(Springfield-jm) – Former Illinois Republican Governor Jim Edgar says the state would be better off if the politics were more balanced, rather than being dominated by one-party rule. Illinois Democrats have controlled the Illinois Legislature for decades with majorities in both chambers. Since 2019, they’ve also maintained the statewide constitutional offices from governor to secretary of state. Edgar said the state needs to be less one-sided.
(Springfield-jm) – Half of all rebate checks from the Illinois Family Relief Plan have been processed so far. Eligible Illinoisans have been receiving their income and property tax rebates, with millions more going out in the coming weeks says State Department of Revenue Spokesperson Maura Kownacki (kuh-nacky)...
Illinois Department of Revenue Spokesperson Maura Kownacki. Kownacki says most people will get the money via direct deposit, while others will receive a check. You can check the status of your rebate online at: tax dot illinois dot gov.
(Undated-jm) – Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker and State Senator Darren Bailey faced off last night in the first of two televised gubernatorial debates ahead of the November 8th election. The candidates focused on healthcare, affordable housing and education along with the economy and crime. The next debate is set for October 18th in Chicago.
(Rantoul-jm) – St. Malachy in Rantoul is hosting their fall festival this Sunday. Stewardship Director Vanessa Martinez talks about the event…
St. Malachy Stewardship Director Vanessa Martinez. Tickets for the dinner are still available and can be picked up at the school.
(Rantoul–jc) The Holidays are just around the corner and one local civic organization held a Halloween event with the proceeds to benefit families in need and toys for kids at Christmas. Rantoul based Community Service Center is gearing up for it’s annual “Holiday Bureau” says Executive Director Cindy Crawford…
Community Service Center of Rantoul Executive Director Cindy Crawford
(Champaign-jm) – As part of the City’s 2022 Concrete Street Improvements Project, the pavement on Western Avenue from Kirby Avenue to Chevy Chase Drive is being reconstructed. A and R Services will continue work on the City of Champaign’s project, weather permitting, on Monday, October 10, 2022. At that time, the southbound lane of Western Avenue will be closed between Chevy Chase Drive and Princeton Drive. This section of Western Avenue will temporarily become one lane, one-way northbound traffic only. This work is scheduled to be completed by November 13, 2022.
(Cullom-jm) – A Livingston County man convicted of a triple murder was sentenced to life in Prison. Clifford Brewer of Cullom was handed a life term -- without possibility of parole. The 55-year-old was convicted of 6-counts of murder for the shooting deaths of his wife, his son and a neighbor on Christmas Day 2019. He remains in the Livingston County Jail awaiting transfer to the DOC. A jury convicted Brewer in August for the murders of 48-year-old Shirley Brewer, 27-year-old Christian Brewer and 51-year-old Norman Walker. All three victims were found shot to death in a home in the 400-block of E. Jackson Street in Cullom on Christmas morning 2019.
(Springfield-jm) – Motor-vehicle traffic deaths reached a 20-year high during the first quarter of 2022. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 9,560 people died in car accidents, which is a 7% increase compared to the same time the year prior. In Illinois, an estimated 276 traffic deaths took place during the first quarter of this year, which marks a 22.7% increase from the same time in 2022.
(Springfield-jm) – The latest U-S Drought Monitor shows continued dry conditions in some parts of the state. There hasn’t been much rain lately, which is reflected in the updated Illinois drought map. State Climatologist Trent Ford…
State Climatologist Trent Ford. The most serious drought conditions are in far southern Illinois, especially in Pulaski, Massac and Pope Counties
(Springfield-jm) – State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur is urging lawmakers to return to Springfield for a special session to address two issues: the SAFE-T Act and the state's gas tax. The SAFE-T Act, also known as the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, takes effect in January. It allows only people accused of qualifying charges to be detained and eliminates cash bail. The Illinois General Assembly is not scheduled to return to work until November 15. Caulkins' request for lawmakers to return before November comes as Governor JB Pritzker and other lawmakers face several lawsuits over the SAFE-T Act. It also comes as gas prices are starting to rise again. The average cost of a gallon of gas in Illinois is $4.38 this week compared to the national average of $3.86 per gallon, according to AAA.
(Champaign-jm) – It’s been nearly 40 years since the groundbreaking Farm Aid concert at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, and the Champaign County History Museum wants everyone to remember it. The museum recently unveiled a new exhibit about the concert. People who attended it found and donated ticket stubs, flyers and even a hat worn by Willie Nelson. The history museum’s exhibit will only be around for a limited time, but they’ll continue to accept memorabilia for the permanent gallery at Spurlock Museum coming in 2025.
(Fisher–jc) More new houses are coming to the town of Fisher in Champaign County. Fisher Mayor Mike Bayler says one on going housing development is now full and now developers are working on a new 20 plus acre area for new homes…
Fisher Mayor Mike Bayler.
(Watseka-jm) – Harbor House is announcing plans to open an emergency shelter in Watseka. The announcement comes during this, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Harbor House is the domestic violence agency for Iroquois and Kankakee Counties. The new shelter for needs in Iroquois County is expected open by January. Harbor House provides Free, confidential services including a 24-hour hotline and counseling for adults and youth, support groups and support thru the court system.
(Buckey–jc) – Abbe Insurance-Edge Crop Insurance is the WPXN Business of the Day today. Agent Dylan Reetz. Agent Dylan Reetz says as an independent agency, they can offer many insurance options…
Abbe Insurance-Edge Crop Insurance Agent Dylan Reetz
Fisher and Lake Iroquois townwide garage sales are today and tomorrow.
Clove Alliance will host a sexual harassment prevention training today from 12-1 pm.
Parkland College’s Staerkel Planetarium Kaler Lecture Series will be held tonight with Phenotypic Plasticity Research Experience for Community College Students talking about Nature and Nurture: Examining How Diverse Organisms Adapt to Changes in their Everyday Environment starting at 7 pm. Cost is $2.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting the Gibson Masonic Lodge on Saturday from 10-2.
