(Springfield-jm) – Walgreens appeared before the Illinois Supreme Court to argue against a class action lawsuit filed by concerned customers. The case surrounds credit and debit card digits included on Walgreens receipts. A customer used a debit card at a Walgreens in Arizona and realized 10 digits of her card number were included on the receipt. The federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act states that receipts cannot show more than five digits of a card. She filed a class action lawsuit in Illinois stating the company broke the law and put customers at risk for identity theft. Walgreens argued the violation did not cause the plaintiff to suffer concrete harm.

 

(Springfield-jm) – New data shows the unemployment rate in the State of Illinois dropped slightly last month, even as the number of payroll jobs also fell. The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced on Thursday that the unemployment rate in August was recorded at 4.4%, down 0.2 percentage points from the month prior. It’s the lowest unemployment rate since July of 2023, based on preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of unemployed persons was 292,500, down 2.7% from the prior month, and down 12.7% from one year ago.

 

(Springfield–jc) –Two years after the no-cash bail system fully took effect in September of 20-23, Illinoisans continue to suffer the consequences while criminals walk free. Courts are overwhelmed, police are operating with fewer tools and more unreasonable mandates, all while repeat offenders are cycling in and out of custody. Former law officer and now 105th District State Representative Dennis Tipsword, Republican from Metamora says the safety-act law sides with criminals not the citizens and residents of Illinois… 

   

105th District State Representative Dennis Tipsword, Republican of Metamora.

 

(Urbana-jm) – A 17-year-old student from Urbana High School was arrested following a reported threat to commit violence at the school. The Urbana Police Department said the threat was made after a confrontation with other students and was overheard by school personnel, who promptly reported it to the police. The threat involved a statement about shooting up the school. Police officers quickly initiated an investigation and located the student. With the consent of the juvenile's guardian, officers searched the student's residence but found no weapons. The investigation revealed that the threat was made off school grounds, and there is no evidence that firearms were present at Urbana High School at any time. Throughout the investigation, Urbana Police worked closely with Urbana School District officials to ensure the safety of students and staff.

 

(Urbana-jm) – It’s Official. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's football stadium will now be known as Gies Memorial Stadium, following a unanimous decision by the Board of Trustees. This renaming honors a $100 million donation from philanthropist Larry Gies.  In addition to the stadium renaming, the Board of Trustees approved an $8.9 billion operating budget for the fiscal year, marking a 7.8% increase over the previous year. The budget emphasizes academic excellence, affordability, and resources for student and staff success.

 

(The Center Square) – According to a Republican candidate for Illinois governor, schools in the state can succeed without spending big.Ted Dabrowski said two Clinton County school districts, Aviston and Bartelso, had the highest reading levels in the state in 2019. Illinois taxpayers pay about $19,000 per student statewide. Dabrowski said he traveled to Clinton County to talk with teachers, administrators and parents.

   

Illinois Republican Candidate for Governor Ted Dabrowski

 

(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign man was sentenced to 60 years for first-degree murder in a 2023 shooting. William Wesley was sentenced following a July 25, 2025 jury verdict of guilty to First Degree Murder in the July 3, 2023, shooting of Marcus Catching Jr. Champaign officers found Catchings with a gunshot wound to the back of his head in a stairwell of his residence at 2541 W. Springfield Avenue. Wesley was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia for his involvement on August 25, 2023. Witnesses identified Wesley as the person leaving carrying the duffle bag and officers were able to connect the stolen Jeep with Wesley following the shooting.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  Some members of a local union that serves the village of Rantoul held a silent protest at the Rantoul Municipal building on Thursday. Members of the Operating Engineers Local 3-99 held the event as the union continues to re-negotiate its contract with the village of Rantoul. Wages, healthcare and a steady workforce are several issues. The two sides have been working on a new deal for around 14 months. 

 

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is appealing to the public for assistance in the ongoing investigation into the 1985 death of Dr. Barbara Bremer. Dr. Bremer, a dedicated psychologist at Carle Clinic, was reported missing on September 20, 1985, by her coworkers. Known for her professionalism and passion for cycling, Bremer was last seen by a neighbor on the evening of September 19, 1985, leaving her home on her green Peugeot 10-speed bicycle. On September 24, 1985, a call to the Sheriff’s Office reported a bicycle in a cornfield, leading deputies to discover Bremer’s body alongside her bicycle. An autopsy revealed she suffered multiple traumatic injuries to her left mandible, anterior neck region, and chest. Her helmet, gloves, and shorts had been removed. Despite efforts at the time, the case remains unsolved.

