CHICAGO — The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois Thursday approved the University of Illinois System administration’s request to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for a nearly 11 percent increase in operating and capital appropriations from the state General Assembly in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Under the request, the current state appropriations of 730 million dollars would increase by 80 million dollars.
(Washington–jc) A look at the dry conditions and the potential of a La Ninia from September through today. Rod Bain has the story…
CHICAGO – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity joined the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2 Chicago Stagehands to celebrate the opening of their new training center, which was supported by a 5 million dollar grant from the State of Illinois. Illinois continues to bolster its reputation as a top destination for film, due to the state’s growing production infrastructure, state-funded training programs, expanded talent pipeline, and the competitive Film Production Tax Credit. Unlike many other states, Illinois does not have a cap on film and television tax credits
(Springfield—jc) In a House Republican press conference Thursday, 88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur says that as a first-year legislator, she came into the budgeting process hopeful, hopeful that maybe her Democratic colleagues would recognize the seriousness of the state's financial crisis and rein in spending. Deering said Governor JB Pritzker in his State of State address in February, preached that the Illinois legislature needed to make hard sacrifices and ensure spending was moderate so that we could live within our means…
88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur
(Champaign County–jc) A semi accident in Champaign county caused a major back up along Interstate 57 and in the construction zone of Interstate 72 on Thursday afternoon. The accident happened at mile marker 236 in the north bound lanes. Clean up at the scene took around 4 hours to complete. Traffic is back to normal in that area.
(Springfield–jc) –The Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act for October reports that more than 1,600 employees will be losing their jobs around the state. The job losses include 318 workers at print wholesaler Baker & Taylor in Momence, 185 at DeKalb wiring manufacturer Panduit, and 180 at Virgin Hotels Chicago.
(Cissna Park–dm)-The Cissna Park FFA will hold their FFA Scholarship auction this Saturday starting at 6pm and the Cissna Park High School. Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton has more information.
Cissna Park FFA Advisor Jeff Clifton. You can bid in advance by going to their web site at www.cissnaparkffa.com. Or you can go to their Facebook page. There will also be a free will pork tenderloin dinner in the cafeteria.
(Paxton–dm)- If you are on medicare, it’s time to review your medicare plans. Ford County Health Department Senior Information Specialist Kathleen Hayse says now is the time to review and plan for 20-26….
Ford County Health Department Senior Information Specialist Kathkeen Hayse
(Clinton–jc) – Each year, during the holiday season, the C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum in Clinton is decorated in full Victorian splendor, illuminated by candles, and filled with music. For many, the candlelight tours have become a treasured Christmas tradition. This year’s decorating theme is “Christmas Under the Stars.” These special candlelight tours are open to the public and take place on Friday evenings only; beginning the Friday following Thanksgiving, November 28th. The remainder of the tours will take place December 5, 12, and 19 from 5-8pm each night Holiday vocalists scheduled to appear are Jim Holland on November 28, Marcia Wise December 5th, Cheryle Taylor December 12th, and “The Daniels Sisters” December 19th. The museum gift shop will be open at these holiday events.
(Chicago–jc) Illinois Governor . J-.B Pritzker says the Illinois General Assembly should move forward next year with legislation to regulate homeowners insurance rates. The governor spoke in Chicago Thursday and said reported premium increases of 27% need to be reviewed.A bill to regulate homeowners insurance failed to pass the Illinois House last month after opponents said it would raise rates for all homeowners.
(Belleville–jc) – An Alaska transportation company has agreed to pay $3.5 million to settle allegations of impersonating military members to obtain federal government business administered through Scott Air Force Base. Prosecutors say Denali Group, Inc. submitted false customer satisfaction surveys while posing as Department of War and Coast Guard personnel, giving the company an unfair advantage over other contractors and shortchanging military families moving through the base located near Belleville.
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The IL Corn Growers Association is happy to welcome all farmer members, farmer leaders, and members of the media to their annual meeting, held this year on November 25 at the AgriCenter, in, Bloomington.
This meeting will feature updates from Mark Bunselmeyer, ICGA Vice President; Rodney Weinzierl, IL Corn Executive Director; Tim Thompson, IL Corn Marketing Board Chairman; and Jed Bower, National Corn Growers Association President. The Corn Growers will also hold its annual awards ceremony at this event, recognizing farmers and leaders with the Mike Plumer Environmental Award, Randy Stauffer Stewardship Award, Ethanol Award, Excellence in Media Award, and World of Corn Award.
(Paxton–jc) Plans for a potential new sub division on Paxton’s south side continue with work by developers and engineers. City leaders continue to meet with the property developers on plans for the acreage just south of the city, says Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(USDA–dm)-The Capital Christmas Tree is making it’s way to Washington D.C. Rod Bain has the story
(Chicago–dm)-Teacher absenteeism rates are rising in Chicago Public Schools and remain high in public schools statewide. Citing data from the Illinois State Board of Education’s Illinois Report Card, the Illinois Policy Institute said 43.2% of CPS teachers missed ten days or more during the 2024-25 school year. Statewide, 34% of public school teachers missed ten days or more for the second consecutive year.
(Paxton–jc) – A free seminar and reception is set for tonight, starting at 6-30 in downtown Paxton. The Provizion Group is featuring Author and Speaker Bill Greenman on the topic of a product that helps with inflammation, provides better sleep and stronger mental clarity, says Provizion Affiliate Legacy Partner Denise Kunce of Paxton…
Provizion Affiliate Legacy Partner Denise Kunce of Paxton
The reception starts at 6-30 tonight in the Doctor E T Grove Civic Room at 153 North Market Street in Downtown Paxton.
WPXN News notes…
The Circle of Friends Artisan Market will take place today, from 3-7 pm and Saturday, from 8-3 at the Rantoul Recreation Department.
St. Paul’s Lutheran School of Woodworth will hold their Woodworth Fish Fry today. Carryouts begin at 4 with dine in at 5. Cost is a free will donation.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting the Loda Truck and Tractor Pull band on Saturday from 10-2.
The Cadillac in Paxton will hold Veterans Fest 2025 with Saving Abel, X-Krush and Josh Holland Band performing on Saturday. The show starts at 7.
The 42nd annual Gifford State Bank Country Christmas Craft Show will take place Saturday, November 22nd from 8-5 and Sunday, November 23rd from 9-3 at Gordyville USA.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting the PBL FBLA on Saturday, November 22nd from 10-2.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host Shady- A Tribute to Eminem on Saturday, November 22nd. Doors open at 6 with the show beginning at 8.
The Hoopeston Jaycees will host a Holiday in Hoopeston at McFerren Park on Saturday, November 22nd from 5-8 pm. Enjoy pictures with Santa, sweet treats, holiday activities, local vendors, and plenty more merry & bright magic.
