(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that Grain Belt Express developers have met requirements to finance a transmission line project across Central Illinois. However, landowners are worried about potential damage to property throughout Christian, Clark, Cumberland and Shelby counties. Clean Life Energy Partners first talked about running a transmission line from Kansas to a power grid in Indiana in 2015, but the Grain Belt Express faced multiple legal challenges after the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the project.  Oral arguments before the Illinois Supreme Court came just months after the Trump administration canceled a $4.9 billion loan for Grain Belt Express. Developers stress they still plan to start construction this year. Yet, landowners and farmers argue the company should be banned from building the transmission line. Illinois lawmakers addressed some concerns by allowing non-utility companies to receive certificates for projects under the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Still, the Illinois Farm Bureau said farmers want energy for public use from responsible actors that comply with state and federal laws.

 

(Undated-jm) – The average price of gas in Illinois is 29.2 cents cheaper than this time last year according to GasBuddy. According to their latest report, the average price of a gallon of gas in Illinois has risen to $2.94, 7.5 cents higher than last week. However, prices are 1.9 cents per gallon cheaper than last month. The national average rose 7.5 cents last week to $3.23 a gallon.

 

DANVILLE – As electric vehicles become an increasingly common part of today’s transportation landscape, Danville Area Community College is launching a new Electric Vehicle Technology Certificate to prepare students for careers in a rapidly growing sector of the automotive industry. The 29-credit certificate provides hands-on training in electric and hybrid vehicle systems, including diagnostics, electrical technology,  and high-voltage safety. All of the courses are currently offered

(Springfield–jc)  There continues to be disputes from some in Springfield over the “Clean and Reliable Grid Act” signed into law by Illinois Governor J B Pritzker. The law is intended to lower prices on electricity in the state, but 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet, says the new law will do just the opposite and raise costs in electricity…

   

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet

 

(Paxton-jm) – Several Ford County residents are facing animal cruelty charges. 

WCIA and the Ford County Chronicle are reporting an incident involving several Paxton residents in two separate cases. One of those  cases is due in Ford County court later today.

 

(Paxton–jc)  Upgrades to the Clayton Hale walk bridge in the city of Paxton continue. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the project remains in the hands of the Illinois Department of Transportation…

   

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Undated-jm) – United Airlines is returning to Central Illinois. Willard Airport announced Tuesday United Airlines will be offering four flights daily to Chicago O’Hare 7 days a week starting April 30th. They will also be offering four daily flights to Chicago O’Hare out of Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington. Those flights start May 7th.

 

(St Joseph–jc)  One area High School F F A Chapter is busy all year long with competitions and chapter projects. St Joe Ogden F F A Chapter President Delaney Nakolny says they have an auction coming up and the chapter is always busy in competitions…

   

St Joe Ogden F F A Chapter President Delanaey Nakolny. The St Joe Ogden F F A Auction is set for Saturday February 7th. Dinner and auction start at 5 and the live auction at 6 at the high school. 

 

(Springfield–jc)  – The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is holding an online auction of unclaimed property through Sunday. Available items include a 1918 Centennial Lincoln half dollar, admission tickets from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, comics featuring the Green Lantern and Wonder Woman, and collectible cards featuring sports Hall of Famers like Lou Brock, Ryne Sandberg, Marshall Faulk and Michael Jordan. A total of 150 lots will be auctioned from an online catalog.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Democratic lawmakers are renewing their push for the Illinois Investment Policy Board to stop restricting state funding for companies boycotting Israel. The Coalition for Human Rights says the current state law is dangerous for people protesting the war in Gaza. The Illinois Investment Policy Board can restrict public funds to any company if it believes the group is boycotting Israel. However, a growing number of lawmakers and advocates argue the law requires Illinois' pension fund to stop investing in companies standing up for Palestinian rights. Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid filed the Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act last February, but the bill has been blocked from receiving a committee hearing. A companion bill in the Senate has faced the same issue, but advocates are committed to getting the plan passed in 2026. Lawmakers could address the legislation when they return to the Capitol next month. Representative Carol Ammons of Urbana is one of 20 co-sponsors for this bill in the House. There are 14 co-sponsors for the Senate version of the plan.

 

(Washinton–jc)  –Enrollment takes place between now and February 26th for U-S-D-A's Dairy Margin Coverage with new enhancements for the program. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(The Center Square) – According to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Illinois’ population has risen for the third straight year. Data released on Tuesday showed Illinois with an estimated 12 million 719 thousand people as of July First last year.  The state’s number is 16 thousand higher than a year ago but 76 thousand  lower than it was in 2020.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Changes to SNAP benefits are less than a week away. Federal changes mean many Illinoisans with qualifying status will change February 1. The Illinois Department of Human Resources said it sent initial notices and exemption form copies to those impacted. It also provided a new resource for residents to see if they qualify for work exemptions.

 

(Urbana–jc)  This is definitely the cold and flu season. Each year another strain of flu comes with its symptoms and problems. Champaign Urbana Public Health Department Deputy Administrator Mamadou Townkara provides some insight into H-3-N-2…

 

 

Champaign Urbana Public Health Department Deputy Administrator Mamadou Townkara. If you have flu symptoms, stay home and contact your doctor, if needed. 

 

(Charleston-jm) – Some changes could be coming to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. One of the proposed changes is to merge the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services. The move would save over half a million dollars although it's unknown whether it will impact staffing. Other changes coming to EIU include remodeling Thomas Hall and adding the Pemberton Hall Welcome Center and an Integrated Sciences Building.

 

(Paxton–jc)  There are always new laws and changes to tax payers each year. One change this year is for Seniors paying taxes. A new law gives Seniors a 6 thousand dollar deduction if you have taxable social security, says Shaffer Tax and Accounting of Paxton owner Jeff Shaffer…

 

 

Shaffer Tax and Accounting of Paxton Owner Jeff Shaffer

 

(Springfield–jc)  –  Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced Tuesday a 50 million dollar  grant opportunity is available through the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program. The funding will support the Community Health Center Construction Grants for Federally Qualified Health Centers and look-alikes .  The grant opportunity expands access to healthcare services by facilitating the construction or renovation of community-based health care facilities, especially for centers in underserved and rural areas. 

 

(Chicago–jc)  -The Illinois Judicial Conference has unveiled its 2026-2028 strategic agenda for the state’s judicial branch.Chief Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. said the agenda focuses on removing barriers that prevent litigants from fully participating in the legal system. The IJC consists of 15 judges and 14 non-judges with the chief justice serving as chair.

 

 

WPXN NEWS notes…

The Loda United Methodist Church will have a free concert with Eric Gordon and Friends on Saturday January 31st at 4pm. A potluck will follow the concert.

 

The Hoopeston Area FFA will hold their alumni scholarship auction on Saturday, January 31st at The Legion. Silent auction starts at 4, dinner will be served at 4:30 and the live auction begins at 6.

 

The St. Mary’s St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus will hold their annual free throw contest on Sunday, February 1st at PBL High School. Doors open at noon with the competition beginning at 12:30. All kids ages 9-14 are invited to participate.

 

The 2026 Illinois Agriculture Summit will take place on Tuesday, February 3rd starting at 10 am at the I-Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign.

 

CU at Home will hold their One Winter Night to raise awareness about homelessness on Friday, February 6th starting at 5:30pm.

 

The 13th annual Milford FFA Alumni Scholarship Auction will take place on Saturday, February 7th at Milford Town and Country Events. Doors open at 11 am, lunch is served at noon with the auction starting at 1pm.