(Springfield–jc)  Total nonfarm jobs increased in eight metropolitan areas and decreased in six for the year ending October 2024. According to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in six areas, increased in six, and was unchanged in two.

The highest unemployment rate was in Danville at 6.2%. The overall unemployment rate in Illinois is 5.3%, one of the highest in the country.

Danville, IL- A Westville man was fatally injured in a single vehicle accident near the Vermilion County town.  Vermilion County Coroner, Jane McFadden says the accident occurred around 11 Thursday morning. Fatally injured in the accident was  45 year-old Joshua E. Brown, of Westville.

(Gibson City–jc)  One local State Senator is raising questions on the use of Covid Funds by the state of Illinois and the addition of 1 Billion dollars in new taxes that started this year. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett, Republican from Gibson City says the national covid dollars are spent, but new programs remain and that means a nearly 4 Billion dollar budget shortfall next year...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Parkland Theatre will present Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," December 5-15 in the Harold and Jean Miner Theatre. The production will be choreographed by Krishna Thomas and music directed by Cheryl Forest Morganson. Performances are scheduled on various days in December from the 5th through the 15th. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for students

(Paxton–dm)- Thanksgiving is just around the corner and holiday activities will kick into high gear.  Paxton Christmas Parade Chairperson Dawn Glad tells us how Paxton is going to kick off the holiday season.

Paxton Christmas parade Chairperson Dawn Glad

(Chicago–jc)  –A coalition of bars, restaurants and distributors are uniting to oppose Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed 35% increase on alcohol taxes in the city.At a press conference, the president of the Two Bears Tavern Group said the tax hike would force proprietors to raise prices, which would drive consumers away. 

(Rantoul–jc)  With Thanksgiving one week away, those in the village of Rantoul have a handful of Christmas activities coming in the next several weeks. Rantoul Mayor says a lighted parade, senior luncheon and much more is coming to Rantoul...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Washington–jc)  Topsoil moisture is good and not so good around the nation. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey has the report...

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey

(Champaign–dm)-If you're metabolically healthy, your body is properly using what you consume. A key pillar: being active. And it's not as hard as you think.Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare reports....

Doctor Ovadia says this doesn't have to be complicated. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or park far away at the store to get extra steps. He also advises to work out in the morning, as your motivation may be higher.

(The Center Square) – Former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis, now a cooperating witness for the federal government, has started testifying at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain.  Government attorney Diane MacArthur called Solis to the witness stand shortly after 4 Thursday afternoon. The 75-year-old Solis said that he secretly cooperated with government investigators for about 2 1/2 years and entered a deferred prosecution agreement, which allowed that he would not be prosecuted while cooperating. Solis admitted that he still faced a pending bribery charge for soliciting campaign contributions from a developer with a pending zoning application in his community.

(Springfield–jc) The Illinois House of Representatives adjourned on their final day of the fall veto session Thursday, but by not adjourning "Sine Die" they left open the possibility of a Lame Duck Session after the first of the year. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting says his office will keep a close eye on issues that affect his district...

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington

(Gibson City–jc)  The 30th annual Lighted Christmas Parade is set for Saturday in Gibson City. Line up at County Market is set for 5pm with the parade to step off at 6-30pm Gibson City Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Angela Rodrick says its a day to celebrate the holidays and Gibson City businesses will also be open with ideas and specials for Christmas...

Gibson City Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Angela Rodrick.

(The Center Square) – An Illinois agricultural group is sounding the alarm over the condition of rural bridges in the state. The Illinois Soybean Association sanctioned a study to show the economic impact of rural bridges and their current condition. The association said agricultural productivity is expected to grow by 15% to 30% over the next 20 years, so the need for efficient infrastructure will only become more critical. ISA reports that 65% of Illinois' nearly 27,000 rural bridges statewide are in fair or poor condition. The study showed that 72% of bridges in rural Illinois are owned by local governments, making repairs challenging due to budget constraints.

(Paxton–jc)  –  Some vehicles in the fleet for the city of Paxton are being repurposed, while some others will be sold by the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says this is one way to get more value out of each vehicle owned by Paxton...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Gilman–dm)-The City of Gilman has a lot of projects completed this year including a $2.5 million sanitary sewer project.  Gilman Mayor Rick Theesefield talks about the accomplishments for the Iroquois County town...

Gilman Mayor Rick Theesefield. 

(Springfield–jc)  –The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding firearm deer hunters that mandatory check stations will be open this year in the 15 counties where chronic wasting disease, or CWD, has been detected.The 2024 Illinois firearm deer season dates are Nov. 22-24 and Dec. 5-8. A list of check station locations for CWD testing can be found online.

(Washington–jc)  Access to healthcare is always a concern for residents in rural Illinois and rural America. U S D A Rural Development Under Secretary Basil Gooden talks about some of those challenges...

USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Basil Gooden

(Farmer city–jc)  The annual Farmer City Christmas parade is set for Sunday at 2pm. Farmer City Christmas Parade Chairman Chad Wills says this year's theme is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation...

Farmer City Christmas Parade Chairman Chad Wills

WPXN news notes...

The Paxton-Buckley-Loda Junior High School will present "Seussical Jr. the Musical" at 7 p.m. Friday, November 22nd and Saturday, Nov. 23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, in the school's gymnasium. Tickets cost $5 at the door.

The 41st annual Gifford State Bank Country Christmas Craft Show will take place Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th. Hours Saturday are 8-5 and Sunday 9-3.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Paxton Masonic Lodge on Saturday, November 23rd from 10-2.

Gibson City's 30th annual lighted Christmas parade will take place on Saturday, November 23rd. A vendor and food showcase, kids zone with crafts, face painting and games and horse drawn wagon rides go from 3-6 pm. The parade kicks off at 6:30 pm. Santa will visit with kids following the parade.

The 2024 Farmer City Christmas parade will take place Sunday, November 24th at 2pm. The theme is "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation".