(Champaign–jc) A single vehicle rollover accident caused traffic to slow along Interstate 57 early this morning. Police say a semi driver lost control of his rig in the northbound lanes of I-57 near mile marker 237 in Champaign. No injuries were reported. The accident scene has been cleared, recovery of the vehicle will take place later this morning.
(Springfield-jm) – Legislation heading to Governor JB Pritzker's desk could make Illinois the first state to issue vaccine recommendations independent of the CDC. Sponsors believe the state should ensure healthcare regardless of decisions made by the federal government. The Illinois Department of Public Health currently has an advisory committee responsible for reviewing vaccines. However, this plan could expand its authority and allow the department to issue evidence-based recommendations on vaccines and treatments during disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. House and Senate Democrats said they want to protect public health and uphold science-based care as the Trump administration dismantles the country's healthcare system.The plan also states IDPH would follow vaccine guidance from the World Health Organization if the Food and Drug Administration does not approve the treatment. Republicans strongly oppose this idea, as they argue it is an example of "Trump derangement syndrome."
(Urbana–jc) Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer is releasing the name of an individual who has died after a shooting incident on Colleen Drive in Champaign, Illinois over the weekend.. 24 year old Richard E. Frazier, of Champaign,s was pronounced dead at the Carle Foundation Hospital Emergency Department in Urbana, on Sunday. An autopsy has been scheduled for later this week. The death remains under investigation with the the Champaign Police Department and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
(USDA–dm)-This year's corn and soybean crops continue to reflect record-highs in categories within USDA's latest Crop Production report. Rod Bain has the report
(Champaign-jm) – Authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect involved in an attempted robbery at Exotics Smoke Shop on November 7. Around 8:15 p.m., an unknown male entered the shop at 110 E. University Ave. in Urbana and requested an employee to unlock a vape display case. The suspect then brandished a handgun and demanded the products inside. The employee pointed out the numerous surveillance cameras recording the incident, prompting the suspect to flee. The suspect is described as a Black male wearing a black mask and all black clothing, with a black plaster cast on his left hand and fingers.
(Springfield–jc) – The federal government is back up and running. We have reaction from local State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Twelve scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have been named to the 2025 Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researchers list. The list recognizes researchers and social scientists who have demonstrated exceptional influence, as reflected through their publication of multiple papers frequently cited by their peers during the last decade. The highly cited Illinois researchers this year are: natural resources and environmental sciences professor Kaiyu Guan; materials science and engineering professor Axel Hoffmann; climate, meteorology and atmospheric sciences professor Atul Jain; plant biology professor Tracy Lawson; plant biology and crop sciences professor emeritus Donald Ort; psychology professor Brent Roberts; Siebel School of Computing and Data Science professor Jimeng Sun; cell and developmental biology professor Boxuan Zhao; chemical and biomolecular engineering professor Huimin Zhao; and civil and environmental engineering professor Lei Zhao. This year’s list also includes psychology professor emeritus Ed Diener and plant biology and crop sciences professor Stephen P. Long, both of whom are deceased.
(Paxton –dm)-Open enrollment for applying for Medicare supplement plans are going now thru December 7th. If you are applying for a Medicare Advantage plan, Ford County Health Department Senior Information Specialist Kathleen Hayes talks about the different enrollment dates.
Ford County Health Department Senior Information Specialist Kathleen Hayes. If you have questions you can call 217-379-9281.
(Paxton–jc) A field fire was reported Monday afternoon near the city of Paxton in Ford County. The fire area was near the Paxton Airport properties. No word on the extent of damages. Paxton Firefighters were called to the scene.
(Gifford–dm)-This weekend, the Gifford State Bank will be hosting their 42nd annual craft show at Gordyville USA. Gifford State Bank Marketing Director Stacey Huls tells us more.
