(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker announced that the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program has successfully erased nearly $430 million in medical debt during its inaugural year, benefiting 357,800 residents across all 102 counties. On average, Illinoisans saw over $1,100 in debt eliminated. The program, supported by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, aims to eliminate $1 billion in medical debt over several years. The FY26 state budget includes a $15 million reappropriation to continue acquiring and forgiving outstanding medical debt.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  Christmas holiday events are coming to the village of Rantoul. Rantoul Recreation Department Specialist Phoenix LaCombe says  Rantoul’s Christmas in the village is set for Saturday December 6th…

   

Rantoul Recreation Department Specialist Phoenix LaCombe.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – A Rantoul man has been found guilty on all counts after stabbing two 22-year-olds, one fatally, in March of this year. Alex Muanambuta was facing charges of murder, attempted murder and aggravated battery. The trial started earlier this week. Champaign County Judge Randy Rosenbaum delivered the guilty verdict yesterday. Court documents show that round midnight on  March 22nd, Champaign Police were dispatched to the 1600 block of W Healey St. for the report of a stabbing. On scene, officers found a man and a woman, both from Champaign. The man, later identified as Nathan Gudeman, was pronounced dead at the scene . The woman was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but she survived.

 

(Gifford–dm)-Mark your calendars for this Saturday and Sunday for the 42nd annual Gifford State Bank Christmas Craftshow at Gordyville USA.  Gifford State Bank Marketing Director Stacey Huls tells us beside crafts, there will be lots of food.

   

Gifford State Bank Marketing Director Stacey Huls.  The craft show goes from 8-5 on Saturday and from 9-3 on Sunday.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – As solar panels and wind turbines increase in Vermilion County, a member of the county board is suggesting the board explore another means of generating power.  Phillip Jackson thinks land around the former Vermilion power station at Newtown would be a good site for a small modular nuclear reactor. Jackson noted that if the county pursues a small modular nuclear reactor, it will need some professional guidance. Jackson admitted that funding would need to be explored.

 

 

(Farmercity–jc)  The annual Farmer City Christmas parade is set for Sunday in the Dewitt county town. The parade steps off at 2-20 and moves from the fairgrounds to the downtown area with several local bands and Judy Frazier too…

   

Farmer City Christmas Parade Chairman Chad Wills

 

(Illinois–dm)-A new report highlighting farm productivity found that Illinois ranked sixth in the nation in agricultural sales, with about $29.2 billion generated in the most recent year. According to Farm Flavor’s analysis, total U.S. farm output has doubled since the 1960’s while inputs have remained relatively stable.

More than 71,000 farms operate on 74% of Illinois’ total land area, with agriculture making up 0.9% of the state’s employment.

 

(The Center Square) - GE Appliances announced Thursday it is investing more than $150 million into contracts for suppliers in the United States, contributing toward a new laundry manufacturing plant. The appliance company, whose parent company is China-based Haier, plans to split up investments across suppliers in 10 states and focus on steel, resins, parts and components in order to develop products at a washer and dryer plant which is being built in Louisville, Kentucky. The U.S.-based contracts are going to suppliers in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Alabama and California. In Kentucky, the state with the highest investment amount, more than $40 million is being awarded to four plastics suppliers.

 

(Springfield-jm) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reminds firearm deer hunters that mandatory check stations will be open this year in counties where chronic wasting disease has been detected. The 2025 Illinois firearm deer season dates are today through Sunday and December 4-7. The detection of CWD in Bureau, Ford and Lee counties has prompted IDNR to open new check stations in 2025. Mandatory CWD surveillance counties now include Boone, Bureau, Carroll, DeKalb, Ford, Grundy, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Will and Winnebago.

 

(USDA–dm)-What does weather across the country look like this weekend as travelers making early Thanksgiving holiday plans begin their journeys? USDA’s Rod Bain has the Forecast.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) – One Central Illinois police department is reminding people to obey the law. Rantoul made a Facebook post detailing school bus safety laws. Illinois State Police said when a bus is driving on a four-lane road, with at least two lanes of traffic going the opposite way, only drivers going the same direction as the school bus have to stop. If you violate school bus safety laws, you can be at risk of getting your license suspended. The department says they’ve especially been having issues near Eastlawn Elementary School.

 

(Springfield–jc)  One local state senator is pushing property tax reduction. The effort is  available on his on line page. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, explains…

 

53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon

 

(Springfield-jm) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently reported Illinois' error rate for SNAP benefits has reached 11.5%. State lawmakers are concerned, as states with error rates higher than 6% will start losing federal SNAP funding starting in Fiscal Year 2028. The Illinois Department of Human Services told the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules this week that they are working to ensure the state can minimize errors and follow the new federal rules. DHS leaders said they are looking at multiple options to prevent taxpayers from being on the hook for roughly $800 million of funding. The department is also suggesting adjustments for the cost-of-living allocation rate. Still, leaders said the federal government has been slow to give guidance to states.

 

(Gibson City–dm)-The 31st Annual Lighted Christmas parade will be taking place this Saturday November 22nd in Gibson City.  Parade spokesperson Branden Zumwalt tells us more information.

 

 

Gibson City Parade Spokesperson Branden Zumwalt.  You can enter your float by going to gibsoncityharvestfest.com and filling out an application

 

(The Center Square) – An Illinois congresswoman says the public is right to be alarmed about elected officials enriching themselves through insider trading.The U.S. House Administration Committee held a hearing in Washington on Wednesday to discuss legislation aimed at restricting stock trading by federal lawmakers and their families. U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Illinois, said members of Congress lack the fear of God. Miller said constituents must be able to trust that elected representatives are serving the people and not themselves.

 

 

WPXN News notes…

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.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Roberts will hold a free thanksgiving dinner on Sunday, November 23rd from 5-7 pm. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated by calling 217-369-8184.

 

The Paxton Carnegie Library will hold a 4-H Reading and Art Hour on Monday, November 23rd from 4-5 pm.

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will host Hairbangers Ball on  Wednesday, November 26th. Doors open at 6 with the show beginning at 8.