sunday in downtown Paxton.
(Washington-jm) – USDA has released a new forecast for this year's farm income. Gary Crawford reports…
(Paxton–jc) A new feature for the Holiday season on WPXN morning news is Fantastic Local Finds for Christmas.. Flowers and floral arrangements are found at A House of Flowers in downtown Rantoul. Owner Marlana Smith says they also carry Willow Tree Figurines to locally made candles…
A House of Flowers Owner Marlana Smith
WPXN will feature gift shopping ideas and Fantastic Finds from the local area each weekday on morning news this holiday season
(Springfield-jm) – The healthcare industry is exempt from Illinois’ strict Biometric Information Privacy Act because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, also known as HIPAA, according to a unanimous Illinois Supreme Court decision. BIPA was enacted in 2008 and prohibits the use of anyone’s biometric information like a face scan or fingerprint without the individuals’ explicit permission. The law has been used in class action settlements against social media companies like Facebook. White Castle employees used the law to challenge that company's policy of using fingerprints in the workplace. Attorneys arguing said health care providers’ use of automated dispensing cabinets to access medications and medical supplies to treat patients is unquestionably health care treatment under HIPAA.
(Paxton-jm) – There will be a blood drive coming up later in December. Coordinator Kevin Hanson talks about the blood drive…
Blood Drive Coordinator Kevin Hanson.
(Champaign-jm) – Registration is now open for the 2024 edition of C-U at Home’s One Winter Night. The annual event sees participants spend one night outside in cold temperatures to simulate the experience of homelessness. It’s a problem faced by many in Champaign-Urbana, and the organization hopes that participants learn about it by participating. This year’s event is scheduled to begin the night of February 2, 2024. Those interested can sign up on C-U at Home’s website.
(Undated–jc) Five Illinois counties were considered disaster zones by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a result of losses caused by a storm that rolled through the state five months ago.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the disaster declaration for Christian, Hancock, McDonough, Sangamon and Washington counties this week. All five counties were impacted by a derecho that moved through Central Illinois June 29. Under this disaster declaration, the five counties and bordering counties will receive emergency loans from the USDA Farm Service Agency.
(Paxton–jc) A three hour shopping event is set for tonight in the city of Paxton. Paxton resident and businessperson Leslie Ingold says she participated last year and the event was a “hallmark” event…
Paxton resident and businesswomen Leslie Ingold. The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the three hour Home for the Holidays Shopping event from 5pm to 8pm Friday night. The Holiday sales event continues throughout the weekend into Monday in the city.
(Momence-jm) – Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation officials announce the arrest of 19-year-old Jorge Campos of Momence, for Reckless Homicide Failure to Report Crash Involving Death, and Obstructing Justice . On August 27th just before 3 a.m, State Police responded to a hit and run crash involving a motorcycle and passenger vehicle on 4000 North Road near 14000 East Road in Momence. The driver of the motorcycle, 52-year-old Bert N. Lawton of Grant Park, IL, was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. The offending vehicle fled the scene. A thorough investigation identified the offending vehicle’s driver as Jorge Campos. Agents took Campos into custody. The Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the above charges and Campos is being held at the Kankakee County Jail pending a detention hearing.
(Paxton–jc) The Prairieland C-E-O Group is an initiative that places High School students from Paxton Buckley Loda, Gibson City Melvin Sibley and Fisher into a business type class for entrepreneurs. Prairieland C-E-O Facilitator Mandy Taylor says the students are hosting a 5-K run and Saturday in Paxton…
Prairieland C-E-O Facilitator Mandy Taylor. Those wanting to run in the Jingle Run 5-K can find more information on-line and then register at Pells park before the event starts at 9 Saturday morning.
(Washington-jm) – USDA has lowered its forecast for this fiscal year's U.S. agricultural exports. Gary Crawford reports…
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
Hudson Drug and Hallmark in Paxton will hold a book signing with local author Valerie Wright tonight from 5-7 pm and tomorrow from 9-11 am.
The 2023 Paxton Holiday Shopping Weekend in downtown Paxton will take place this weekend. An evening shopping event will take place tonight from 5-8 pm, a pancake and sausage breakfast at Veterans Square from 8-11 am Saturday, Prairieland CEO Jingle Bell 5k Run at 9 am Saturday and a Kids Matinee Christmas movie at 2 at Veterans Square Saturday. Sunday there will be horse and carriage rides downtown from 12-4. The bag sale will take place all weekend.
Paxton’s First United Methodist Church will hold a Mrs Claus’s Closet for kids to shop for their parents Saturday from 10-2 and Sunday, December 3rd from 12-4.
The Roberts Fun Day committee will hold a fundraiser on Saturday at the Roberts Gym. Activities include vendors and crafters from 8-2, biscuits and gravy breakfast from 8-11, PBL junior high mini band will perform at 10.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service’s Cookies with Santa will take place on Saturday from 1-3 pm at their station located at 134 W. State Street. Bring your kids to get cookies and get their picture taken with Santa.
The Gibson Area Music Foundation invites all to attend Celebrate the Season, formerly The Messiah on Sunday starting at 3 pm and be held at the Gibson City Bible Church, Route 47, Gibson City, Illinois.
