(Champaign–jc) Interstate 74 west bound lanes just east of Interstate 57 in Champaign is currently closed due to a multi-vehicle crash with lane blockage. Westbound traffic is now being diverted onto exit 179 to I-57 north or sound bound Both the ramps from The ramps from I-57 to I-74 west are also closed. There are no reported injuries and the roadway will be opened as soon as possible.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Power Agency says deploying three gigawatts of battery storage technology could save Ameren and ComEd customers $13.4 billion over 20 years. That is one of the main components Democrats hope to see approved under the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act. The legislation would also bring more solar and wind projects online while investing in geothermal technology and empowering state agencies to better plan for energy demand spikes. Sponsors and advocates told reporters Tuesday this plan could reduce costs and create thousands of good-paying union jobs while strengthening energy efficiency programs. Yet, Illinois manufacturers and Republican lawmakers argue the plan will raise rates and hurt companies. They claim the energy omnibus bill could leave businesses and families with a $7 billion bill to pay for battery storage. Illinois Manufacturers' Association President and CEO Mark Denzler told reporters a small food processor using 1,400 kilowatts of energy will see a monthly rate increase of $1,466 in the first year, which could grow to an increase of $12,084 in 2045.
(Chicago-jm) – Illinois House Republicans say they strongly oppose any attempt to change the current congressional map to help Democrats gain another seat. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met with Democratic leaders in Chicago and Springfield to try and convince them to redraw the congressional map to give Illinois a 15-2 Democratic majority. Republicans say people should be outraged about Gov. JB Pritzker's flip-flopping on Illinois having fair maps. Democratic members of the Illinois congressional delegation said they firmly support a new map to level the playing field, safeguard free elections and defend the state against Republican extremists.
(Springfield–jc) Changing the legislative maps could be an issue that comes up in the three days of the fall veto session in Springfield. Illinois Governor J B Pritzker blames the Trump administration…
Illinois Governor J B Pritzker. Most Republicans in the state say that Democrats have already “gerrymandered” the Congressional districts in the state to heavily favor the Democratic Party. Republican candidate for the Illinois First Representative District, Christian Maxwell of Chicago says she wants the districts set up in a manner to serve the citizens of Illinois…
Illinois First Congressional District Candidate Christine Maxwell, Republican from Chicago.
(Undated-jm) – Candidates hoping for a spot on 2026 primary election ballots lined up outside the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield, and also at their local County Clerk's office. Monday was the first day of the filing period for Democrats and Republicans seeking state and federal offices in Illinois. Local questions can be directed to the County Clerk where you live. Usual hours locally are 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. The last day to file nomination papers is Monday, November 3 at 5 pm.
(Champaign–jc) –Local State Senator Paul Faraci is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits on November First. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families. SNAP provides critical support for individuals and families, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. Around 40,600 people in the district Faraci represents who rely on SNAP benefits in the 52nd Illinois State Senate District.
(Urbana-jm) — The Urbana Police Department is collecting supplies and donations to support a local domestic violence support group. Courage Connection provides shelter and resources to victims of domestic violence, and the Urbana Police Department is opening a new way of donating to the group: with a box at their headquarters.An Amazon Wishlist of supplies Courage Connections is looking for is available online; people can either donate through the wish list or by shopping local and dropping off the supplies with Urbana Police. The box will be there through December 22.
(Edgar County–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Prospect Bank. They have locations throughout East Central Illinois and are committed to help their customers bank, “smarter.” Prospect Bank has 11 locations throughout East Central Illinois and offer a complete line of services says Prospect Bank Spokesperson Brittany Cluver…
she says when you bank at Propest Bank, you will be dealing with someone you know,
Prospect Bank Spokesperson Brittany Cluver
Prospect Bank has area locations in Watseka, Gilman, and Champaign
Prospect Bank….the Opportunity Bank…is the WPXN Business of the Day, today.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a coalition of 26 attorneys general and governors in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, challenging what they call the unlawful suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. The federal program provides food assistance to more than 40 million Americans, including nearly 2 million residents in Illinois. Raoul criticized the Trump administration’s decision to halt SNAP benefits, calling it a harmful blow to vulnerable communities across the state. The lawsuit argues that the USDA does have access to emergency funds specifically allocated for situations like this, contradicting its claims of insufficient resources. The coalition contends that the suspension will worsen food insecurity, strain local governments, and negatively affect health and nutrition in schools and communities. Attorneys general also maintain that the USDA does not have the authority to stop SNAP benefits, as Congress has already appropriated funding for the program. The coalition plans to seek a temporary restraining order to immediately restore benefits while the case proceeds.
(Springfield-jm) — The Illinois Broadcasters Association has inducted one of the state's most iconic residents, Mr. T, into its Hall of Fame. The "A-Team" star, born and raised in Chicago, is known for his friendly yet tough persona. The Illinois Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame celebrates many broadcasters and celebrities, including Dick Van Dyke, Jane Lynch, and Oprah Winfrey.
(Springfield–jc) – Fall veto session,week number two, has resumed today for lawmakers at the Illinois Capitol. 33rd District State Representative Marcus Evans, Democrat from Chicago says dealing with the Chicago area mass transit deficit and energy costs are the two big issues for lawmakers…
33rd District State Representative Marcus Evans, Democrat from Chicago. Some in Springfield are proposing new taxes on services to help bail out the transit system in Chicago. The fall veto session continues through Thursday in Springfield.
(Undated-jm) – The government shutdown is affecting people all over the nation. In Central Illinois, one of those groups impacted is farmers. The Farm Service Agency is a branch of the United States Department of Agriculture. The FSA was shut down for about three weeks, and now, only two workers are back in each county’s office, making it difficult to get all the necessary work done for farmers. All the government reports farmers depend on, they’re not getting. It’s at the same time that harvest is slowing down for farmers, and they are struggling to be able to report their yields and acres farmed. They say it’s causing concerns for them. Those numbers will affect the supply and demand. FSA loans are also impacted. Farmers are supposed to have yield reports in by a specific deadline, and while that deadline varies, they are unsure if the government will extend that date.
(Chicago–jc) –The Chicago Fed Real-Time Unemployment Rate Forecast estimates the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly unemployment rate at 4.35% for October, little changed from its last reported value for August. The report indicators include layoffs and other separations, a hiring rate for unemployed workers and a forecast of the monthly BLS unemployment rate.
(Springfield-jm) – Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. This appointment makes him the second Black Chief Justice in Illinois history and the 123rd Chief Justice overall. He will serve a three-year term, succeeding Justice Mary Jane Theis.
WPXN News notes…
The Paxton Church of Christ will hold a trick or treat on Friday, October 31st from 5-7 pm.
The Melvin Woman’s Club will sponsor its annual Halloween Extravaganza from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 31st at the Melvin Community Hall. There will the chance to win door prizes for adults and youth. There will also be cash prizes given for a Halloween costume contest in four age groups. Refreshments will also be available.
The 15th annual Iroquois West Music Boosters Craft and Vendor Show will take place on Saturday, November 1st from 9-2 at the Iroquois West High School in Gilman. For vendor information call Stacy Reed at 815-383-4877.
The Annual Holiday Craft Sale at the Kruse Center in Gibson City on Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd from 9-3 both days.