 

(Roberts–dm)-The Ford County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee has been meeting to develop a hazard mitigation plan.  They will meet on Tuesday September 23rd at 630pm to discuss the final plan.  Ford County Emergency Agency Coordinator Terry Whitebird has more information

   

Ford County Emergency Agency Coordinator Terry Whitebird.  The meeting is being held at the Roberts gym

 

(Paxton–jc)  – Those in Paxton, early on Saturday morning will be able to use their noses to enjoy the start of the 13th annual Paxton Swine and Dine in the city. The barbeque contest begins at 6 on Saturday. There are also many events to enjoy throughout the day including a kids zone, car cruise, bags tournament and music. Diamond Rio is the headline of acts tomorrow night in downtown Paxton. 

 

(Paxton–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is the Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16. The group has been part of the community since 1870. The group has their location in the commandery building in downtown Paxton. Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16 spokesperson Jim Sherl says the building in downtown Paxton is the largest in the county…

Sherl says the masons are a Christian based group, helping those in need……

Paxton Masonic Lodge 4-16 Spokesperson Jim Sherl

The group is hosting a raffle to raise money for local projects. Grand Prize is a trip to New York City to see a Broadway Show, stay in downtown New York, air fare and also 500 dollars cash. Tickets are available and the drawing is set for 2pm tomorrow afternoon during the Swine and Dine event in downtown Paxton. 

 

(Undated-jm) – Starbucks workers in three states took legal action against the coffee giant Wednesday, saying it violated the law when it changed its dress code but refused to reimburse employees who had to buy new clothes. The employees, who are backed by the union organizing Starbucks' workers, filed class-action lawsuits in state court in Illinois and Colorado. Workers also filed complaints with California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency. If the agency decides not to seek penalties against Starbucks, the workers intend to file a class-action lawsuit. Starbucks’ new dress code went into effect on May 12. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – An electric vehicle infrastructure project in Champaign was selected as one of 25 across the state that will receive funding from the state to fund construction. State Representative Carol Ammons of Urbana announced on Thursday that Champaign County will receive around $550,000 to build additional charging stations at Champaign’s Meijer, located at 2401 North Prospect Avenue. There will be at least four DC fast charging ports, each of which can fully charge a typical EV in less than 3 minutes.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County warned property owners Thursday of a property scam letter circulating throughout the county. According to a statement from the county clerk, residents have been receiving "vague, but urgent-sounding" letters stating that money is available to the owners if they call the number listed on the letter. Champaign County said the letter is a scam, and they advise people to not call the number or give any personal information over the phone. The county also recommended signing up for property fraud alerts on the clerk's website.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Community members were asked to stay away from the area of Green Street and 3rd Street in Champaign after a fire broke out Thursday afternoon. An Illini Alert was issued around 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. According to the alert, there was a fire at 303 E. Green St., which is the address of a Campustown apartment. Residents were asked to avoid the area.

 

(Cissna Park-bp) - The Cissna Park FFA is hosting their annual Pumpkins In The Park, Food will be served throughout the event…FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton has the info…

 

FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton.

 

(Normal-jm) – A Champaign man was arrested in Normal for alleged child sex crimes, police say. 35-year-old Nathaniel Stokes faces charges of predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. He appeared in McLean County Circuit Court. A future court date has not yet been set. In July, an investigation was started by the Normal police after allegations began that Stokes had inappropriate contact with a girl while he was living in Normal. If convicted of all charges, he faces up to 60 years in prison.

 

(Champaign-jm) – A mix of drastic dips in mortgage rates and a growing supply in August have reshaped the housing landscape in Champaign County. As fall approaches, the shifting mortgage rates and growing supply of homes on the market are both making an impact. According to the August report from the Champaign County Association of Realtors, home sales continued to ease last month with 255 properties sold. This number is down from both July 2025 and August 2024.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The 13th annual Paxton Swine and Dine in downtown Paxton is set for all day on Saturday. Paxton Swine and Dine Spokesperson Alan Meyer says most of the activities are free and among the music is national act…Diamond Rio…

 

 

Paxton Swine and Dine Spokesperson Alan Meyer. The barbeque contests begin at 6am on Saturday in downtown Paxton l 

 

WPXN Weekend News Notes…

 

Downtown Gibson City will host its monthly Friday Night Car Cruise this evening featuring classic cars cruising and parked along Sangamon Avenue, plus live music by Jordan and Jill from 6-9 p.m. and food vendors throughout the evening

 

Artesia Brewery in Thawville will hold their Oktoberfest tonight and tomorrow starting at 5pm both nights. Activities include German food and beer and live music.

 

Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting Angel Warriors on Saturday from 10-2.