(Springfield-jm) – Illinois will be participating in the IRS Direct File service beginning January 27th. Direct File allows residents to electronically prepare and file their 2024 federal tax returns for free. Nearly two million Illinois taxpayers are eligible to use the program. After filing federal taxes, the program also connects taxpayers to Illinois' free state income tax filing system, MyTax Illinois, where they can file and complete their Illinois state returns.

(Mahomet–jc)  The State of Illinois is looking at a 3 point 7 to a nearly 4 Billion dollar budget deficit for the next fiscal year which begins on July First. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet has one idea to save a Billion dollars. Rose asks why so much is given as "freebies" to illegal aliens and non-citizens...

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet

(Champaign-jm) – This week Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding a retail theft. On December 3, 2024, at approximately 3:41 p.m., a male subject entered Hollywood Liquors at 512 South Neil Street in Champaign carrying a tote bag. The subject began placing merchandise into the tote bag and was confronted by a store employee. Shortly after, the subject grabbed several additional items and left the store without paying. The stolen merchandise was valued at approximately $340. The suspect was described as a black male with a dark beard. He was last seen wearing a white 'Nirvana" hooded sweatshirt with black writing, black sweatpants, and tan or gray tennis shoes.

(Paxton–jc) Paxton City Leaders  will hear an update on the southeast side of Paxton drainage project when they meet in monthly session  tonight. An engineering agreement for motor fuel tax dollars, a look at additional fee collection methods and the annual meeting calendar are also topics for discussion. The Paxton City Council meets at 7 Tonight on the second floor at city hall. 

(The Center Square) – A measure that transfers an Illinois state park to a Native American tribe is being criticized as a Democratic land grab.  Before adjourning the 103rd Illinois General Assembly, the Illinois House took up Senate Bill 867 that would transfer ownership of Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Sponsors of the legislation say the land in DeKalb County was illegally seized and auctioned off by the U.S. government in the 1800s.The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation became the first federally recognized Native American nation in Illinois nearly a year ago.  State Rep. Brad Fritts, R-Dixon, who represents the affected district, said there are many glaring issues with the legislation. Nearly 25 years ago, the Miami Indian Tribe sought for sovereign ground locally near Paxton in Ford County and east of Urbana in Champaign County. 

(Gifford–jc)  –  The 30th annual Midwest Ag Expo is set for next Wednesday and Thursday at Gordyville USA just west of Gifford.  Midwest Ag Expo Show Manager Jami Applegate says its everything agriculture, but also lots of food options too...

Midwest Ag Expo Show Manager Jami Applegate. The show is free to attend, with free parking too. WPXN will be broadcasting live on Wednesday January 22nd starting at 9am

CHAMPAIGN - Champaign Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler   announced the appointment of a long-serving member of the Champaign Police Department to serve as Deputy Chief of Police. Gregory Manzana has been appointed as Deputy Chief of Operations. He will oversee the Department's Uniform Patrol Division and specialized units including the Crisis Intervention Team, SWAT, Field Training, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and K-9 Units.  Manzana has served with the Champaign Police Department since 2002.  Deputy Chief Manzana began his appointment Monday.

(Paxton–jc) –Over the last year, the Paxton Buckley Loda Booster Club has raised funds to provide "warm ups" for all sports teams at PBL Junior High and PBL High School. Paxton Buckley Loda Booster Club President Nicole Miller says the group provides items that are not funded by the school district...

Paxton Buckley Loda Sports Booster Club President Nicole Miller. The next fundraiser for the group is the annual Glo Bingo event set for February 22nd at the Pueblo Lindo Restaurant in Paxton. Sponsorships and tickets are available, while supplies last. 

(Urbana–jc)--Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer has  released the name of

an Urbana, who has died after his involvement in a  motor vehicle crash on News Years Day. 62 year old Michael Perkins, was pronounced dead at Carle

Foundation Hospital ib Sunday. An autopsy was performed yesterday and the death continues to be investigated by the Champaign County Sheriff's Office and

the Champaign County Coroner's Office. 

(Rantoul–jc)  –  Rantoul Village leaders are looking at demolition requirements for buildings in town when they meet in monthly session. Local leaders will also look to amend the official zoning map for properties at 626 West Champaign Avenue and 701 West Chandler Road. Village trustees are also expected to approve a landscaping contract with Deem Landscaping for just under 39 thousand dollars. Another agenda item is to pass a resolution for an agreement between Rantoul and Carle Arrow Ambulance for E-M-S Services. The Rantoul Village board meets at 6 tonight in the village offices on Tanner Street. 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Secretary of State's office is working to bring IDs in Apple Wallet to Illinois residents in the future with the goal of launching by the end of the year, Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced. The news follows legislation that took effect at the beginning of the year, which enabled the Secretary of State's office to begin this work. This capability will enable residents to seamlessly and securely add and present their driver's licenses and state IDs in person and in apps using their iPhone or Apple Watch.

(The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator wants to know why the state of Illinois is sending voter registration forms to non-citizens . Another issue is the similar driver's license and ID cards says 54th District State Senator. Steve McClure, Republican from Springfield...

54th district State Senator Steve McClure, Republican from Springfield

(Paxton-jm) – Paxton firefighters were called for a reported gas leak at a home in Paxton Monday afternoon. When they arrived they discovered a stove had been left on all day. Crews ventilated the home before clearing the scene.

(Springfield–jc)  One lawmaker blasted Democratic leadership in Springfield during the recent "lame duck" session. Only very limited action was completed at the 4 days in Springfield until the final hour of "lame duck."   110th District State Representative, Republican Chris Miller of Oakland says a lot of Illinoisans call the state government the "bad idea factory"...

110th District State Representative Republican Chris Miller of Oakland

(Rantoul–dm)- You might think The Community Service Center in Rantoul just provides food for people in need, but they also provide a lot of personal care items to needed everyday services.  Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says this time of year they do run "low" on a number of items...

Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford 

(Springfield–jc)  –Voting is now open to choose a new Illinois state flag. The redesign contest runs through February 14th, and Illinoisans can pick from one of the Illinois Flag Commission's Top 10 new designs, or one of three former flag designs.  The Illinois Flag Commission will count the votes and report its findings and recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1. 

(Undated-jm) – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have risen 2.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.21, according to GasBuddy. Prices in Illinois are 0.9 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 11.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 3.7 cents in the last week and stands at $3.525 per gallon.