(Chicago–jc) – The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s National Financial Conditions Index was unchanged at the end of August, suggesting steady financial conditions. The Chicago Fed’s adjusted Index, which is additionally influenced by economic activity and inflation, was also unchanged.
(Chicago–jc) –Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is making another attempt to stay out of prison. Madigan filed a motion Thursday asking the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to stay his surrender date, pending appeal of his conviction on 10 counts of corruption earlier this year. The former speaker and Democratic Party of Illinois chairman is scheduled to begin serving a 7.5 year prison term Oct. 13.
(Gibson City–jc) – The Greater Gibson Area Economic Alliance continues to meet and look at ways to push for positive economic development in Gibson City and the Ford County area. Greater Gibson Area Economic Alliance Spokesperson Tom Bennett says they just hired a new executive director in Matthew Burns…
Greater Gibson Area Economic Alliance Spokesperson Tom Bennett
(Chicago-jm) – The Trump administration has informed Chicago-area officials that its promised immigration enforcement surge will run for about six weeks, according to the mayor of a suburb that houses an immigration processing center. Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said in a letter to the village's roughly 8,000 residents this week that the Trump administration told village officials that a two-story building used to temporarily hold immigrants before they’re detained or deported will serve as the “primary processing location” for the expected operation. She said local leaders were told the operation will last approximately 45 days, but she didn't say when it might start.
(Washington–jc) Harvest time is approaching quickly, and economists with the U S D A are looking at farm income for 20-25. U S D A: Economist Carrie Litkowski has the numbers heading into fall and harvest…
U S D A Economist Carrie Litkowski
(Evanston-jm) – Northwestern University President Michael Schill said Thursday that he will resign, ending a three-year tenure marked by the freeze of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding by the Trump administration and heated criticism from House Republicans over the university's response to campus protests. The funding freeze and uncertainty over its finances contributed to Northwestern’s decision to lay off around 200 people over the summer. In a statement announcing his resignation, Schill acknowledged the pressure from the White House.
(Paxton–dm)-On Sunday September 7th. at 1 pm the Paxton Pride organization will hold their Never Forget 9-11 Event behind the High School under the Grand Old Flag. Paxton Pride Spokesperson Kim Evans has more information.
Paxton Pride Spokesperson Kim Evans
(Normal–jc) –Illinois State University in Normal’s total enrollment for the fall semester is 21-thousand 994. That is, an increase of 448 students . The new record also marks four years of consecutive growth. The improvements in enrollment and retention result from a focused effort to improve the Redbird experience through new programs that meet student and employer expectations, as well as expanded student support resources and engagement opportunities.
(Lincoln–dm)- The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice celebrated the grand opening of a new youth center. WPXN’s Brayden Perzee has the story.
(The Center Square) – A state representative running for Illinois comptroller says she has got the life, professional and government service experience to do the job.
Democrat state Representative . Stephanie Kifowit, of Oswego, is a Marine veteran, a former city council member and a registered financial advisor. She says her goal is transparency and to secure what’s owed to Illinois. Kifowit could face State Representative Margaret Croke in the Democratic primary March 17. Croke’s campaign announcement video also focused on “efficiency, transparency and oversight.”
(Paxton–jc) Paxton is, again, the place to be on Friday night with the Paxton Mainstreet First Friday Concert series. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says the Brat Pack band from Champaign is on stage at Veterans’ Square on Friday…
Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper
(Springfield-jm) – A plan to expand the legal definition of stalking in state statute has become law in Illinois. Sponsors said this law can help victims obtain a stalking no-contact order more easily if the victim feels under emotional distress. Victims will have the ability to seek relief if they receive multiple phone calls from a stalker after telling them to stop, they repeatedly appear at the victim's workplace or outside their home, or follow the victim in a public place.
(Washington–jc) The corn crop is heading to harvest later this month. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey looks at this years corn…
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois will soon expand access to dual language education programs thanks to a new state law. The legislation calls for the State Board of Education to adopt comprehensive guidance for school districts to establish or expand dual language education by December 2026. This law also requires ISBE to establish an optional recognition pathway to recognize bi literacy for school districts to use before high school by July 2027. The change will include milestones for bilingual students in Pre-K, fifth grade, and eighth grade to encourage early learning development.
(Paxton–dm)-The Paxton Church of Christ will be celebrating 140 years of ministry this Saturday and Sunday. Worship Leader Lyle Adkins tells us about Saturday’s activities.
Paxton church of Christ Worship Leader Lyle Adkins. There will be a worship service at 10:30 on Sunday morning. The Church is located at 400 W. Ottawa in Paxton
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Five professors at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have been named University Scholars in recognition of their achievements in teaching, scholarship and service. The program honors faculty excellence and provides $15,000 to each scholar for three years .University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professors Qian Chen, Emily Knox, Benjamin Grosser, Charee Thompson and Katy Heath were named the 2025 University Scholars. .
(Kankakee–dm)-Clove Alliance is looking for volunteers to join the movement against sexual violence. WPXN’s Brayden Perzee has more information.
For more information, you can contact Brittany Fry at 815-932-7273 (EXT 230)
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
Paxton Main Street will hold their 1st Fridays Concert Series this evening at Veterans Square. The Brat Pack will perform hits from the 80s.
The Rankin Lions Club will hold their Friday Night Supper tonight from 4:30–7 pm.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their family dinner tonight from 5-7pm. Cost is $15 and includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and 2 sides.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting the Loda Sons of the American Legion on Saturday from 10-2.
The Upper Room Bible Church in Paxton will hold a neighborhood block party on Saturday from noon to 4pm. Activities include food, live music and games.
The Paxton Church of Christ will hold a 140th anniversary open house on Saturday with bounce houses and games at 3, BBQ supper at 5, past ministers speaking at 6 and a free gospel concert at 7.
The Melvin Community Hall welcomes Dennis Stroughmatt and Band on Saturday at 7pm. Doors open at 5:30. Cost is $10 for adults, kids 12 and under are free.
The Illinois & Indiana Firefighters Association’s annual 9/11 Memorial Ride will be held Sunday. Local stops include Rossville at 11:32 a.m., Hoopeston at noon, Rankin at 12:10 p.m., Paxton at 12:21 p.m, Ludlow at 1:37 p.m., Rantoul at 1:51 p.m., Gifford at 2 p.m., Penfield at 2:05 p.m., Armstrong at 2:10 p.m. and Potomac at 2:13 p.m.For more information, people can call Dan Hudson at 217-474-5177 or Melissa Hudson at 217-663-9462.
PRIDE in Paxton will hold a 9/11 memorial event on Sunday at 1pm at the Grand Old Flag.
Paxton’s Grace Baptist Church will host a special outdoor worship service in the pavilion at Pells Park in Paxton at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, followed by a free cookout until 8:30 p.m.
