(Springfield–jc) A recently created Illinois state agency has a new leader pending state Senate confirmation. Governor J.B. Pritzker announced Teressa Ramos will be the secretary of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. The new agency will take on early childhood programs from other state agencies over the next year with an additional extra cost of $13 million this fiscal year. The cabinet level salaried position costs taxpayers nearly $215,000.

(Illinois–jc)  Four Illinois main streets were voted among the nation's 150 top shopping districts for holiday shoppers, according to Present.com. The survey of 3,000 respondents found Woodstock Square in Woodstock was No.37. Main Street in Princeton made it at No. 98. Third Street in Geneva was No. 100 and Main Street in Galena made it at No. 121.

(The Center Square) – With the election results official, Illinois' presidential electors are preparing to cast their votes for president.  Last month's election turnout in Illinois was the fourth lowest in nearly 50 years. The Illinois State Board of Elections proclaimed the election results official Monday morning. Spokesman Matt Dietrich said turnout would be considered "normal." Nothing in the down ballot races stuck out to Dietrich as an elections observer. But, he said there was much more early voting.

(Champaign–jc)  The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a residence in the 1400 block of West Clark just before noon on Monday  Fire crews were able to quickly get the fire under control.     Firefighters deployed a single hose line into the residence and were able to extinguish the fire.     The cause of this fire has not been determined.

(Paxton–jc)  One local Paxton business is a stop for a Ford County Toys for Tots drive. J and L Auto in downtown Paxton is gathering toys now through December 14th and also have a big "cruise in" day set for this Saturday. J and L Co Owner John Chaddock says drop off a toy on Saturday, get your picture taken with Santa and help an area child get a present for Christmas...

J and L Auto Owner John Chaddock

Saturdays event runs from 7am until 2pm

The Paxton Fire Department will also be represented at the event on Saturday

CHICAGO – Now that colder temperatures have arrived, the Illinois Department of Public Health  is reminding Illinoisans to prepare for the coming respiratory virus season by getting the recommended shots for flu and COVID-19 and R-S-V. While the  Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard shows the overall illness level in Illinois remains Low, public health officials expect viral activity to increase as the holiday season and time for indoor gatherings kicks into gear. State Health  officials are also warning of a significant increase in whooping cough cases this year. The largest monthly total in 20 years was recorded in October . According to preliminary data, the state has recorded more than 1,900 confirmed and probable cases of pertussis in Illinois in the year to date, the highest number since 2012..

(Gibson City–jc)  A lighted Christmas parade, downtown Christmas tree and a friendly shopping atmosphere describes the Gibson City Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Spokesperson Angela Rodrick says the current chamber sees a vision of working together to provide a great shopping experience during Christmas and beyond...

Gibson City Chamber of Commerce Spokesperson Angela Rodrick

(Washington–jc)   U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin  of Illinois on Monday, delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling on the Biden Administration to prioritize discharging student loans of borrowers who attended predatory for-profit colleges.  In his remarks, Durbin underscored that the current administration must move to protect students. Durbin  also emphasized the dangers of for-profit colleges, which historically saddle students with crushing debt while offering either no degree or a near worthless degree.

(Loda–jc)  You have the opportunity to visit with Santa in Loda on Saturday and help with an American Legion fundraiser too. The jolly elf will be at the Loda American Legion from 9am to 11am on Saturday. Loda American Legion Spokesperson Neil Lohrman says all are invited...

Loda American Legion Spokesperson Neil Lohrman

(Illinois–jc)  –Owed back wages? Anyone who believes they may be owed back wages are encouraged to work with the Workers Owed Wages online tool from the U.S. Department of Labor.  The federal agency says it is eager to return more than $4.2 million in wages recovered to more than 5,500 Illinois workers. The tool can be accessed online at the agency's Workers Owed Wages website.

(Chicago–jc)  –The corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has entered its third month. Madigan's defense attorney began cross-examination of government cooperating witness and former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis earlier today. Solis admitted he committed many crimes, including bribery, while serving as an alderman. Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain are charged with 23 counts. Jury selection for the case began in early October.

(Springfield–jc)  The Illinois Lottery is encouraging responsible gifting this holiday season and reminding players that lottery tickets are for grown-ups – not kids.  The Illinois Lottery is once again joining forces with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling  to reintroduce its Gift Responsibly campaign, an effort to remind the public that lottery games are intended exclusively for adults over the age of 18. The joint initiative is meant to reinforce the Illinois Lottery's ongoing commitment to fostering safe and responsible play while raising awareness about the importance of mindful gifting and gaming this holiday season.

(Paxton–jc)  Another annual shopping event is set for Saturday in downtown Paxton. The "Miracle on Market" pop up shopping event takes place from 10am until 2-30pm inside A Picket Fence Florist in downtown Paxton. Miracle on Market Spokesperson Leslie Ingold says the store will be filled with vendors and shopping ideas...

Miracle on Market Pop Up Shopping Event Spokesperson Leslie Ingold

Hours Saturday 10am to 2-30pm

URBANA — The Illinois Flash Index for November fell marginally to 102 from its reading last month of 102-point-.2, remaining in a narrow range over the previous five months. However, any index reading above 100 indicates growth.

Both individual income and sales tax receipts were down slightly compared to November 2023 after adjusting for inflation. Corporate tax receipts were down more significantly, resembling last month. Both the state and national unemployment rates remained unchanged with the Illinois rate 1.2 percentage points above the national level.The Flash Index is the weighted average of Illinois growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending, and personal income as estimated from receipts for corporate income, individual income, and retail sales taxes. 

WPXN News notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-9:30 at the St. Joseph Library, 10-10:30 at the Ogden old high school ballpark, 11-11:30 at the Homer post office, 12:30-1 at the Sidney community building, 1:30-2 at the Philo village hall and 2:30-3 at The Oaks in Tolono.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their family night dinner on Friday, December 6th from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and your choice of 2 sides for $15.

The Paxton business open house and bag sale will take place Friday, December 6th through Monday, December 9thh.

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their Cookies with Santa on Saturday, December 7th from 2-4pm. Bring your kids to get their pictures taken with Santa, get a cookie or two and receive a toy