(Springfield-jm) – A federal judge is preparing to hear oral arguments in a challenge to Illinois’ looming gun ban registry. Plaintiffs are looking to delay the January 1 deadline to register now banned guns or face potential criminal penalties. Illinois’ gun ban requires those who own such firearms from before the law was enacted to register with state police by the first of the year or face criminal penalties. In a motion to dismiss a request for a temporary delay of the January 1 deadline, the state argued they’ve given ample notification. Kostas Moros, an associate attorney with Michel and Associates, filed a response for the plaintiffs this week. He said the state’s emergency rule process and public notification of the registry is a “legal fiction.” The most recent set of revised emergency rules from ISP were published this week through the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. The state told the judge in a brief that gun owners have a choice to make, submit an affidavit or relinquish them. Judge Stephen McGlynn is set to hear oral arguments in the case next week. He is expected to issue a ruling before the Christmas holiday.
(Chicago-jm) – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker says the state will pay an additional $4 million to provide meals to asylum seekers through the end of the calendar year, which adds to the already inflated amount of taxpayer dollars for noncitizen migrants arriving in Chicago. The $4 million is expected to cover meal costs for only the end of the month. November was covered by $2 million from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The state has already provided $10.5 million in funding for food for new arrivals since they began to show up in the Windy City, bringing the total now to $12.5 million just for food. Illinois has spent more than $500 million in taxpayer funding to care for the migrants since they arrived. Pritzker said while the state is helping the city with funding, Chicago should be the one with a plan.
(Springfield-jm) – A recent report from the University of Illinois at Chicago shows Illinois is the third most corrupt state in the country. The Illinois State Police has recently opened an online portal where people can report corruption happening, says 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Paxton-jm) – The former Doug’s Compounding Pharmacy building has been sold. Our partners at The Ford County Chronicle report Andy Hudson bought the building. According to the paper, Hudson has no specific plans for the building but did say it wouldn’t be a pharmacy and it would be reconfigured for retail. Hudson told the paper he bought the building to ensure it would be owned by someone local and invested in the community.
(Undated-jm) – University of Illinois Extension has named Rachel Mannen as a nutrition and wellness educator in their Champaign County office. The role will equip individuals and families in Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties with the tools they need to move toward a healthier lifestyle by empowering them to make informed choices that will positively impact their well-being.
(Champaign–jc) – When do you go to the doctor or hospital when you have the flu. Flu season is in full swing...and health experts are seeing a lot of people coming to emergency rooms and clinics. That increases wait times and exposes more people to illness. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has some information about home and doctor…
(Champaign-jm) – In order to construct a new driveway approach at 421 W. Town Center Boulevard, DUCE Construction will close one eastbound lane of Town Center Boulevard between Moreland Boulevard and Neil Street in Champaign. The closure will begin on Monday, December 11th and reopen on Friday, December 15th. Eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane in the area.
(Rantoul–jc) – The Rantoul based Community Service Center hosted their twice monthly Eagles Nest food insecurities program on Thursday. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says its a free program that over 50 students attend to receive food for them and their families…
Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford.
The next Eagles Nest Pantry to benefit high school students is set for December 21st.
(Paxton–jc)-- In our morning news Fantastic Local Finds for Christmas..We found a business in Gibson City that has a gift idea. Debbie's Gifts and More is located in downtown Gibson City. Co Owner Larry Spellmeyer says they have all types of cards from Pokemon to Garbage Pail cards…
Debbie's Gifts and More Co Owner Larry Spellmeyer
WPXN news will feature gift shopping ideas and Fantastic Finds from the local area each weekday morning on the news this holiday season.
(Chicago-jm) – A state legislator wants to know more about where taxpayer dollars are being spent in relation to the growing migrant housing crisis. The migrant arrivals have been housed in police stations, O'Hare International Airport, YMCAs and former colleges, and as the numbers continue to increase as winter sets in, city officials are looking at public places that could be turned into housing, but several locations have not come to fruition. Original plans by the city included warming buses for the migrants during the winter months, and a $29 million contract to use taxpayer funds for military-grade basecamp tents at Brighton Park, but the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency shut that project down due to insufficient soil sampling and remediation. Republicans argue there is a lack of transparency when it comes to how the money is being spent.
