(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Commerce Commission has reduced Ameren Illinois' rate request for its natural gas delivery services by $55.8 million. This decision slashes Ameren's original $128.8 million request by approximately 43% and approves a 9.60% return on equity, down from the company's requested 10.70% return on equity.
(Champaign-jm) — The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the eastbound Interstate 74 to northbound I-57 flyover ramp and the southbound I-57 to eastbound I-74 ramp in Champaign reopened this morning. These openings mark the fifth and sixth new ramps in the $251.8 million I-57/74 interchange reconstruction project just west of Champaign. Nighttime lane closures on I-57 continue as paving work progresses, and motorists should expect delays, allowing extra time for travel through the area. IDOT advises drivers to consider alternate routes when feasible, pay attention to changed conditions and signs in work zones, obey speed limits, and remain alert for workers and equipment.
(Washington–jc) Numbers for the fall harvest are in this week. U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the pace for corn harvest is slightly behind last year…
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
(Champaign-jm) – Guido's Bar & Grill has announced it will be closing its doors on Sunday, November 30. Chophouse on Main , currently residing in Mahomet, will be opening a new location in the place of Guido's with an anticipated opening in Spring 2026.
(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in the 1600 block of Bloomington Rd., Wednesday. Fire crews from both the Champaign and Urbana Fire Departments worked to extinguish this fire. Firefighters responded to multiple reports of a fire in the church called in by those passing by. Once on scene, crews reported moderate smoke coming from the roof eaves and windows near the top of the sanctuary.
(Paxton–jc) The City of Paxton’s downtown Christmas tree has been selected and the donated tree will be moved next week to the downtown area of the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold talks about the timeline to get the tree cut, delivered and decorated…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Rome–jc) Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker says it was an honor for him and the first lady to meet with Pope Leo X-IV in Rome. The governor posted photos of his audience with the Holy Father on social media Wednesday morning. Pritzker said the pope’s message of hope, compassion, unity and peace resonates with Illinoisans of all faith traditions.
(Rantoul–jc) The Rantoul Recreation Department is inviting the public to join them downtown Rantoul on Saturday, December 6th from 3pm to 5pm for their Christmas in the Village event They will have an assortment of activities featured at Downtown businesses followed by our annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting ceremony Enjoy hot chocolate at ET's, cookie decorating at Flavor Fusion, crafts at the Rantoul Chamber of Commerce, entertainment on the Credit Union 1 stage, pictures with Santa at Second Story Social, and a reading circle at A House of Flowers and Kino's Coffee. All activities are free for all ages.
CHAMPAIGN - The City of Champaign has once again achieved the highest possible score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 20-25 Municipal Equality Index, reflecting the City’s long-standing commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. This recognition marks the fourteenth consecutive year that the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has acknowledged Champaign’s leadership in advancing supportive laws, policies, and services.
(Springfield-jm) - More than 60% of Illinois voters supported a statewide advisory referendum last year calling for a property tax constitutional amendment. Former governor Pat Quinn is using that momentum to push lawmakers to pass a property tax relief bill. There is no denying Illinois has the highest property taxes in the nation, and many believe it is past time for change. Quinn told reporters in Springfield Wednesday that millionaires should pay a 3% surcharge on their income taxes to help lower property taxes for families and businesses. The Illinois Department of Revenue estimates the millionaire surcharge could generate $4.5 billion. Recent data shows Illinois has over 77,300 millionaires who make up 1.2% of the state's income taxpayers. Quinn said Illinois millionaires currently have a lighter tax burden than millionaires in 26 states and Washington, DC.
(Undated-jm) — Thanksgiving dinner prices in Illinois are continuing to ease, mirroring the national trend price declines for a third straight year. The 40th annual American Farm Bureau Federation Thanksgiving Cost Survey is out. The American Farm Bureau Federation Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the national average cost of Thanksgiving staples that make up a classic holiday feast for 10, which is $55.18 or about $5.52 per person, a 5% decrease from 2024. Illinois Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers participating in the survey reported a state-wide average price of $49.20 for a classic holiday feast for 10, or around $4.92 per person.
(Springfield–jc) It’s always a good thing to read the “fine print” on your property tax bills. And there is a window of opportunity to challenge that rate. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema explains…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon
(Bloomington-jm) – The Central Illinois Regional Airport is offering new seasonal service between Bloomington and Mesa, Arizona with Allegiant Airlines beginning February 13, 2026. One-way fares are available as low as $69.
(Kankakee County-jm) – Angela Morrey has been named the President and CEO of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. Morrey had been the Economic Alliance’s Vice President of Business Development and Director of Marketing and Business Attraction prior to being named interim President/CEO when Tim Nugent retired.
(Rantoul–jc) Sign up for youth basketball at the Rantoul Recreation Department continues through December 2nd. Rantoul Rec Department Specialist Phoenix La Combe says there is a wide variety of age groups to participate…
Rantoul Recreation Department Specialist Phoenix La Combe
(Springfield–jc) The Illinois Wheat Development board has elected several board members and district officials. At large state board members are Brandon Warren of Wayne County; John Howell of, Randolph County and Jarod Weaver of , Edwards County. Representing District One which includes several dozen counties including Ford, Iroquois and Kankakee counties is Peter Gill of Stark County. And representing District three which includes Champaign and Vermilion counties is Bob Holscher of Crawford County
(Urbana–jc) –Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer is releasing the name of an individual who has died as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash in Paris, Illinois on Monday. 67 year old Theresa Bradley, of Paris, Illinois, was pronounced dead at Carle Hospital on Tuesday. An autopsy has been scheduled.
The circumstances surrounding this crash are being investigated by the Champaign County Coroner’s Office and the Paris Police Department.
(Farmer City–jc) The annual Farmer City Christmas parade is set for Sunday. Farmer City Christmas Parade Chairman Chad Willis says this year’s theme is “A Candy Cane Christmas”...
Farmer City Christmas Parade Chairman Chad Wills
(Danville—jc) – The Danville Noon Rotary Club is proud to announce Tonya Hill, Executive Director of the Danville Area Community College Foundation, as the recipient of its 2025 Vocational Service Award. This distinguished honor recognizes individuals who exemplify Rotary’s commitment to integrity, leadership, and service through their vocation. Hill has long been a respected leader in both education and community advancement.
WPXN News notes…
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on tonight 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.
