(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker says he is committed to lowering home insurance rates for Illinoisans. The Democrat is continuing a battle with State Farm after an insurance reform plan failed to pass out of the House last month. The plan would require insurance companies to give homeowners at least 60 days' notice before nonrenewal, changes in coverage, or premium increases of 10% or more. Insurers would also need to use credible Illinois-specific data to set rates. The Illinois Department of Insurance can review filings, issue orders and require rebates if the rates are found unfair. Pritzker told reporters in Chicago that Democrats may have to adjust parts of the reform plan to gain more support before the session resumes in January. Although he believes insurers need to justify what they are doing to homeowners.
(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers say they are not getting information from Governor J.B. Pritzker or state agencies about the governor’s proposed spending cuts. In September, Pritzker ordered state agencies to conduct immediate budget reviews to identify efficiencies and reductions.The reason the governor cited was to mitigate what he called President Donald Trump’s “disastrous economic policies.”
Illinois House Assistant Minority Leader Amy Elik, R-Alton, says that Pritzker is pointing the finger at the Trump administration instead of solving Illinois’ problems.
Illinois House Assistant Minority Leader Amy Elik, R-Alton
(Undated-jm) – A national non-profit has released their hospital grades for the fall. Leapfrog gave Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana a D-grade. Also, in Urbana O.S.F.’s Heart of Mary Medical Center was given a C-grade. Riverside Hospital in Kankakee received a B while St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee received an A. Gibson Area Hospital and Iroquois Memorial Hospital were not listed in the report.
(Rantoul-jm) – A 25-year-old Rantoul man was sentenced to over nine decades in prison by a Livingston County Judge. The Livingston County State’s Attorney’s Office said Garrett Moore was convicted by a Livingston County Judge on nine counts of dissemination of child porn, all class X felonies and indecent solicitation of a child, a class three felony following a two-day bench trial in early September.
In November of 2024, Moore was taken into custody at a location in Rantoul after an investigation involving sexual crimes against children, which was conducted by the Fairbury Police Department and El Paso Police Department. The Livingston County State’s Attorney’s Office said Moore was sentenced to 10 years on each class X felony charge and five years on the class three felony charge for a total of 95 years. Moore will have to serve 50 percent of the sentence and register as a sex offender for life. He also has a pending case in Woodford County where he faces 20 counts of disseminating child pornography.
(Buckley–dm)- For 9 years the Buckley American Legion has participated in the nation Wreaths Across America. Buckley American Legion Spokesperson Wayne Wagner has the details
Buckley American Legion Spokesperson Wayne Wagner
(Illinois–dm)-According to a recent study, Illinois farms are expected to lose a total of about $67.2 million per year to natural disasters, with an average per-farm loss of $960. Trace One found that drought causes far more economic losses for the agriculture industry in Illinois and nationwide. California had 14 of the top 15 counties with the highest expected annual losses. No Illinois counties ranked in the top 100 for the highest expected losses.
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Gaming Board has reported a 15% drop in September sports betting, after the state imposed a new tax on wagers.
Sports Betting Alliance of Illinois spokesperson Maura Possley said five million fewer bets were placed in Illinois this September compared to September 2024.
The $55.2 billion budget passed by the General Assembly last spring and signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in June included the tax as part of more than $480 million in tax increases to pay for increased state spending.
(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump signed a House-passed short-term spending bill late Wednesday, ending the shutdown and keeping the government open through January, notably without the Affordable Care Act tax credit extensions Democrats had sought to include in the deal.
House Democrats plan to push for a vote on a three-year extension of expiring ACA tax credits after Republicans left the issue out of the Senate reopening deal.
In a video, an Illinois attorney says she relies on Affordable Care Act tax credits to cover a $580-a-month implant, but experts warn the expanded subsidies drive higher premiums and long-term healthcare costs.
(Springfield-jm) – As firearm deer season gets underway, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters who use tree stands to keep safety a priority. IDNR urges hunters to use safety harnesses when hunting in tree stands. Tree stands are the number 1 source of hunting-related accidents and deaths in Illinois. In 2024, 70% of hunting incidents reported to IDNR were the result of tree stand-related accidents, including failure to use a fall arrest system. A hunter died after falling about 15 feet and suffering a broken pelvis, broken ribs and a punctured lung. The 2025 Illinois firearm deer season dates are November 21-23 and December 4-7.
(Washington–jm) – Senator Dick Durbin is defending his vote to end the recent government shutdown. Capitol News Illinois reports congressional Democrats are criticizing Durbin’s support of a plan that doesn’t extend subsidies for the Affordable Health Care Act. But Durbin says he couldn’t justify continuing a shutdown that was affecting people’s lives…
U-S Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois. Durbin also says Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (shoe-mer) tried to convince him to vote no on the bill to end the shutdown.
(Rantoul-jm) – Hardy's Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul has been selected by Good Morning America to represent Illinois in its "America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks" series. The segment, highlighting organizations making a positive community impact, will air on ABC this Friday, between 6–8 a.m. The ranch will not be open to the public during the taping but will resume regular hours at 10 a.m.
(Clinton-jm) — The DeWitt County Coroner, Randy J. Rice, and the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office are investigating the death of a man who was electrocuted at the Constellation Energy Clinton Power Plant on Friday. The man was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:45 p.m. An autopsy will be scheduled. He was identified as 29 year old Samual Ward of Decatur.
(Paxton–dm)-If you have fire extinguishers in your house, you might want to make sure you have the right one. Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen tells us about the different fire extinguishers available.
Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott on Saturday mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success.
(CHAMPAIGN–dm) – In order to perform an emergency water main repair, Illinois American Water Company has closed both lanes of northbound traffic on Prospect Avenue at the intersection of Vine Street in Champaign. One lane in each direction will remain open during this repair. The work is planned to be completed and reopened to traffic by this Thursday
WPXN News notes…
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, November 20th from 4:30-6:30 pm. Dinner includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, $5 for kids 6-13. Deliveries available in town by calling 217-379-0349.
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.
The Champaign Urbana Astronomical Society will hold a Dark Sky Series Skywatch at Middlefork Forest Preserve in Penfield on Saturday, November 22nd from 5:30-7:30 pm.
Gibson City’s 31st annual Lighted Christmas Parade is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, November 22nd. This year’s theme is “A Comedic Christmas,” showcasing funny Christmas scenes and characters.
Farmer City will hold their annual Christmas Parade on Sunday, November 23rd at 2pm. The theme is “A Candy Cane Christmas”.
