(Springfield-jm) – A suburban Senate Democrat has filed four bills to help address auto and homeowner insurance ratemaking. Senator Michael Hastings of Frankfort wants Illinois to examine whether families are paying higher auto insurance premiums due to nondriving factors that have little to do with actual risk on the road. His plan calls on the Illinois Department of Insurance to conduct thorough reviews of how insurers use credit scores, jobs, education level and other socioeconomic factors to set auto and homeowner insurance rates. Yet, the Illinois Insurance Association says that credit, zip code and age are essential to accurately assessing risk for drivers. The group said these tools help keep insurance premiums lower for the majority of Illinois consumers. A separate plan would ban insurance companies from cost shifting, or passing the cost of out-of-state emergencies like hurricanes, wildfires, or floods onto Illinois customers. Hastings also hopes to gain support for a bill to require insurers to provide advance written notice to customers before imposing significant rate increases on home or auto policies. Companies raising premiums by more than 10% would need to give auto policyholders 30 days' notice, and homeowners would receive 60 days' notice. 

 

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker  announced last week, the creation of a new group of governors impacted by the PJM energy grid operator, but Republicans say it’s state policies that are driving costs up. Pritzker’s office announced PJM Governor’s Collaborative, saying its aim is to strengthen state representation in the decision-making process of PJM Interconnection. His office said there are concerns over PJM’s role in driving up electricity costs. Before Thursday’s announcement at an unrelated event, Pritzker criticized the operator.    During a House Executive Committee hearing Thursday about proposed changes to the state’s energy policy, including tacking on another surcharge to ratepayer bills, driving costs up more, state Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, said it’s not PJM that’s inflating rates, it’s state policies.

 

Rep CD Davidsmeyer, R -Murrayville

 

(Fisher-jm) – Two people were hospitalized Friday night following a crash involving an SUV and car in Champaign County. At approximately 7:22 p.m. Illinois State Police Troop 7 responded to Illinois 47 at 3100 North in Fisher for the report of a two-unit personal injury traffic crash. The accident involved a Toyota SUV and a Chevrolet passenger car.  As a result of the crash, two individuals were transported to a local area hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. The scene was then cleared at approximately 10:20 p.m.

 

(USDA–dm)- You might wonder what are some of the ways the farm sector is expected to benefit from trade deals made by our country over the past few months? Rod Bain has the story

 

(Hoopeston-jm) – A 31-year-old Hoopeston man was cited on Friday after allegedly stealing a city water meter. Hoopeston Police responded to the 800 block of E McCracken Avenue after receiving information regarding a person violating a city ordinance. Hoopeston Police officers then cited 31-year-old Colin Carswell of Hoopeston with theft of state supported property for stealing a water meter, and theft of services for the theft of water. Officers gave Carswell a notice to appear for Hoopeston City Court due to the city ordinance violation.

 

(Paxton–dm)-Although we are just a week into Fall, you probably need to think about what you need to do to get your pool ready for winter.  Paxton Hardware  and Rental owner Scott Allen gives us some tips.

   

Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen.  You can hear more from Scott Saturday mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success.

 

(Champaign–dm)-A Guatemalan national has pleaded guilty to being illegally present in the United States after a prior removal and failing to update his registration as a convicted sex offender.Prosecutors say Roberto Nicolas-Simon, 24, had been removed from the country following his 2020 conviction for aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor in Champaign County. Sentencing is scheduled Feb. 2, 2026 at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana, Illinois.

 

(Paxton–jc)  It was a sunny and successful day for the Paxton Area Down Syndrome Walk event in Paxton on Sunday. Those attending were treated to a free lunch, a walk around the Paxton Buckley Loda track and some fundraising. The group raised money for new books  and other resources for the local schools

 

(Buckley–jc)  Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Abbe Insurance in Buckley. Larry Abbe has been in the insurance business for over 40 years. Abbe says today he specializes in medicare supplements and annuities..

 

Larry is hosting a meeting on medicare coverage on Wednesday morning at 10 at the Buckley American Legion.  Those interested can show up at the free meeting and learn more about coverages, options and more. 

 

Abbe Insurance of Buckley is the WPXN Business of the Day, today

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority announced the success of the most recent round of SmartBuy, a first-of-its-kind initiative that helped 533 Illinoisans eliminate $16 million in student loan debt while achieving the dream of homeownership in only 12 weeks. Through SmartBuy, homeowners were able to purchase a home eight years earlier than traditional Illinois Housing Development Authority borrowers. Relaunched in December 2024, SmartBuy offered an affordable 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with $5,000 in deferred down payment or closing cost assistance, alongside up to $40,000 in direct student loan relief for borrowers purchasing a home in Illinois.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Rail Safety Week is past but officials around the state are encouraging safety. Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman Doug Scott talks about the importance of rail safety…

 

Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman Doug Scott.

 

(Undated-jm) — Multiple fire departments were called to battle a field fire Saturday afternoon near Sibley. Firefighters from Sibley, Gibson City, Forest and Cropsey battled the blaze in a corn field. A combine fire was also reported near Fisher over the weekend.

 

(The Center Square) – Former state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, is making a second run for Illinois governor. Bailey launched his campaign for the 2026 Republican nomination Thursday morning in Carterville and then spoke in Bloomington. At an event Thursday evening in Oak Brook, Bailey said his campaign is about taxes, opportunity and affordability.

 

Republican Candidate for Governor Darren Bailey

 

(Gilman–dm)-Harvest is under way and Ford-Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Casey Claire tells us about the progress being made.

 

Ford-Iroquois County Farm Bureau Manager Casey Claire

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – Jason Whaling has thrown his name in for Vermilion County Treasurer in the November 2026  election. As treasurer, Whaling says he plans to modernize how Vermilion County manages its finances, diversify county investments, safeguard public funds and bring greater transparency to financial reporting.

 

WPXN News notes…

 

Hudson Drug and Hallmark will host a COVID booster, RSV, shingles, pneumonia and flu vaccine drive for seniors on Tuesday, September 30th from 4-7 pm at the Paxton Fire House.

 

The Ford County Public Health Department will host a flu clinic on Tuesday, September 30th from 10-2 at the Gibson City Bible Church.

 

The Rankin Lions Club will hold their First Friday Dinner on Friday, October 3rd from 4:30-7:30 pm.

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their family dinner on Friday, October 3rd from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes chicken, fish or shrimp and 2 sides for $15.

 

Thomasboro Fall Townwide Garage sales will take place Friday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 4th.