(Washington-jm) – The Illinois Corn Growers Association is among several groups applauding the passage of a bill in the U.S. House that strikes down the Biden administration’s aggressive electric vehicle standards. By the bipartisan vote of 221-197, the U.S. House passed the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act. The CARS Act strikes down a Biden administration initiative that would require two out of every three new vehicles be electric by 2032. The measure now moves onto the U.S. Senate. The CARS Act would also prevent the EPA from implementing future vehicle emissions regulations that would mandate certain technologies or limit the availability of vehicles based on engine type.
(Springfield-jm) – The traditional farming season is complete however, drought conditions have begun to creep back into the area. The latest U-S Drought monitor shows abnormally dry conditions across parts of the area which 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says could have lasting impacts into the spring planting season…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Rantoul-jm) – Promise Healthcare-Rantoul will open its doors to serve Rantoul and surrounding communities on Monday. The clinic is located at 424 E. Wabash inside the old administrative offices at JW Eater Junior High School in Rantoul. Promise Healthcare-Rantoul is made possible by a partnership between Rantoul City School District and Promise Healthcare. Patients can make medical appointments by calling (217) 356-1558 and behavioral health appointments by calling (217) 403-5433. New patient forms and parental consent forms are available on the website at www.promisehealth.org.
(Urbana-jm) – After receiving more than 8,000 calls last year, University of Illinois students are back at the phones for the long-running Dial-A-Carol tradition. Now in its 63rd year, Dial-A-Carol is an event where students monitor phone lines 24 hours a day to take requests for holiday carols. Anyone who calls in is able to request a carol and hear the student sing their selection. To make a request, call 217-332-1882. Dial-A-Carol runs through December 13th.
(Paxton–jc) – As far as economic development goes in the city of Paxton, there are more than a handful of places to find a good meal. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says city leaders are always on the lookout for possibilities and the city has 15 restaurants, currently…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.
(Peoria-jm) – OSF HealthCare hospitals and clinics across the state are seeing a significant uptick in patients to begin December. The heavy increase in patients can lead to elevated exposure of germs and viruses, plus longer wait times. OSF officials advise if you suspect you have COVID, to take an at home test instead of coming into the doctor's office and to avoid going to the Emergency Room unless it is life threatening. They also say COVID-19 isn’t the only virus making the rounds in our communities right now. Influenza, RSV and others are being seen often as well. So how can we stop the spread of viruses? Stay home when you aren’t feeling well. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer regularly. Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Wipe down high-touch surfaces with disinfectant wipes. Don’t share glasses or silverware with others. Receive the flu shot.
(Onarga–jc) – Three American Legion groups are helping with the Second Annual Onarga Christmas Tree Lane in the village. Onarga American Legion Auxiliary Spokesperson Deb Talbert says the event started with a BIngo event last night and continues today with 27 entries…
Onarga American Legion Auxiliary Spokesperson Deb Talbert
The Onarga Legion Hall is the venue for the event. The hall is open from 5pm to 8pm today and will feature music and treats. The next viewing is set for Sunday at the Legion Hall in Onarga from noon until 3pm
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
The Paxton Park District will hold breakfast with Santa on Saturday from 8-10 am.
The St. Joseph Stanton fire department will have a pancake breakfast from 7-9:30 am on Saturday. The Grinch will be there from 7:30-9:30 with Santa arriving at 10 am. Other activities planned include a hot cocoa bar, letters to Santa, craft and cooking decorating stations and more.
Thawville will hold their lighted Christmas parade on Saturday starting at 5pm.
The Champaign Urbana Elks Club #2497 will hold a free throw contest for kids ages 8-13 at the Stephen’s Family YMCA on Sunday. Registration begins at 1 pm with shooting starting at 1:30. For more information call Jay King at 217-202-9664.
