(Springfield-jm) – Illinois has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against human trafficking, earning an "A" grade from Shared Hope International's Just Like Me Report Cards. This marks a dramatic improvement from the state's previous "F" rating, following the passage of the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act. Illinois is now one of only three states to receive an "A" grade and is ranked second in the nation for its policies supporting human trafficking survivors.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Corrections is working to make an emergency rule for scanning prisoners’ mail permanent. Capitol News Illinois reports the rule requiring incoming mail to be searched for drugs and other contraband before inmates are given an electronic copy. The Illinois Department of Corrections held a public hearing Tuesday as part of the rulemaking process. Lindsey Hammond is the policy director for the advocacy group Restore Justice. She argues the department should wait until they have more data on where and how contraband is getting into prisons…
Restore Justice policy director Lindsey Hammond. Employees at Illinois prisons say they already see improvements because of the new process. The Illinois Department of Corrections could have to stop scanning mail if they don’t adopt a permanent rule before the emergency rule expires in January.
(Rantoul-jm) – The Village of Rantoul is offering a new way for its community members to receive critical alerts. In a Facebook post, the village said they are now offering free mass notifications through Daupler Notify. Residents are urged to sign up in order to get important updates about issues impacting utility services in Rantoul. The new mass notification system is a direct line to getting alerts about power outages, water service interruptions and other disruptions. Those who register will also receive real-time updates on repair progress and estimated restoration times.
(Springfield–jc) Ssome new taxes are coming from state leaders. The fall veto session saw new taxes on the Chicago based Regional Transit Authority, corporate tax decoupling and moving road tax money from downstate Illinois to Chicago. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema-Republican from Channahon says Illinoisans will now pay more in various taxes…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Illinois–jc) –Volunteers across Illinois are joining the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America to prepare for National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 13th. This year, 138 participating locations across the state will take part in the annual event, which honors interred American veterans with a live balsam wreath. Among the area events include wreath programs at the Buckley and Cissna Park American Legions and The National Cemetery in Danville
(Paxton–jc) – There always seems to be activity in the city of Paxton with new business opportunities. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says he continues to receive inquiries about building space availabilities…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Springfield–jc) –The Tax Foundation’s annual State Tax Competitiveness Index ranks Illinois 38th out of 50. The Land of Lincoln ranked in the bottom 10 for competitiveness in corporate tax, property tax and unemployment insurance tax.
States bordering Illinois all ranked in the top 25.
(Springfield–jc) –One positive coming out of the fall veto session in Springfield was some property tax relief. This is for Senior citizens. Dean Abbott reports from Springfield…
(Springfield-jm) — A bill heading to Governor JB Pritzker's desk could protect the safety and privacy of public officials. Current and former state lawmakers, constitutional officers, state's attorneys, public defenders and election officials could all have their personal information protected under the legislation. This bill would allow officials to request that their information not be posted online by government agencies, people, businesses, or groups. They could also request information be removed from a website if it has already been published.
(The Center Square) – Illinois Republicans say a state Senate proposal to regulate homeowners insurance rates failed to address the reasons for higher premiums.
House Bill 37-99 would require home insurance providers to notify consumers at least 60 days in advance if they raise premiums 10% or more. The measure would also give the Illinois Department of Insurance the power to object to rates it finds excessive, inadequate or discriminatory. 70th District State Representative Jeff Keicher, Republican from Sycamore says the proposal will raise rates for Illinois insurance customers…
70th District State Representative Jeff Keicher, Republican from Sycamore. The measure did not pass in the fall veto session, but the issue is expected to be addressed by lawmakers in early 20-26.
(Champaign-jm) – Carle’s Arrow Ambulance Service will soon be Champaign's only ambulance provider. In August, the city’s other provider, Advanced Medical Transport, asked to become the city’s only ambulance service. City officials declined the offer, and have now decided to go exclusively with Arrow for emergency medical services starting November 15th. The city will have four ambulances ready to go year-round as part of the agreement. The city will also be getting an annual franchise fee of $100,000 per month. Arrow Ambulance has been serving the City of Champaign since 1963.
(Kankakee–jc) Clove Alliance is a non-profit group that helps survivors and families affected by sexual abuse. The group has operations in Kankakee, Watseka and Paxton and serves the counties of Kankakee, Iroquois and Ford. One of the groups annual fundraisers is coming up a week from Friday at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds. Clove Alliance C-E-O Tracy Noe-Slach (‘No-ee ‘Slaw) says tickets for Cosmic Bingo are available on line…
Clove Alliance C-E-O Tracy Noe Slach.
(Champaign–jc) – Champaign City Manager Joan Walls announced that she has appointed Tyler Funk to serve as the City of Champaign’s next Fire Chief effective November 19. Funk has served as the City’s Interim Fire Chief since July 2025. Prior to that, Funk served the Champaign Fire Department for 26 years, rising to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief.
(Paxton–jc) Plans for the annual Christmas Parade in the city of Paxton continue. This year's theme is “Once Upon A Christmas” and Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Mertes says invites have been sent to those who have participated in the past, but all are welcome…
Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Mertes. This year’s parade steps off at 1-30pm on Saturday November 29th at the Paxton Carnegie Library and runs through downtown Paxton. WPXN will be broadcasting the parade live, again, this year.
(Champaign–jc) –—The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Mainstream Boutique, located at 1741 W. Kirby Avenue , Champaign in the Old Farms Shops. The grand opening date is Thursday, November 13th at 9 a.m. Mainstream Boutique is the newest destination for women’s fashion in Champaign, offering a curated collection of apparel and accessories designed to elevate everyday style. The locally owned small business combines trendy, high-quality clothing with personalized service to help women of all ages and sizes feel confident and chic.
WPXN News notes…
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.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting the PBL Band Parents Association on Saturday, November 8th from 10-2.
The Happily Everly After 5k fun run and walk to raise money for new swings at Durham Park in Onarga will take place on Saturday, November 8th at 10 am.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host Emo Night with All American Throwbacks on Saturday, November 8th. Doors open at 6 with the show beginning at 8.
The Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley school district’s annual Veterans Day assembly, which is open to the public, will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, November 11th, in the gymnasium of GCMS High School. Prior to the assembly, veterans are invited to a coffee and pastry breakfast that begins at 8:20 a.m. in the school’s commons.
Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School’s annual community Veterans Day observance will be at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, November 11th, in the school’s gymnasium. Featuring music by the school’s band, the observance is open to the public.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Coffee and Connections on Wednesday, November 12th from 8-9 am.
The Circle of Friends Artisan Market will take place Friday, November 14th from 3-7 pm and Saturday, November 15th from 8-3 at the Rantoul Recreation Department.
