(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported one case of measles in the state. IDPH said the case involves an adult in far southern Illinois and is not connected to any known outbreak at this time. The department believes the risk to the public to still be low. Illinois has had no other reported cases of measles since an outbreak in Chicago in early 2024 that resulted in 67 cases, according to IDPH. But nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported 800 cases with multiple deaths.
(Urbana–jc) We’ve heard that processed foods can be bad for our health. But sometimes it’s a matter of convenience. Those foods can be cheaper, easier to cook, have a longer shelf life and have a lower risk of food-borne illness. So, how can we learn to live with processed foods? Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare tells you..
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(Kankakee–jc) Kankakee Community College is one of 21 small community colleges across the nation with a gold ranking in the 2025 Guide to Military Friendly Schools, published in conjunction with “G.I. Jobs” magazine. KCC has had 27 veterans enroll during the 2024-25 school year, according to the college’s Office of Financial Aid. Among these veterans, 18 are utilizing Veterans Administration Education benefits. KCC is also a Military Spouse Friendly School
(Chicago–jc0 – University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen announced a $16 million commitment over five years to support operations of the system’s Discovery Partners Institute facility at the planned Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago — reaffirming the system’s continued commitment in driving Illinois’ innovation economy. D-P-I’s expanded focus on the future of computing — including quantum — is expected to meet challenges in health care, food production, manufacturing, climate science and many other areas that are beyond the reach of today’s computers.
(Springfield–jc) It’s the smell. One proposed measure in Springfield, would prevent law officers from duties if they just smell marijuana. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema says the measure hurts law enforcement and safety…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon.
(Paxton-jm) – A bridge in Paxton is closed following an inspection. The pedestrian bridge at Orleans Street over the railroad tracks is closed. The city had the bridges at Pells and Holmes inspected and asked to have the pedestrian bridge inspected as well. The city says there were issues with the approaches to the bridge which have caused it to be closed. The PBL school district has moved the crossing guard down to Patton Street.
(Paxton–jc) – The Paxton Community Nursery School annual Spring Art Show and Silent Auction fundraiser is set for this afternoon and early evening at the school on Fall Street. The time of the event is 5-30pm to 7pm. Paxton Community Nursery School President Samantha Magers talks about the curriculum at the local school for 3 to 5 year olds…
Paxton Community Nursery School President Samantha Magers. The public is encouraged to attend the event.
(Roberts–jc) You need to prepare. Be it weather related or community related. The Ford County Emergency Management Service is hosting a Community Preparedness event in Roberts on Monday from 6pm to 8pm. The event is also sponsored by the Ford County Public Health Department at the Roberts Gym
(Onarga–jc) A Poppy 5-K and Fun walk is set for later May in one Iroquois County town to support veterans and their families. The Onarga American Legion Auxiliary is hosting the event on Saturday May 24th at 9am at Durham Park.
CHICAGO – Illinois has faced an alarming surge in hate and extremism, following national trends. Hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% statewide since 2021, with bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents. Now, the Illinois Department of Human Rights and Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes urgently call on all residents to report acts of hate through the Help Stop Hate initiative—a safe, confidential service that provides support and resources. Since its launch, Help Stop Hate has emerged as a vital lifeline for survivors, offering immediate relief through anonymous reporting, trauma-informed care, and connections to services—such as legal aid—to fill gaps where traditional systems fall short. Victims or witnesses can report acts of hate online anytime at ILStopHate.org or over the phone at 877-458-HATE
(Kankakee–jc) The tall red brick building standing at 1440 W. Court St. in Kankakee will be renamed. Officials with Clove Alliance say the building will honor the memory of Rebecca Schatz.Schatz served on Clove Alliance’s board, including in the role of treasurer. She was instrumental in helping the organization survive state funding cuts. Her community focus inspired fellow board members. Clove Alliance, the anti-sexual violence organization serves the citizens of Kankakee Iroquois and Ford Counties.
(Urbana-jm) – A University of Illinois graduate donated $5 million to the Gies College of Business’ real estate program. Nate Reichard graduated from Gies with a degree in accountancy in 2006. In recognition of his donation, the Real Estate Finance Academy will be renamed the “Reichard Real Estate Academy.” The five-semester academy program launched in 2023. Now, Reichard’s contribution will allow the program to expand applied learning, mentorship opportunities and student access.
(Paxton–jc) Springtime is street repairs planning time and work on several city of Paxton streets are planned for this year. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city is using some state funds and that means certain regulations…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign City Council just gave the green light to buy Chase Bank in downtown Champaign for $6 million. City leaders say the current City Building is overcrowded. The deal includes about $3 million for the building, $25,000 in closing costs, and almost $3 million in renovations.
(Buckley–jc) With the school year heading into its final month, one area Christian school is preparing for the next school year with enrollment opportunities. Christ Lutheran High School, based in Buckley, is now accepting new students. Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz has the details…
Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz
(Champaign–jc) – The City of Champaign Board of Fire and Police commissioners is set to meet on Monday. The main agenda item is to approve police officer testing. The meeting comes to order on Monday at 4pm in the Champaign City Council Chambers.
(Champaign County–jc) Road construction continues at all hours of the day and night in Champaign County along the Interstate 57 and 74 corridors. One overpass in Champaign that holds I-72 over I-57 was closed overnight for the removal of beams in the bridge. The closure was last night into the early morning hours today.
I-Dot Officials and area police agencies continue to remind the motoring public to drive extra careful through all road construction zones.
(Bismarck–jc) – Danville Area Community College has a new student trustee to its board. He is Cole Crawley. Crawley is a senior at Bismarck-Henning Rossville-Alvin Cooperative High School. His term on the DACC board runs through April 14th of 20-26
(Southern Illinois) –Nine people are facing federal immigration-related charges in southern Illinois. Most of the suspects are accused of being in the U.S. illegally after being previously deported. Investigators say one suspect has been deported multiple times but has re-entered the country illegally. Court documents say that in 2019, the man tried to enter the U.S. by wading the Rio Grande River.In addition to federal charges, the suspects are also susceptible to deportation proceedings.
(Hoopeston–jc) – Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Lithgow Automotive and MotorSports of Hoopeston. They are a family owned business and are celebrating 27 years in business. Lithgow Automotive and MotorSports Owner Phil Lithgow provides a bit of history of the family business…
He says it is a true family operation…
Lithgow Automotive and MotorSports Owner Phil Lithgow. They have a complete Carquest parts and service center and have Dixie Chopper Mowers ready for your lawn this year. ALso Cam Am A-T-S’s and Skidoo Snowmobiles for the winter. Lithgow Automotive and MotorSports,, route 1 south in Hoopeston is the WPXN Business of the Day, today
WPXN News notes…
Danville Area Community College will hold their career expo on Today from 11-3 in the Mary Miller Gymnasium.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their pork chop sandwich dinner on Friday, April 25th from 5-7pm. Cost is $8 and includes a sandwich and a side.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host Neon Rodeo, a tribute to 90s country on Friday, April 25th at 8pm. Cost is $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the PBL Class of 2029 on Saturday April 26th from 10-2.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their Mountain Oyster Dinner on Saturday, April 26th from noon to 2 pm. The dinner includes Mt. Oysters, Livers, Gizzards, Mac & Cheese, and potato wedges for $15.
The United State Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note spring tour will take place on Monday, April 28th at 7pm at Champaign’s Central High School. The concert is free to attend.
