(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker signed an executive order Wednesday to help Illinois farmers through the impacts of President Donald Trump's tariffs and trade policies. Pritzker declared an agricultural export crisis, directing state agencies to take immediate action to enhance domestic markets for the state's agriculture industry and continue investment in mental health support for farm families. According to the Pritzker administration, soybean prices have fallen below break-even levels, machinery and farm essentials cost more due to tariffs, and beef farmers are expecting to be impacted as the Trump Administration plans to import tariff-free beef from Argentina. In response, the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will coordinate efforts to promote, develop and expand domestic markets for agriculture commodities.
(Springfield-jm) – Law enforcement step up patrols for Halloween safety The Illinois Department of Transportation, along with the Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies across the state, is reminding the public that becoming an impaired driving monster this Halloween – whether due to alcohol, cannabis or other drugs – can result in needless horrors. The message is clear: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI.” Remember: “It’s Not a Game.”
(Springfield–jc) –One Republican lawmaker says that democrats want to further “gerrymander” or rig the political maps in the state to further favor the Democratic party. 88th District Reagan Deering, Republican from Decatur says the visit by Democrat Congressional leader Hakim Jeffries to Springfield this week is just politics at its worst…
88th District State Representative Reagon Deering, Republican from Decatur.
(Springfield–jm) – Turkey hunters in the state of Illinois harvested 255 wild turkeys during the fall season from October 18 to 26. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said 294 turkeys were harvested in 2024. IDNR shared that 2005 was the record harvest, when 1,218 birds were harvested. Additionally, IDNR sold 1,763 regular fall firearm season permits in 2025, compared to 1,756 last year.
(Chicago–jc) –The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago reports the National Financial Conditions Index was unchanged at –0.55 in the week ending Oct. 24, suggesting steady financial conditions. A decrease in the index suggests looser financial conditions where credit is considered to be easier and cheaper for businesses and consumers.
(Paxton–jc) – City of Paxton leaders have given the go-ahead to work with the Ford County Sheriff’s office with a continuing communications contract. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the county will pick up phone calls for the city, when the city officers are out on patrol…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Wastseka-jm) – Multiple officers with the Watseka Police Department are being investigated by the Illinois State Police, officials confirmed with WCIA on Wednesday. Watseka Police Chief Eric Starkey was unable to confirm the identities of the officers under investigation, or how many are being investigated. But, Starkey was able to share that the officers under investigation have been on leave since July.
(Kankakee–jc) Clove Alliance is a non profit group that helps survivors of sexual violence. Clove Alliance serves victims and families in Kankakee Ford and Iroquois Counties. Clove Alliance C E O Tracy Noe Slach says the outreach is for anyone who needs support…
Clove Alliance C E O Tracy Noe Slach. The group is hosting their November Cosmic Bingo event to raise money for operations. The event is set for November 14th at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building. Tickets are available on-line
(Flora–jc) –Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has announced details of memorial services for his family members who died in a helicopter crash in Montana last Wednesday. Visitation for Darren’s son Zachary Bailey, Zach’s wife Kelsey, and their children, 12-year-old Vada Rose and 7-year-old Samuel Isaac will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Oil Belt Christian Service Camp in Flora, Illinois. A celebration of life will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, also at the Christian service camp.
(Paxton–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Hudzone in downtown Paxton. The local arcade and entertainment business is owned by the Hudson Family of Paxton. Owner Andy Hudson describes “Hudzone”...
Hudzone manager Rhonda Watts says their are challenges with prizes, every month…
A daily fee allows customers to play all the games throughout the day. Hudzone is also available for birthday and Christmas parties. Hudz Family Fun Zone is the WPXN Business of the Day, today.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois House passed a proposal to protect the safety and privacy of public officials. Current and former state lawmakers, constitutional officers, state's attorneys, public defenders, and election officials would all have their personal information protected under the bill. The legislation would allow officials to request that their personal information not be posted online by government agencies, people, businesses or associations. They could also request information be removed from a website if it has already been published. Anyone who violates the proposed law could be charged with a Class 3 felony.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate Criminal Law Committee passed a bill Wednesday to automatically seal records for people convicted of nonviolent felonies. Felony convictions currently eligible for expungement could be automatically sealed by a circuit court judge or the Illinois State Police. State lawmakers passed legislation in 2017 to allow certain offenders with nonviolent felony convictions to apply for expungement. Yet, each of the state's 102 counties have addressed the record sealing process differently. Sponsors believe it is past time for a streamlined process to open doors to job opportunities and allow people who served time to rebuild their lives. Senate Republicans said they oppose the plan because they believe records should be unsealed for the public to know someone's history.
(Coles County–jc) Reaction from one state lawmaker after a prominent Coles County couple were killed in an accident, allegedly by an illegal alien. 101st District State Representative Chris Miller, Republican from Oakland, spoke on the house floor…
101st District State Representative Chris Miller, Republican from Oakland
(The Center Square) – Illinois beef producers express frustration over President Donald Trump’s plan to expand beef imports from Argentina, a move he says will lower grocery prices but that many warn could hurt U.S. farmers already struggling with tight margins. Talking with reporters last week, Trump defended the plan as a short-term measure to stabilize food costs.
(Rantoul–jc) The community of Rantoul is gearing up the for holidays. With a SuperWalmart on the villages west side to a number of small businesses in the downtown area, the village has a lot to offer shoppers, says Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Savoy-jm) – At least two people were injured following an accident in Savoy that involved a Champaign County Sheriff’s Deputy. It happened at Route 45 and Airport Road. Illinois State Police are investigating the accident.
(Woodworth–jc) Do you want a Ford Iroquois County Pork Producers meal? Your next opportunity may be in Woodworth at the grade school on Sunday November 9th. The Ford Iroquois 4-H Foundation is hosting a meal and auction to raise money for 4-Hers in the two counties says Ford Iroquois 4-H Founcation President Nita Duble…
Ford Iroquois 4-H Foundation President Nita Duble
(Springfield–jc) –A digital forensics firm has found that 57% of all scam losses in Illinois are now paid in cryptocurrency.CNC Intelligence analyzed FBI data to reveal that crypto investment scams are the biggest drivers of those losses, costing Illinois residents $183 million last year.
WPXN News notes…
The Paxton Nazarene Church will host a fall festival on Friday, October 31st from 4:30-7. Activities include games, candy, hot chocolate and a photo booth.
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 Gibson City Restoration Association is holding a purse and dessert auction from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 2nd at Mark’s on First in Gibson City. Tickets cost $5 in advance or $8 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 217-249-8103 or emailing gcrestorationassociation@gmail.com.
The Ford County Public Health Department will host a Medicare Open Enrollment on Tuesday, November 4th from 9-11 am at the Piper City Library and Wednesday, November 5th from 1-3 pm at the Moyer District Library in Gibson City.
The Little Achievers Academy Preschool at American Lutheran Church in Gibson City will host their annual holiday shopping bazaar on Saturday, November 8th from 9-2.