Gifford State Bank Marketing Director Stacey Huls
(Champaign County-jm) – The former Champaign County Sheriff’s deputy accused of misusing funds from his police support nonprofit pleaded guilty on Monday. Matthew Stuckey pleaded guilty to one count of theft between $10,000 and $100,000. He was then sentenced to 36 months of probation and 30 hours of public service work. The Illinois State Police began an investigation into Stuckey last November after receiving reports that funds made to the 10-78 Foundation, also called Back the Blue Champaign County, were being misused. Stuckey helped establish the foundation in 2021. After investigating, State Police said they found “evidence of transactions consistent with personal use by Stuckey.
(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Board of Higher Education announced Monday that the Prairie State has achieved its highest enrollment at public universities in a decade. The annual "First Look Fall Enrollment" report said almost 190,000 students enrolled during the fall semester of the 2025-26 school year, marking the second straight year of total growth, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor. Contributions to the rise in enrollment include an increase in first-time, full-time freshmen enrollment and fall-to-fall retention, along with higher rates of transfer students. The release stated that undergraduate enrollment at public universities in fall 2025 increased by 3.8% compared to 2024, with Black student enrollment increasing by 9.7% and Latino student enrollment by 8.3%. Enrollment of new full-time transfer students at state public universities went up by 6.5% from 2024. Additionally, Illinois community colleges saw an overall enrollment increase of 3.7%.
(Springfield–jc) During the final hours of the fall veto session in Springfield, a bill to “decouple” Illinois’ tax code from the federal tax code was approved in the Illinois House. Governor Pritzker had argued that decoupling from the federal tax code will produce enough revenue from Illinois taxpayers to continue his spending programs. 88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur, says the measure will only mean a tax increase on Illinois businesses…
88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur
Since Governor Pritzker took office in 20-19 state government spending has increased by 43 percent. Illinois already has the third highest corporate tax rate in the country, and now the state is about to block families and businesses from benefits passed at the federal level. The bill was passed by both houses in Springfield and is now awaiting a signature from the governor..
(Champaign-jm) – The fate of a man accused of a deadly stabbing in Champaign earlier this year will be decided by a Champaign County judge this week. The trial for Alex Muanambta, 23 started Monday. Muanambta is accused of stabbing two 22-year-olds the morning of March 22 in the 1600 block of West Healey Street in Champaign. Officers responded to a report of a stabbing and found the two victims, a man and a woman. The man, identified as Nathan Gudeman, was pronounced dead at the scene.
(Paxton–jc) – Several properties in the city of Paxton will be sold by the city council tonight. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the properties have gone through the legal process and city leaders want to sell the properties to someone else…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to buckle up and drive sober during Thanksgiving, and deputies will be increasing patrols to enforce this reminder. Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said in a news release that the increased patrols will continue through December 2.
(Buckley–dm)-The Buckley American Legion is once again participating in Wreaths Across America which is taking place Saturday December 13th. If you have someone you want to remember with a wreath, Buckley American Legion Spokes Person Wayne Wagner has information on how to order extra wreaths.
Buckley American Legion Spokes Person Wayne Wagner
CHAMPAIGN - Champaign Police are investigating two shooting incidents, including one homicide and one shooting with injuries, that occurred in the overnight hours of Sunday night to early Monday morning These incidents are being investigated separately, as investigators have no indication at this time that they are related. The homicide happened in the 37 hundred block of Colleen Drive just after 6pm Sunday night following a report of a shooting with injuries. A 24 year old Champaign man was found on scene with multiple life-threatening injuries. The man was taken to a local hospital where he died. A second shooting with injuries was reported in the 700 block of North Elm Street around 2-30 Monday morning, following a report of a shooting with injuries. On-scene, officers located a resident with multiple potentially-life-threatening injuries to the legs. Officers immediately rendered medical aid on-scene with assistance from medical personnel until the victim could be transported to an area hospital. The person remains hospitalized in stable condition. The initial investigation indicates that the resident was answering a late-night knock at the door when someone opened fire and the person was struck. Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-351-4545 or Champaign County Crimestoppers at 217-373-TIPS.
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.
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.
