(Springfiled–jc) –Get Covered Illinois announced that Illinois residents now have until December 31 to enroll in health insurance coverage that begins January 1.
The extension comes at a crucial moment, as Illinois works to ensure residents maintain access to high-quality coverage amid changes at the federal level. This year marks Get Covered Illinois’ first Open Enrollment Period operating a state-based marketplace independent of the federally run HealthCare.gov. State officials emphasized that local control is already providing meaningful benefits for Illinois customers.
(The Center Square) – The state of Illinois is spending about $700 million in taxpayer funds to address homelessness. Gov. J.B. Pritzker was in Springfield this week to announce that 2 million dollars in taxpayer funds will be spent for homelessness in Springfield. Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley said that’s just a fraction of the total being spent statewide.
Illinois Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley. Illinois Governor J B Pritzker says state taxpayers will invest up to 700 million dollars for homelessness this fiscal year…
Illinois Governor J B Pritzker
(Springfield-jm) – A law that takes effect in the new year aims to improve protections for missing people with developmental disabilities. Senate Bill 1548 creates the Golden Search Awareness Program. State Senator Paul Faraci said the law will help ensure law enforcement, families and communities have the tools to respond effectively when someone with developmental disabilities goes missing.
(Springfield-jm) – A new Illinois law is aiming to give State Police more strength in investigating internet crimes against children. State Senator Julie Morrison collaborated with State Police to expand their investigative powers to combat digital crimes and better protect young people. House Bill 2586 will give State Police’s Division of Criminal Investigation broader jurisdiction to pursue online child exploitation cases and work alongside local task forces across Illinois.This law aims to improve response times, close jurisdictional gaps and bolster coordination between agencies that are working to protect children from digital threats. These specific changes will bring the state in line with Alicia’s Law, which is a national initiative that allows specialized law enforcement units to track and prosecute predators who target children online.
(Paxton–jc) City of Paxton leaders continue to look at the upgrades needed for the Clayton Hale walk bridge that goes over the railroad cut in the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the city's engineering company representatives say the timeline for the project will take another step around March of next year…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Clinton-jm) – The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a 20-year license renewal for Constellation's Clinton Clean Energy Center. Constellation Communications shared that the renewal will allow the Clinton facility to operate through 2047. Meta signed a 20-year agreement in August to purchase power from the Clinton plant. The agreement will support re-licensing and continued operations at the Clinton facility beginning in June 2027 after the state’s ratepayer-funded zero-emission credit (ZEC) program expires.
(Washington–jc) What is the outlook for beef production and steer prices?World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski has some of the answers…
World Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski
(Paxton–jc) Santa is coming to the Paxton Park District today. The event is sponsored by E X P Real Estate Agent Kennedy Glazik of Paxton. Glazik says the visit starts at 5pm today, complete with hot chocolate and more…
E X P Real Estate Agent Kennedy Glazik of Paxton.
(Undated–jc)– Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in 5 metropolitan areas, was unchanged in 1, and decreased in 6, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth: Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 10 metro areas and decreased in 2 for the year ending September 2025, according to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security
(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker signed a bill into law Tuesday that will help fund public transit in Illinois. The legislation will raise one and a half billion dollars annually. Capitol News Illinois reports most of the funding will go to the Chicago area and prevent service cuts to the CTA, Metra and Pace. 860 million dollars will come from the state’s existing sales tax on motor fuel purchases and another 200 million comes from the interest generated from the Road Fund. Downstate transit agencies will also have their funding increased by 129 million dollars annually to help with their challenges. State Representative Kam Buckner says this bill lifts all Illinoisans…
State Representative Kam Buckner. The law also replaces the Regional Transportation Authority with the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.. N-I-T-A will have the ability to create a universal fare system and coordinate scheduling between the agencies in the city and suburbs.
(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reporting that over 81,000 deer were harvested during the seven-day 2025 Illinois firearm deer season. Hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 81,225 deer during the season that ended Dec. 7. Hunters harvested 82,496 deer during the 2024 firearm season. 242 were harvested in Champaign County, 143 in Ford County, 658 in Iroquois County and 739 in Vermilion County.
(Springfield-jm) – A new law taking effect at the start of the new year aims to improve transparency when it comes to firefighter deaths, both in the line of duty and for other reasons. Starting January1, a law will require the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal to begin tracking death records of all firefighters in Illinois including those who died by suicide and from fire service-related cancers. This will improve firefighter safety, foster transparency for loved ones, and ultimately help prevent further deaths and injuries.
(Springfield–jc) Holiday decorating is fun and also an expression of the holidays. Safety is also a key. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema urges safety inside and outside of your homes and businesses…
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema Republican from Channahon
(Watseka-jm) – The 50th annual Iroquois County Christmas Cantata is this weekend! 6pm & 8pm this Friday, the 19th. Also at 2pm & 4pm this Sunday the 21st. This year's presentation is called “Light of the Stable." All presentations take place at Living Hope Church/First Christian Church, at 546 N. Sixth St. in Watseka. Free to attend, but there's limited seating. You must call ahead to make a reservation, (815)-683-6208. Be sure to leave your name, contact info, along with the date/time of the presentation you want to attend. Plus how many people will attend with you. You'll receive a call or text verifying your reservation.
(Rantoul–jc) The Streetscape project in the village of Rantoul continues as residents and businesses deal with the construction project. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says while there is good weather, work continues…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Cissna Park–jc) In our shop local for the holidays segment on WPXN, one local store has tools and hardware, but also gifts and free gift wrapping. That is found by shopping Knapp and Steiner True Value Hardware in downtown Cissna Park says store Manager Michael McCray…
Knapp and Steiner True Value Hardware Store Manager Michael McCray
(Chicago–jc) –Illinois is the only state in the Midwest and one of just a dozen in the country with average gas prices over $3 per gallon. Triple A lists Illinois’ per-gallon average at $3.03. The national average has fallen below 2.91 per gallon.
Most of the higher gas isThe Land of Lincoln has the second-highest gas tax in the nation.
WPXN News notes…
The Paxton Park District is hosting a visit with Santa Claus from 5pm to 7pm today at the Paxton Park District. Meet Santa and enjoy hot chocolate, pictures and more. The event is sponsored by EXP Real Estate Agent Kennedy Glazik of Paxton.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, December 18th from 4:30-6:30 pm. Dinner includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, $6 for kids 6-13. Deliveries available in town by calling 217-379-0349.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their porkchop sandwich supper on Friday, December 26th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. They will also host their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, December 27th from noon–2 pm. Cost is $15.
Impact Life will hold a blood drive on Friday, December 26th from 9-noon at the First Lutheran Church in Paxton. To schedule an appointment, email Kevin Hanson at e-m-t-c-o-o-r at hotmail dot com.
