(Champaign–jc)  – No injuries were reported with a two vehicle crash along Interstate 74 just west of the Interstate 57 interchange early this morning. State police were called to the scene  just after midnight.The ramp from I-74 eastbound was being diverted on I-57. 

 

(Springfield-jm) – Beginning January 1st, 2026, undocumented students living in Illinois will become eligible for state and local financial aid under a new law signed by Governor JB Pritzker in August. House Bill 460 extends eligibility for grants, scholarships, stipends, and other state funded student aid to all Illinois residents regardless of immigration status. The law builds upon earlier efforts, such as the 2019 Retention of Illinois Students and Equity or RISE Act and the “Alternative Application” process, which allowed some undocumented students to apply for financial aid under certain restrictions. House Bill 460 expands access by removing immigration-status barriers across all resident aid programs. Proponents argue that the law removes unjust barriers for undocumented students, many who do not qualify for federal aid, increasing their chances of going to college and ultimately joining the Illinois workforce and contributing to the economy. Some state lawmakers have argued that expanding eligibility could overburden state-funded programs and reduce the availability of grants and scholarships for U.S. citizens and legal residents.

 

(Paxton–jc)  It’s still autumn and winter does not officially start until December 21st. East Central Illinois has seen two snow events so far, and being prepared is essential. Ford County Emergency Management Agency Director Terry Whitebird has safety tips for motorists…

   

Ford County Emergency Management Agency Director Terry Whitebird

 

(Urbana-jm) – The Champaign County Emergency Management Agency hosted an emergency training to prepare houses of worship for worst case scenarios Wednesday. It covered a range of topics from active shooter training, to stopping a bleed with a tourniquet, and what to do during a severe weather event.

 

(Springfield–jc) Some state lawmakers are asking for Governor J B Pritzker to revamp the “safety act” which is now Illinois law. Several lawmakers served in law enforcement and say changes are desperately needed. 37th District State Representative Patrick Sheehan, Republican from Lockport says the governor is on the wrong side of this issue…

 

37th District State Representative Patrick Sheehan, Republican from Lockport

 

(Champaign County-jm) – $44,000 is being returned to the Champaign County Treasurer’s Office, officials have announced. State Senator Paul Faraci and Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said that they teamed up to return the money to the county. The money was owed to the county from Frontier Communications. The $44,000 was returned to the State Treasurer’s Office over the summer. After it was returned, Faraci worked with County Treasurer Byron Clark to help with the claims process.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton United Methodist Church in Paxton is hosting their annual Mrs Claus’s Closet on Saturday and Sunday. Event spokesperson Lindsey Dilks of Paxton says kids aged 3 to 11 can come in and choose 2 presents for someone on their Christmas gift list for free…

   

Mrs Claus’s Closet Spokesperson Lindsey Dilks of Paxton. 

 

(Springfield–jc)  –Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity  announced an additional 10 million dollars in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development Program for workforce training and wrap-around services that will bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. As part of Illinois’ workforce recovery efforts, the grants focus on helping increase employment among workers and key sectors of the state’s economy. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity  process.

 

Springfield, Ill. - The Illinois Pork Producers Association  announced on Wednesday,  new economic impact findings showing that pork production in Illinois generates more than 373 million dollars  in total tax revenue, underscoring the vital role pig farmers play in supporting local communities, strengthening the state economy, and driving rural development. Illinois remains one of the nation’s leading pork-producing states, and the industry’s economic footprint extends far beyond the farm gate. In addition to substantial tax contributions, pork production supports over 57,000 jobs across the supply chain, from on-farm workers and feed suppliers to processing facilities, transportation companies, veterinarians, equipment dealers, and small businesses in every region of the state.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Starting January 1st, 2026, Illinois residents will see new limits on what they pay for certain prescription drugs, a move lawmakers say could ease financial strain on families managing chronic conditions. Under the law, health insurance policies must cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription inhaler cost-sharing at $25 for a 30-day supply. The state previously passed a law in 2023 that limited the out-of-pocket costs for a two-pack of epinephrine (EpiPen) auto-injectors to $60.

 

(Paxton–jc)  During the month of December, WPXN news will be featuring local businesses and items and events they offer for the Christmas holiday. One local business is a cocktail class offered by Silver Tree Beer & Spirits of Paxton. Co Owner Will Glazik says the class with “The Whiskey Czar-Sam Vandergrift” will feature ingredients grown locally on the Glazik farm in Paxton…

   

Silver Tree Beer & Spirits Co Owner Will Glazik The class is set for tonight in Paxton starting at 6pm. You may contact Silver Tree Spirits for more information

 

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign man who was arrested for his involvement in a fire that caused thousands of dollars in damage to Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church was in court. Dalton Whitlock, has pleaded not guilty, was denied pretrial release, and that the court ordered a psychiatric evaluation. His next appearance is scheduled for January 22nd  for a fitness hearing.Prosecutors said Whitlock is a homeless man believed to have been camping inside the church.

 

(Buckley–jc)  The Buckley American Legion is hosting a “wreaths across America” event on Saturday December 13 at 11am. Buckley American Legion Spokesperson Wayne Wagner says the goal is to place a wreath on the graves of all service men and women and honor their legacy with the ceremony on the 13th in Buckley…

   

Buckley American Legion Spokesperson Wayne Wagner. The Cissna Park American Legion and those with the National Cemetery in Danville are also participating in the “Wreaths Across America” event.

 

(Gilman–jc)  – The Illinois Soybean Association has announced several award winners for the state organization this year. They include the I-S-A Chairman’s Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to serve the state’s soybean interests. It is the highest award given by I–A and is presented in appreciation of one’s dedication, leadership and years of service to the soybean industry. The recipient of this year’s Chairman’s Award is Aluizio Ribeiro, Chief Executive Officer of Incobrasa Industries L-T-D. Incobrasa opened their soybean crushing facility in Gilman, in 1997, expanding it to include an oil refinery and packaging facility for food grade vegetable oil in 2004, and most recently in 2007, a biodiesel plant. With decades of experience in international business and executive management, under Ribeiro’s leadership, Incobrasa has strengthened its’ position as a trusted producer in the U.S. market while maintaining strong ties to its’ global roots.

 

(Washington–jc)  The lights are lit on the national Christmas tree in Washington DC. U S D A Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says its the first time in history, the tree is from the state of Nevada…

USDA Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins

 

WPXN News notes…

The Gifford State Bank Christmas Parade will take place on Sunday, December 7th with a downtown open house from 3-5 pm and a lighted Christmas parade starting at 5.

 

The Lettermen will be doing a Christmas show at Monticello High School on Tuesday, December 9th.

 

The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Jingle Mingle event for its members is Wednesday, December 10. To end the year — and as a “thank you” — the chamber invites its members to this holiday party, which features food, drinks and fun on the third floor of the Clark Building in downtown Paxton. There will be a white-elephant gift exchange. Invitations will be sent to chamber members.

 

The St. Joseph Stanton Fire Department will hold their Holly Jolly Christmas breakfast on Saturday, December 13th with a pancake breakfast from 7-10 am, Santa arrives at 10 am. Other activities include a hot cocoa bar, letters to Santa, cookie decorating and more.

 

The Rantoul Recreation Department will host a breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 13th from 8-10 at the Rantoul Youth Center.

 

Cindy’s Roadside Cafe in Buckley will hold cookies and hot cocoa with Santa on Saturday, December 13th at 11 am.