(Paxton-jm) – Paxton first responders were called to a multi vehicle accident on I-57 late Thursday afternoon. It happened in the northbound lanes of I-57 near mile marker 257 around 4:15. There's no word on if there were any injuries.

(Chicago–jc)  –Another quantum computer project is set to take up part of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago. I-B-M officials joined officials from the University of Chicago, the park and Governor. J.B. Pritzker Thursday to announce the National Quantum Algorithm Center featuring I-B-M's next generation modular quantum computer. The 128-acre quantum campus is on Chicago's South Side.

(Rantoul–jc)  –  A streetscape program has begun in the village of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says some streets in the downtown area of the village are being prepared for upgrades...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Washington–jc)

Among the 1,500 people given clemency by President Joe Biden this week was a pardon for an Illinois woman. Diana Bazan Villanueva of La Grange was convicted of a nonviolent drug crime in her 20s. She's now 51. Biden also commuted the sentence of former Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell, who was sentenced to 19 years in prison in 2013 for embezzling over $53 million.

(Danville–dm)  –The Danville Police Department says a vehicle chase started in Danville and ended in Urbana. Two people were arrested in connection to that chase. Danville police officers tried to pull a car over for an "equipment violation" and because the registered owner's license had been suspended. The car did not stop and police began pursuing it. A male teenager exited the passenger-side door and ran away on foot. Officers chased the passenger and took him into custody. The passenger was identified as 19 year old Keyshun Williams, Champaign. When officers searched the area through which Williams ran, they found a loaded handgun. As officers arrested Williams, the driver of the car fled again and got onto westbound I-74, eventually exiting onto University Avenue in Urbana. The chase continued on the streets of Urbana, then Champaign and crossed back into Urbana before the car finally came to a stop at Cunningham Avenue and Perkins Road. The car's driver fled on foot but he was chased down and arrested. He's been identified as Taqwaun Pye of Urbana. He had a backpack that contained several rounds of live ammunition and suspected methamphetamine and marijuana. No injuries were reported  Both Williams and Pye have been arrested on multiple charges.

(Paxton–dm)-Starting  January 1,2025 a new refrigerant will be used for your home air conditioning system.  Dogtown Heating Air and Plumbing  of Paxton's manager Kody Haas has the details...

Dogtown Heating Air and Plumbing office Manager Kody Haas. 

(Chicago–jc)  –Attorney General Kwame Raoul, on Thursday, warned four voice service providers that they have been transmitting suspected illegal robocall traffic on their networks on behalf of one or more of their customers. Raoul is a member of the bi-partisan, 51-attorney general Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force. The letters warned that if these providers continue to transmit robocalls and violate state and federal laws, the task force may pursue further legal actions against these companies and their owners. The companies involved are K-W-K  Communications,  Inbound, A-K-A Management and CallVox.

(Gibson City–jc)  The Ford County board elected a new board chairman in Chase McCall of Gibson City. McCall is a 10 year veteran of the Ford County board. McCall takes a look at his vision to lead Ford County...

Ford County Board Chairman Chase McCall of Gibson City

(Ford County–dm)-For the 4th year the Ford County EMA is sponsoring their Santa Rally.  Ford County EMA Coordinator Terry Whitebird has more information.

Ford County EMA Coordinator Terry Whitebird. You're invited to decorate your vehicle and join in when the rally comes into your town

(The Center Square) – Illinois Governor . J.B. Pritzker is trying to increase the state's housing supply. The governor signed an executive order Wednesday creating an Illinois Director of Housing Solutions to lead consideration, planning and implementation of innovative solutions to combat the state's housing crisis.

Pritzker said there has not been enough focus on working class and middle class housing.Pritzker said he hopes to increase the number of attainable middle-class homes and rental options across the state. The governor said nearly one-third of Illinois households spend more than 30% of their income on housing

(Springfield–jc)  –For fiscal year 2024, the Illinois Office of Executive Inspector General found 186 instances of wrongdoing within executive state agencies.Among the  annual report are highlights of an investigation into public employees improperly obtaining Paycheck Protection Program loans during the pandemic. They found around 30 cases from 18 state agencies falsifying information to get approximately $8 million in public funds improperly awarded. 

(Paxton–dm)-If you don't have dinner plans for Christmas Day The Paxton Covenant Church will fix dinner for you.  Paxton Covenant Church Spokesperson Amanda Nelson has more information.

Paxton Covenant Church Spokesperson Amanda Nelson.   The Menu includes: ham, green bean casserole,mashed potatoes and gravy and desert.

(Springfield–jc)  –More than 155,000 non-citizens in Illinois received a standard ID or driver's license in the past five months. The report follows the recent update changing Temporary Visitor's Driver's License language from "not valid for identification" to "federal limits apply." Standard ID's are not REAL IDs that will be required in May to board commercial flights and enter federal government buildings.

(Chicago–jc)  –Attorney General Kwame Raoul, yesterday.y warned four voice service providers that they have been transmitting suspected illegal robocall traffic on their networks on behalf of one or more of their customers. Raoul is a member of the bi-partisan, 51-attorney general Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force. The letters warned that if these providers continue to transmit robocalls and violate state and federal laws, the task force may pursue further legal actions against these companies and their owners. The companies involved are K-W-K  Communications,  Inbound, A-K-A Management and CallVox.

(Rantoul–jc)  As we look to year's end and the start of 20-25, supporting local businesses is always a key for area chambers of commerce. Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susie Avalos says the village has tourism draws from Hardy's Reindeer Ranch, The Sports Complex and several local industries...

Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susie Avalos

(Bloomington–jc)  – IHSA officials have changed how they classify schools for sports. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the details...

(Paxton–jc)  Santa Claus is coming to Paxton on Saturday morning and making a stop at the Paxton Park District.  Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman says there a delicious breakfast too...

Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman

WPXN News notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, December 13th from 9-10 am at the Fountain Valley Mobile Home basketball courts and from 10:30-11 at the Ludlow community center.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, December 13th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate.

The Onarga American Legion's Christmas Tree Lane will host the Onarga Music Club on Friday, December 13th from 5-8 pm.

The Onarga Chamber of Commerce will hold a Christmas Variety Show on Saturday, December 14th at the Onarga Theatre.

Onarga will hold their lighted Christmas parade on Saturday, December 14th at 4:30 pm.

St. Joseph will hold their lighted Christmas parade on Saturday, December 14th at 6pm.

The Onarga American Legion's Christmas Tree Lane will host the Iroquois West Chamber Choir from 3-6 pm.

The Gibson Area Music Foundation will present its annual Christmas program, which includes selections from "The Messiah," on Sunday, December 15th, at Gibson City's United Methodist Church.

The annual Breakfast with Santa event sponsored by the Paxton Park District is set for Saturday, December 14, at the Civic Center. A free breakfast is served by members of the park board, with Santa available to meet and take photos with children.