(Undated–jc) –Another winter storm will affect parts of Illinois today. A winter storm warning has been issued for much of southern Illinois still reeling from last weekend's storm. The snow is anticipated to begin at this hour. Heavy snow is expected with accumulations between 4-6 inches. A winter weather advisory has been issued for much of central Illinois. In the WPXN Listening area, around 1 to 3 inches of new snow is expected
(Springfield-jc) –The new class of Illinois legislators hasn't skipped a beat in filing new legislation. Members of the newly seated Illinois House have already filed more than 1,100 pieces of legislation despite being officially seated Wednesday. The previous two-year term, the House and the Senate filed more than 10,000 bills and resolutions.
(The Center Square) – As the 104th General Assembly gets underway, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is revealing his priorities for 2025. The governor held a news conference in Springfield this week, after attending the inauguration of the Senate.
The Democratic Governor has repeatedly criticized President-elect Donald Trump and his policies, and was asked if he will continue to "Trump-proof" Illinois...
Illinois Governor J B Pritzker
(Springfield–jc) –The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association is recognizing Human Trafficking Prevention Month throughout January, recognizing the key role the hospitality industry plays in identifying and working to put an end to this crime. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently issued a proclamation designating Jan. 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Illinois. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by state officials to raise awareness and enhance education on prevention methods.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A new law affecting Social Security benefits for workers with a public pension means some retirees will receive a modest increase in their monthly checks, according to a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expert on U.S. tax policy and retirement issues. The bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act got rid of the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, which reduced Social Security benefits for some public employees with pensions, says Richard L. Kaplan, the Guy Raymond Jones Chair in Law at Illinois.
Kaplan says the new law changes how Social Security benefits are calculated for workers whose employers didn't pay into Social Security for the bulk of their careers. Kaplan estimated that the new law would affect approximately 3% of Social Security beneficiaries.
(Springfield–jc) Jason Bunting of Emmington took the oath of office on Wednesday for the 106th District Illinois House seat. Representative Bunting says he is thankful for the opportunity from his constituents and is ready for the 104th General Assembly...
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Buckley Loda School system received an anonymous 100 thousand dollar donation for the science department at the Ford County school. The announcement was made this week. The money will be used for safety upgrades and equipment.
(Watseka–dm)-Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka will be hosting their "Know your numbers" lab fair Monday January 13th through Saturday January 19th. Hours are 7am-10am and no appointment is necessary. Iroquois Memorial Business and Industry Outreach Director Mary Kay Lavicka tells us what numbers they will be testing for.
Iroquois Memorial Business and Industry Director Mary Kay Lavicka. The cost is $65 and no physician orders are needed..
(Illinois–jc) –Seven Illinois men have been charged in connection with a luxury car heist that occurred in Wisconsin nearly a year ago. Last February, a Jaguar and Land Rover dealership in Waukesha, Wisconsin, was burglarized. Police said the burglars located key fobs and drove away with nine vehicles. Investigators were able to connect all the suspects to the heist because they were on a group phone call at the time.
(Champaign–jc) Champaign Police were called to a shooting incident on Thursday afternoon that fatally injured one person. WCIA reports that officers were dispatched to Cynthiga Drive just before 4pm on Thursday. Police are continuing their investigation this morning.
(Springfield–jc) – New legislation could expand job opportunities for young workers throughout Illinois. The measure would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work summer jobs, like lifeguarding and officiating sports, for Illinois park districts and recreational departments, as long as an adult is on-site. Sponsors say the changes are designed to address concerns from park districts about staff shortages.
(Springfield–jc) The January "lame duck" session in Springfield was concluded on Tuesday and the 104th General Assembly has been sworn in. What was accomplished during the "lame duck" session? The answer from 110th District State Representative Chris Miller, Republican from Oakland blasted the democratic majority for not dealing with the main issues facing Illinois citizens...
110th District State Representative Chris Miller, Republican from Oakland
(Chicago–jc)-- Birds have nearly stopped colliding into the McCormick Place in Chicago. The Field Museum reports that since bird-safe film was installed on the building's windows last summer, collisions into the mostly glass structure were down over 95% during the recent fall migration compared to previous years.
The building is Chicago's easternmost structure on the lakefront, sitting squarely along one of the region's busiest migratory pathways for birds.
(The Center Square) – Some Illinois Republicans are calling for legislation to allow Illinoisans to recall corrupt public office holders. Illinois House Republicans Dan Ugaste, of Geneva, and David Friess,of-Red Bud, have introduced legislation that provides that local officeholders who were elected during a general or consolidated election may be recalled under the Local Government Elected Official Recall Act. We hear more from Illinois State Representative Dan Ugaste...
65th District State Representative Dan Ugaste of Geneva.
CHAMPAIGN - Champaign Police Deputy Chief Geoff Coon has announced his retirement following more than 26 years of service to the City of Champaign. Coon, a 1998 graduate of the University of Illinois, will mark his last day with the Champaign Police Department, tomorrow.
(Undated–jc) One national and state business group has the backs of small business. WPXN"s Joel Cluver has the story...
(Springfield–jc)---Motorheads in Springfield will be the place to celebrate Route 66. The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway organization says its Statewide Conference and Centennial Celebration will take place November 11, 2026, at Motorheads in Springfield. This momentous event marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66 and invites enthusiasts, roadies, Byway members, and non-members to join in a full day of education, recognition, and celebration.
WPXN News notes...
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, January 10th from 9-10 at 185 W. Sangamon Avenue in Rantoul and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Center.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, January 10th from 5-7pm. Cost is $10.
The Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau will hold their Market Outlook Meeting on Tuesday, January 14th. Dinner begins at 5:30 with the meeting beginning at 6. RSVPs are required by calling 217-265-4712.
The 2025 Midwest Ag Expo will take place Wednesday, January 22nd and Thursday, January 23rd at Gordyville USA. Hours on the 22nd is 8:30-4, 23rd 8:30-3.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their Mountain Oyster lunch on Saturday, January 25th from 12-2pm. Cost is $15.
The 2025 Hoopeston Area FFA Alumni Scholarship Auction will take place on Saturday, January 25th at the Hoopeston American Legion. Silent Auction 4-6pm, food served starting at 4:30pm. Live Auction at 6.
The St. Joseph Ogden FFA auction is set for Saturday, February 1st with the dinner and silent auction at 5 with the live auction beginning at 6pm.
