(Chicago–jc)  An operations manager at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly pocketing kickbacks from a company contracted to provide snow plow services at the facility.

Prosecutors said Dominick Gironda of Bloomingdale schemed with an associate to approve inflated invoices for services that were not actually provided at the facility. 

(Chicago–jc)  Cook County's new state's attorney has announced a change to the county's policy involving the controversial SAFE-T Act. Eileen O'Neill Burke says that prosecutors must now seek pre-trial detention for anyone accused of certain crimes, particularly violent offenses, domestic violence cases and sex offenses or crimes against children. Illinois became the first state in the country to eliminate cash bail with the SAFE-T Act, despite much debate among legislators and legal challenges that concluded with a ruling from the Illinois Supreme Court upholding the law.

(Ford County–jc)  Local authorities have reported a two vehicle accident along Route 9 at the Intersection with Route 115. The accident happened around 2pm on Wednesday. No other information was provided

(Illinois–jc)  Newly elected 53rd District State Senator, Republican- Chris Balkema of Channahon says one of his first goals as he takes a seat in the Illinois Senate in January is a "true" balanced budget. The state's budget office is predicting a deficit for the coming fiscal year of over 3 point 5 to 3 point 9 Billion dollars. Local Senator Chris Balkema says when he was chairman of Grundy county, they implemented a five year plan...

Newly elected 53rd District State Senator Republican Chris Balkema of Channahom. Balema will be sworn in to office officially in early January

(Rantoul–dg)  The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce  helped support the Rantoul Historical Society with a ribbon Cutting ceremony for the Rantoul Theatre Group.  The event was held on Wednesday afternoon. Performances of A Christmas Carol will start today.

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Christmas Parade committee was busy on Tuesday night feeding the local Paxton firefighters, city police and emergency personnel. Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad says this year it was desserts and appetizers and there were prizes for the best entries ...

Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad

(The Center Square) – The five-day holiday weekend from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday was a busy one in Illinois and around the country. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics, 197 million shoppers headed out to stores and online, the second highest number ever. That is slightly lower than last year's record of over 200 million.

(The Center Square) – Environmental groups are applauding a Colorado company's decision to withdraw an application to build a CO2 pipeline through Illinois.  Last year, Wolf Carbon Solutions withdrew its request to build a 260-mile pipeline from Iowa through Illinois after receiving a denial from the Illinois Commerce Commission. The company said it would refile the permit application, but had second thoughts.  In its filing to the Iowa Utilities Commission, the company said "a number of factors have continued to delay Wolf's ability to proceed with the project and Wolf has decided to cease pursuit of the required regulatory approvals at this time."

(Chicago–jc)  – A federal judge and attorneys in the corruption case of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan have been discussing upcoming witnesses and potential schedule changes.The judge said jurors inquired about getting a day or two off next week. After the jury was seated Wednesday, the government called former Madigan chief of staff Jessica Basham to the witness stand. Basham is now a governmental consultant and lobbyist. Prosecutors said they planned to call Illinois U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski on Monday.

(Melvin–jc)  Santa Claus has been busey in the area and will also make a stop in the Ford County town of Melvin on December 21st. Melvin Women's Club Spokesperson Kay Swearingen says a lunch and reindeer games are also planned...

Melvin Women's Club Spokesperson Kay Swearingen.

PEORIA- Jordynn Huskisson, a 14 year old Freshman at the High School of St Thomas More, emerged victorious at the 2025 Miss Peoria Metro Teen pageant in Peoria, Illinois in November. This new title is just one of the many accolades she has been given, as she has received numerous awards for her philanthropic work including the Serve Illinois Volunteer award, Illinois Governor's Volunteer Award, and the Presidential Service of Volunteering Gold Award. Jordynn was crowned at the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center, alongside several other titleholders. 

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce is set for their "Bag" sale throughout the city of Paxton to start on Friday and run through Monday. There is also a pop up event set for Saturday inside A Picket Fence Florist in Paxton. Miracle on Market Spokesperson Leslie Ingold provides information on several of the dozen vendors that will be ready for shoppers on Saturday...

Miracle on Market Pop Up Event Spokesperson Leslie Ingold

Miracle on Market runs from 10am to 2-30pm at a Picket Fence Florist on Saturday in Paxton

(Illinois–-jc)  – As hunters across Illinois prepare for the upcoming firearm deer season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources urges them to use safety harnesses when hunting from tree stands in the field. Tree stands are the No. 1 source of hunting-related accidents and fatalities in Illinois. The 2024 firearm deer season resumes Dec. 5-8. Officials said tree stand falls, often from heights of 20 to 30 feet, can cause significant injuries.

WPXN News notes...

The Loda American Legion will host breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 7th from 9-11 am. Breakfast includes biscuits and gravy and a drink for $7.

Kempton will hold a tree lighting on Saturday, December 7th from 1-4 pm. Ford County Emergency Management will put on a free weather course and the Kempton Fire Department will provide soup.

The village of Rantoul will hold their Christmas in the village on Saturday, December 7th with crafts, live music and Christmas stories from 1-5 at the chamber office and the lighted Christmas parade at 5pm.

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.

The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, December 6th from 4-7 pm. Cost is $10.

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 9th.

Roberts will hold a Christmas Event on Saturday, December 7th from 8-3 at the Roberts Gym. Vendors will be there from 8-3, the PBL Jr High mini band will perform at 10:30. Santa will be there from 11-1.