(Mansfield–jc) Traffic along Interstate 74 near Mansfield in Piatt County was redirected for several hours Tuesday afternoon. The reason was a commercial vehicle accident that blocked both lanes of traffic. Traffic was being routed on Illinois route 150 at Farmer City. No damage report was provided
(Vermilion County–jc) One person was hospitalized after a crash in Vermilion County near Oakwood on Tuesday. Police say the accident at mile marker 209 near Oakwood was between a passenger car and a highway safety truck. The accident occurred over the noon hour. No word given on the extent of injuries and state police are continuing their investigation.
(Springfield-jm) – Ameren Illinois is defending its request for a nearly $129 million gas rate hike, saying its proposal maintains safety, integrity, and reliability of the natural gas distribution system. The utility also said it is taking steps to keep gas prices affordable. Ameren Illinois issued a statement after administrative law judges recommended the rate hike should be reduced by about $44 million and consumer advocacy groups argued for an even smaller rate increase. Advocacy groups including the Citizens Utility Board and the Illinois Public Interest Research Group call for the Illinois Commerce Commission to reduce the rate hike by at least $82 million. They believe Ameren is reaping excessive profits and engaging in wasteful spending.
(Springfield–jc) With projected revenues for the state of Illinois, budget, now in the negative, several local politicians want the state to stop spending. Lawmakers passed a 55 Billion dollar budget in May. 53rd District State Representative Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon, says all agencies need to cut out the waste…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Rantoul–jc) Some jobs were temporarily lost in Rantoul at a company located on the west side of the village, but through a different company, they are coming back. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third provides the details…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Farmer City–jc) The 20-25 Farmer City Christmas parade is set for Sunday November 23rd. The annual parade steps off at 2pm at the Farmer City Fairgrounds. This year’s theme is “ A Candy Cane Christmas.” Individuals and groups wanting to participate are asked to contact Chad Wills at 309-386-2791. The parade is sponsored by the Farmer City Chamber of Commerce.
(Paxton–jc) The City of Paxton is hosting the Bowl games for the Central Illinois Youth Football League on Saturday. The Mighty mites start the games at 1pm at Jerry Zimmerman Field at I-57 stadium in Paxton. Paxton Youth Football and Cheer Group President Matt Quinlan says then its cheer competition set for Sunday…
Paxton Youth Football and Cheerleading President Matt Quinlan.
(Springfield–jc) –The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding parents and those who care for young children to be aware of risk factors for lead poisoning.The agency says lead exposure is most commonly associated with paint in homes built before 1978, but lead may also be found in soil around some homes, as well as in lead pipes, or in certain toys or consumer products imported from overseas.
(Savoy–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the day is Body N’ Sole Sports in Savoy. The business has been in operation since 1979 and Owner Mike Lindemann says it started at the University of Illinois…
Owner Mike Lindemann talks about working with customers and their feet …
Body N’ Sole Sports of Savoy Owner Mike Lindemann
The store at 13-17 North Dunlap in Savoy carries high quality shoes, athletic gear and accessories. Check them out on-line at Body-N-Sole-Sports-dot-com
Body and Sole Sports of Savoy is the WPXN Business of the Day, today.
(Springfield-jm) – Gov. JB Pritzker sat down for a fireside chat at the Economic Club of Chicago Tuesday. The Democrat said he wants lawmakers to address immigration enforcement and transportation during the second week of the veto session. Ways to help Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are some of the top items on the veto session to-do list, but Pritzker said his job is to represent and support the economy of every community. Democrats hope to limit ICE agents from detaining people in courthouses and expand the definition of law enforcement prohibited from working with immigration officials. They could also discuss banning law enforcement from wearing masks or neck gaiters on the job. Transit reform and funding will be a major focus of the final three days of the session. Pritzker explained that Illinois has to make investments to improve transit for the Chicagoland area and the rest of the state.
(Springfield-jm) – Two former political leaders are pushing to reform how the state draws political maps. Former U-S Commerce Secretary Bill Daley and former U-S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood are pushing for a constitutional amendment that would take the job of drawing political maps for state races out of the hands of the majority political party and put it in the hands of an independent commission. LaHood talks about the process moving forward…
Former U-S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
(Urbana-jm) – A fight over federal funds, as the Urbana City Council narrowly passed an ordinance to accept a FEMA grant for its fire department. Council members are concerned about requirements in the agreement. Typically, state and federal grants require a city to follow applicable laws. However, this FEMA grant also requires the City of Urbana to cooperate with Homeland Security and immigration officials, along with abiding by President Trump's executive orders.
(Melvin–jc) There is one more music event coming to the Melvin Community Hall and its a new band with familiar faces. Melvin Community Hall Spokesperson Norman Schall says the band on November 1st is “Tuneslingers”...
Melvin Community Hall Spokesperson Norman Schall
(Watseka–jc) – Monday, October 27th is the first day for candidates of established political parties to file their nomination papers in the Iroquois County Clerk's Office in Watseka for the March 17th,, 2026, Primary Election. The last day to file is Friday November 3rd Offices to be nominated are County Clerk, Treasurer, and Sheriff. Also to be nominated are 8 County Board Members: District I: 2 Members; District II: 2 Members; District III: 2 Members; and District IV: 2 Members.
Precinct committeepersons in all 37 precincts will be elected
(Watseka–jc) A Christmas tree decorating contest is set for a museum in Watseka. WPXN’s Brayden Perzee has the details…
(The Center Square) – With federal authorities now threatening to cut Chicago Transit Authority funding due to rising violence across the system, Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford, democrat from Chicago worries actions being taken by the federal government could put vulnerable riders even more at risk.
Chicago police data shows at the same time transit system arrests have dropped, overall violent crime across the system hit its second-highest level since 2015 in the 12 months ending in July. The transit system is running a large deficit and Representative Ford and others are looking at ways to supplement the transit authority including additional tax dollars from the entire state.
WPXN News notes…
The Elliott Amvets will hold their pork chop sandwich dinner on Friday, October 24th from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes the sandwich and a side for $8.
The Cissna Park Library will hold a Halloween Fun Night on Friday, October 24th from 4:30-6 pm. Activities include games, prizes and more for kids pre-k through 4th grade.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host Howl 2 Go Dueling Pianos on Friday, October 24th at 7pm.
The Cissna Park American Legion Auxiliary’s Fall Bazaar will take place on Saturday, October 25th from 9-2.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their Mountain Oyster lunch on Saturday, October 25th from 12-2. Lunch includes oysters, chicken liver and onions and gizzards for $15.
The Loda American Legion Auxiliary will hold a trunk or treat on Saturday, October 25th from 2-5 pm.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host Decade of Decadence on Saturday, October 25th. Doors open at 6 with the show beginning at 8.
Prairieland CEO will host a fall fest on Sunday, October 26th from 2-6 pm at Clara Peterson Elementary School in Paxton. Admission is $10. Activities include food, pumpkin carving and painting, Halloween movies, games and a silent auction.
