(Rantoul–jc) The Rantoul Police Department continues to investigate a shooting incident where multiple shots were fired at a vehicle on Monday afternoon. Police say there were no injuries, though one area school was on a brief lock down. Rantoul Police are asking the public for assistance in the situation. Anyone with information is asked to call Rantoul Police.
(Vermilion County–jc) –A hearing was held on Monday in Danville regarding the objection of nomination papers filed by Jerry Hawker against the candidacy of Hugh Sands for the office of Sheriff. With the regulations,, any individual seeking the office of Sheriff is required to have successfully completed the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Officers Training Course. Following review of evidence, discussion of findings, and application of the law, the Electoral Board sustained the objection, and . Sands will be removed from the ballot.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Chicago Teachers Union have strongly criticized the Trump administration's decision to transfer core functions of the U.S. Department of Education to other federal agencies. In a statement, union President Stacy Davis Gates described the move as "an assault on students, families, classrooms, and every principle of equity and public accountability." Gates argued that the decision is a "power grab" that undermines federal protections for students, particularly affecting Black, Latine, and special education students. The unions are urging Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to take legal action, asserting that the administration's actions are illegal and pose a direct threat to families across the nation. Gates called on educators, parents, and allies to "raise your voice" and "take to the streets" to oppose the policy shift.
(Washington-jm) — The House voted Tuesday to reprimand Illinois Representative Chuy Garcia over an eyebrow-raising succession plan for his congressional seat, a move that divided Democrats who were furious with a member of their own caucus for triggering the vote. The House voted 238-186 for the measure, with ten members not voting and four voting present. More than two dozen House Democrats voted for the resolution, along with all Republicans. Garcia announced he was not seeking reelection earlier this month just before the deadline to file paperwork for the seat. By then, his chief of staff was the only candidate who had submitted the needed paperwork.
(Springfield–jc) – With the largest state budget in the history of Illinois, and projected funds short of that 55 and one half Billion dollar mark, one local state senator says it is time the state and nation live within its means. Reaction from 53rd district State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Urbana-jm) – There will soon be more options to save on power in Urbana. Urbana City Council approved a special use permit for Total Energies. The company is looking to build a solar farm on a closed landfill currently owned by the City. The project will be located on North Smith Road, after Total Energies had already completed another project at the site. This second solar farm will be a market-rate community solar array, meaning that residents in Ameren's territory can subscribe to be part of the program.
(Undated-jm) – A local chaplain who served multiple agencies in the Champaign-Urbana community for years has died. The Urbana Fire Department announced Chaplain David Ashby died over the weekend. He served the Champaign and Urbana police and fire departments.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton United Methodist Church is again hosting Mrs. Santa Claus's Closet this year. The two day free shopping event is set for December 6th and 7th in Paxton. The event is organized by the local church and lets children 3 to 11 shop for their parents for Christmas. Mrs. Claus’ Closet Spokesperson Lindsey Dilks remembers shopping for family as a child with a similar program…
Mrs Claus’s Closet of Paxton Spokesperson Lindsey Dilks
Champaign-Urbana, IL – C-U at Home is proud to announce the return of One Winter Night, its signature annual fundraiser and community awareness event, taking place February 6, 2026 in downtown Champaign. For more than a decade, One Winter Night has brought people together to shine a light on homelessness and raise critical funds for housing, support services, and long-term stability.
(Washington–jc) Sign up for the U S D A’s disaster relief programs start on Monday. U S D A’s Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephan Vaden says sign up for the various programs will start on November 24th…
U S D A Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephan Vaden
(Springfield–jc) Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced a major technological milestone: Starting today, Illinois residents can securely add their Illinois-issued driver’s license or state I-D to Apple Wallet and present their I-D using their iPhone and Apple Watch. This marks a new era of convenience and digital innovation for the state, enabling residents to present their driver’s license and state I-D in Apple Wallet in person, online and in apps at select businesses and TSA checkpoints at over 250 plus airports in the United States
(Chicago–jc) Former Gov. Pat Quinn is pushing for a state constitutional amendment requiring Illinois millionaires to pay a 3% surcharge on their income tax returns. The former governor said the millionaire’s tax would go to support a $4.5 billion property tax relief fund. Quinn launched the campaign Tuesday outside the Cook County Treasurer’s Office in Chicago.
(Springfield-jm) – Securing federal funding to address homelessness could turn into a competition across the nation. Last Thursday the U.S. The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a competitive grant application to secure funding. The grant is officially known as the 2025 Fiscal Year Continuum of Care competition, with an announcement of 3.9 billion in funding. Nearly 300 Illinois organizations signed a letter to HUD Secretary, Scott Turner, stating this competition could cause funding gaps. One of the main concerns is putting a cap on federal resources, used to fund Illinois permanent supportive housing.
(Springfield–jc) –88th District State Representative Regan Deering, republican from decatur says it's time Governor Pritzker and his administration are reminded of why they're here, and that is to make Illinois a better place and a state where people want to put roots down, not one where we are known for our mass exodus. She said instead of eyeing a bid for higher office, Pritzker needs to do the job he was elected to do here in Illinois..
88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur
Currently, Illinoisans pay the highest combined taxes of any other state in the nation, coming to more than 16.5 percent of our incomes spent on taxes annually.
(Danville-jm) – The Danville Police Department is remembering a longtime member of their organization who spent nearly half a century in law enforcement. Chief Christopher Yates announced on Facebook that Larry Thomason died on Friday morning. Thomason was Danville’s Public Safety Director from 2007 to 2019,
(Paxton–jc) City of Paxton leaders were selling several abandoned properties at last nights city council meeting.. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the properties have gone through the legal process and are now ready for new owners to build something new…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Urbana-jm) – Researchers at the University of Illinois are fighting to protect wetlands across the state, and they’re using a method that just might save you a few dollars in the process. About eight million acres of Illinois were once made up of wetlands, which is just around 23% of the state. Now, about 90% of them have been drained. Marin Skidmore is an agricultural economist from the U of I College of ACES. Part of her role is to evaluate policies such as the wetland reserve program to study their impacts and attempt to put a dollar value on them. She said one of her goals is to try to estimate the benefits to the American people of the government’s investment in these swamps.
(Undated–jc) Be safe while cooking for the Thanksgiving holiday. WPXN’s Brayden Perzee has some tips to keep safe…
(Watseka–jc) – Iroquois Memorial Hospital has recognized a group of longtime employees for their exceptional dedication and years of service. These individuals have played a vital role in providing compassionate care and advancing the watseka based hospital’s mission to deliver quality healthcare close to home. Honorees celebrating 40 years of service are Jane Conley, Pharmacy, and Marsha Hubert, Cardiac Rehabilitation. Recognized for 35 years of service is Stephen Massey, Laboratory.
Celebrating 30 years of service are Michelle Fox, Physician Services; Darlene Perzee, Laboratory; Debra Risley, Laboratory; and Bruce Adams, Surgery.
Honored for 25 years of service are Linda Schroeder, Progressive Care Unit; Diana Adams, Emergency Department; and Kelly Schladenhauffen, Medical Imaging.
(Frankfort–jc) The founder of a Chicago cryptocurrency company has been indicted in an alleged $10 million money laundering conspiracy. Prosecutors say Crypto Dispensers C-E-O Firas Isa, 36, of Frankfort, Illinois and his company, Virtual Assets, have both pleaded not guilty. According to the indictment, Isa’s company operated a cash-to-cryptocurrency exchange business with crypto ATMs at various locations throughout the United States.
WPXN News notes…
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.
