(Springfield-jm) — Illinois is facing a $267 million deficit for the budget approved in May. The governor's office of management and budget said the state has seen a drastic drop in corporate income tax receipts since the new fiscal year started. Governor JB Pritzker's office said the Big Beautiful Bill is costing Illinois $587 million in corporate tax receipts and roughly $250 million in individual income tax receipts. The governor has already directed state agencies to review their budgets and reserve up to 4% of funds to lessen the impact of President Donald Trump's budget bill.
(Springfield-jm) — Illinois House Democrats approved a resolution Wednesday condemning political violence. Leader Lisa Hernandez said political violence has impacted Democrats and Republicans across the country, as former Minnesota Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were killed just months before Charlie Kirk's assassination. However, the Illinois Democratic Party Chair told her colleagues that lawmakers must also condemn political violence committed by ICE agents and other federal officials invading the state. House Republicans spoke in strong opposition to the resolution and its sponsors, criticizing the Trump administration. Representative Adam Niemerg said the president has stepped up to get criminals off the streets of Chicago and the suburbs.
(Springfield–jc) Some Republicans in Springfield continue to ask for “ethics reform” at the state capitol. With former Illinois House Speaker Democrat Mike Madigan now serving a 7 plus year jail term, 117th District State Representative Patrick Windhorst, Republican from Metropolis says ethics reforms are overdue in Springfield…
117th District State Representative Patrick Windhorst, Republican from Metropolis.
(Martinton-jm) – A grain bin at the Martinton grain elevator in Iroquois County collapsed yesterday knocking out power to the community. The elevator, owned by Donovan Farmers Cooperative, said employees noticed one of the concrete silos showing signs of distress. They evacuated the facility and notified emergency personnel. No injuries were reported.
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff's Office and the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency have announced a $13,478 grant from Norfolk Southern's Safety First Grant Program. The funds will be used to purchase new laptops for the Champaign County Emergency Operations Center and mobile command post, enhancing their ability to support operations during disasters or crises.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Christmas Parade Committee continues to plan for the city's annual Holiday parade that is set for Saturday November 29th at 1-30in the afternoon. Paxton Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Mertes says stop by A Picket Fence Florist or give her a call for more details…
Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Mertes.
(Danville–jc) –East Central Illinois Community Action Agency, as administrator of the Home Energy Assistance Program in Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems. The program began taking applications this month for seniors, the disabled, families with children under the age of six years, households that are disconnected from their utilities. ,All other income eligible households can start applying on Monday, November 3rd . Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
SPRINGFIELD –The nation’s Great ShakeOut will happen at 10:16 today when people in every state are asked to practice safety as if an earthquake has started. Your reaction should be to drop, cover, and hold on. Those persons with disabilities who use walkers or wheelchairs should modify the instructions to lock, cover, and hold on. Practicing your reaction to an earthquake alert can help keep you safe. Schools, businesses, and families should all practice earthquake preparedness so that panic doesn’t override action.
(Gifford–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Gordyville USA. The local events center is hosting a rodeo on October 31st November First and Second. Gordyville USA Manager Lisa Banga-Graham says they are providing more events since taking over from the Hannigan family last May…
Lisa Banga-Graham says the “Hangin’ On Tight” Rodeo coming on October 31st has a local tie …
Gordyville USA of Gifford Manager Lisa Banga-Graham
The Hangin’ On Tight Rodeo finals are set for October 31st November 1st and November 2nd. Gordyville USA near Gifford is the WPXN Business of the Day, today.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker has joined the launch of the Governors Public Health Alliance, a new multi-state coalition aimed at defending public health and science-based healthcare policy. The Alliance includes 15 governors, collectively representing 129 million Americans — or roughly 37% of the U.S. population. The group plans to coordinate efforts on issues like vaccine policy, healthcare access, and emergency response, especially in light of recent federal actions that state leaders say have undermined trust in science and created confusion around public health guidelines.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Insurance Association is demanding "fairness and impartiality" in response to town halls hosted by the Illinois Secretary of State's office. The office has held "Driving Change" virtual town hall meetings to gather input from Illinois residents on fair rates from auto insurers. Illinois Insurance Association Executive Director Kevin Martin told WAND News that no one from the Secretary of State's office has "engaged experts" from the insurance industry.
(Springfield–jc) The fall veto session continues in the state capitol today. Several energy packages are part of the conversations in Springfield. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema talks about more nuclear power and also helping the local coal industry…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Urbana-jm) – The City of Urbana announced Wednesday that Fire Chief Demond Dade has resigned. The City of Urbana made the announcement in a press release and did not mention Dade's reason for leaving the Urbana Fire Department. Dade was appointed as Urbana's Fire Chief in May 2022.
(Vermilion County-jm) – Vermilion Advantage has responded to recent allegations of bribery and misconduct involving the Vermilion County Board, clarifying its organizational independence. The Board of Directors stated that Vermilion Advantage is a private, member-driven, not-for-profit organization, not a subsidiary of Vermilion County. The organization collaborates with public and private partners but remains fully independent, governed by its own board. Currently Vermilion Advantage and the Vermilion County Board are being investigated by the Illinois State Police. CEO Mike Marron stepped down last week.
(Cissna Park–jc) The Cissna Park Economic Development Board is set to place several new pieces of playground equipment in the village's downtown park. Cissna Park Economic Development Spokesperson Jessica Eisenmann says the group is set to announced more plans at their Christmas Small town open house…
Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Jessica Eisenmann
(Urbana–jc) – Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer is releasing the names of two individuals involved in a motor vehicle crash Wednesday morning near Fisher in Champaign County. The accident happened just after 6am The driver of a passenger vehicle, Joshua A. Cleveland, 32-year-old male from Champaign, and the driver of a passenger car, Shirley C. Fenton, 67-year-old female from Weldon were both pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Autopsies have been scheduled for this week. The accident remains under investigation with the Champaign County Coroner’s Office and the Illinois State Police.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department on Aging is encouraging everyone with Medicare to check if their plan still meets their needs and budget during this year’s Open Enrollment Period, which began today and runs through December 7th. Individuals can get free help comparing health and drug plan options by contacting the state’s Senior Health Insurance Program . SHIP counselors are available in person and online throughout the year, but they are especially helpful during this Open Enrollment time
WPXN News Notes…
The Ford County Public Health Department will host a flu clinic today from 9-11 am at the Elliott Amvets and from 1-3 pm at Railside Golf Course in Gibson City.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper this evening from 4:30-6:30 pm. Dinner includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, $5 for kids 6-13. Deliveries available in town by calling 217-379-0349.
The Buckley Lions Club is hosting a presentation by local author John Bruns about his father’s personal experiences in World War II at 6 p.m. Friday, October 17, at the American Legion Hall in Buckley.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host Terrapin Flyer- A Grateful Dead Tribute on Friday, October 17th. Doors open at 6 with music beginning at 8.
The Gifford Fire Department will hold their spaghetti dinner on Saturday, October 18th from 4-7 pm at the German Fall Festival Building.
Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley will hold a drive thru pork chop dinner on Sunday, October 19th from 10:30-12:30. Dinner includes two boneless pork chops, cheesy potatoes, green beans, applesauce, dinner roll and white cake. Cost is a freewill donation.
American Lutheran Church in Rantoul will hold a trunk or treat on Sunday, October 26th from 3-5 pm.
