(Undated–jc) – Cheaper electric bills for some in the state and midwest are not in the future for 2026. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…
(The Center Square) – Components of Illinois Safe Gun Storage Act go into effect January first. Supporters of Senate Bill 8, like gun control advocacy group Giffords, say in addition to strengthening existing domestic violence laws and investing $19 million in taxpayer funds to community violence intervention programs, Illinois enacting the safe gun storage law scores as an “A” for the state for gun safety.
Part of the law requires firearms to be stored if there is anyone not eligible under federal and state law to handle a firearm.
(Washington–jc) A senior Agriculture Department official lists some of the events in the ag economy and ag sector that he believes were notable in 2025. Rod Bain reports…
(Danville–jc) – Before most of East Central Illinois was up to enjoy fellowship and gift unwrapping, O-S-F HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville was welcoming a Christmas baby to the world. Augustt Dean was born at 3:19 a.m. to mom Regina. It is a Christmas blessing for family and friends on Christmas morning in Danville
(Paxton–jc) A blood drive is set for this morning in Paxton. Impact Life local event coordinator Kevin Hanson says they have several openings at the event from 9 to noon at the First Lutheran Church in Paxton…
Impact Life Paxton Blood Drive event Spokesperson Kevin Hanson.
(The Center Square) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined 12 Democratic attorneys general this week, submitting an amicus brief opposing a legal challenge to Minnesota’s policies that allow transgender athletes to participate in female sports. The brief was submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit in Female Athletes United v. Ellison. The case challenges Minnesota’s statewide policy permitting transgender athletes to compete in female sports. The brief argues that Title IX’s prohibition on sex discrimination includes discrimination based on gender identity. It said excluding transgender athletes would violate the statute.
(Ford County–jc) even though we see more late fall like weather for this Christmas Holiday, those who live in East Central Illinois know that winter weather will show up over the next 3 months. Ford County E M S Coordinator Terry Whitebird says communication while traveling is one key to keeping safe…
Ford County E M S Coordinator Terry Whitebird
(The Center Square) – A sweeping Medicaid and maternal-care overhaul taking effect on Thursday is drawing some sharp criticism from Illinois Republicans, who say Senate Bill 24-37 crams too many major policy changes into one bill and opens the door to costly new mandates. State Representative. Bill Hauter, Republican from Morton, says the bill was pushed through as an end-of-session omnibus with little transparency or input from Republicans. Hauter says the new, now law, shoves too many new policies into action. Hauter says one change creates a new category of noncitizens eligible for Medicaid-style benefits. The law allows benefits to those undocumented in the state to receive free benefits..
(Washington–jc) –What does the winter wheat crop look like the day after Christmas? The answer comes from U-S-D-A meteorologist Brad Rippey
U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey
WPXN News notes…
Impact Life will hold a blood drive on today 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.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their porkchop sandwich supper on tonight 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.
The Champaign County Forest Preserve will host Raptors Up Close at the Lake of the Woods Pavilion on Saturday, January 24th from 10-11:30 am.
The St Joseph-Swearingen Library announces its Winter Used Book Sale. The book sale will begin Monday, January 5th and will end Wednesday, January 28th. All items are for sale by donation. Books, DVDs, music CDs and audio books will be available.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host The 1985-Totally 80’s Mixtape Live on Saturday, January 17th. Doors open at 7 with the show starting at 8.
