(Undated–jc) Several tornadoes touched down in East Central Illinois on Tuesday afternoon. One happened near Pontiac in Livingston County and the same track of storms saw another touch down in and around Kankakee. Police and emergency officials say a large number of buildings received damage from the storm and power lines were down in a wide area in Kankakee County. Officials continue to gather damage reports. To date, no one was fatally injured in the storms.
(Springfield-jm) – More Illinoisans living with a disability now have access to a program that helps them save and invest money. Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said an estimated 250,000 more Illinoisans are now eligible to open ABLE accounts. The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act was passed by Congress in 2014, and originally required that eligible participants have their disability before their 26th birthday. Now, however, the law has been changed, and one must acquire their disability before their 46th birthday.
(Springfield–jc) A home buyer tax credit is being introduced in the Illinois Senate by some in the Republican party. 53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, explains..
53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema Republican from Channahon
(Champaign County-jm) – In a four year time span, Champaign County had a more than 130% increase of people experiencing homelessness from 2021 to 2025. Community leaders are teaming up with the state and the nation to do something about it. The Champaign County Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless had their kickoff event Monday night. Their goal starts with creating a strategic plan on how to end homelessness across the county. They’re teaming up with Homebase, a national consultant, to do it. Up next, Homebase will be meeting with focus groups throughout the week, like first responders, healthcare providers, and people who have experienced homelessness themselves.
(Gibson City–jc) The date for the 20-26 Gibson Area Hospital Summer Bash is Saturday August 15th in downtown Gibson City. Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby made the announcement yesterday morning about the bands coming to Ford County…
Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby
Tickets for the show go on sale this Friday at 8am.
(Vermilion County-jm) – The Vermilion Advantage Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Susan Brown, as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Vermilion Advantage. She will officially begin her role on June 3, 2026. Amy brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, economic development, and community engagement. She has held transformative leadership roles at organizations such as Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, CRIS Healthy Aging, and CRIS Transit.
(Cissna Park–jc) Plans continue for a “sock hop” fundraiser in Cissna Park set for this Saturday. Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Rachael Bauer says tickets are available with a band from Bloomington, dancing, and food and fun…
Cissna Park Economic Development Board Spokesperson Rachael Bauer
(Springfield–jc) –A Republican candidate for the Illinois House says the public deserves transparency after state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, was removed from the House Democratic Caucus and stripped of his committee assignments.
Candidate Gabby Shanahan released a statement saying two weeks of silence are not acceptable after such extraordinary actions were taken against a sitting legislator. Benton’s office did not respond to The Center Square’s request for comment.
(Springfield-jc) –According to AAA, the average Illinois gas price for regular unleaded has gone over 3.50 per gallon. The national average on Monday was $3.47, but Illinois’ average price rose to $3.52, more than 46 cents higher than it was one week earlier. Cook County’s per-gallon average on Monday was 3 dollars 74 cents per gallon. Averages locally….Champaign and Urbana is 3 dollars 45 cents per gallon. In Rantoul and Paxton the average price is 3 dollars 55 cents per gallon. The average in several communities in Iroquois County is 3 dollars 47 cents per gallon.
(Chicago–jc) –The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has increased its fiscal year 2026 general funds revenue estimate by just over 1 percent. The commission’s latest report says personal income tax revenues are up 685 million through February after accounting for tax refunds and local government distributions. Corporate income tax receipts are a net 158 million lower than last year. Sales tax receipts are up 338 million.
(Rantoul–jc) A traveling exhibit is coming to Rantoul. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…
(Springfield-jm) – Voting is now open in the Illinois Manufacturers' Association's 2026 "Makers Madness" contest. It is a bracket-style tournament that lets the public decide on The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. The annual competition celebrates Illinois manufacturers. More than 100 products were nominated this year. Voters can now choose which products will advance to the Top 16. Voting for this round runs through 11:59 p.m. on March 22. You can vote up to five times per day. Head to head match ups will take place each week, culminating with an awards ceremony at the Governor's mansion on April 15.
(Washington–jc) – The first step in getting U-S-D-A end of month reports on prospective plantings and grain stocks ready is now underway ... surveys sent to producers. Rod Bain reports…
(Melvin–jc) The 100th annual Ford County Fair is set for the village of Melvin from June 13th through June 19th. Ford County Fair Vice President Dallas Meyer invites area residents to bring your projects, flower and other items to be judged at the local event…
Ford County Fair Vice President Dallas Meyer. National Country Artist Clay Walker will perform live on June 13th in Melvin this year. Tickets are available on-line
(Kankakee County-jm) – A Kankakee trial date of May 18 has been set for the man accused of killing a Momence bar-owner in early February. 47-year-old Julius Burkes was arraigned in Circuit Court. Burkes pleaded not guilty, while his defense attorney filed and was granted a motion for a speedy trial. Judge William Dickenson set a May 18 trial date. The Daily-Journal reports Judge Dickenson ordered Burkes remain jailed pending trial. Burkes is represented by Assistant Public Defender Jamie Boyd. Burkes is accused of the execution-style killing of 30-year-old Courtney Drysdale. She was shot and killed as she opened for business at the bar she owned on Route 114, east of Momence on February 2. Burkes is charged with felony 3-counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of first-degree murder, the sentencing range is 20 to 60 years.
(Buckley–jc) A nationally known comedian is set to appear in Buckley as a fundraiser for Christ Lutheran High School. Jeremy Nunes (‘Newn’nez) will perform on Saturday at the high school in Buckley at 2pm. Nunes says he has been doing comedy for 24years…
National Known Comedian Jeremy Nunes. The event starts at 2pm. A free will donation is the price of admission and it’s also National Pi Day…so free pie too.
(Chicago–jc) – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission and global education company Kaplan announced on Monday that the state’s test preparation program will continue through the end of the school year. Illinois taxpayers have spent $9.9 million for test prep courses to be provided free of charge for more than 12,000 students enrolled at the state’s public universities. Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed a $7 million appropriation for the program to continue in fiscal year 2027.
(Southern Illinois–jc) –Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary statewide total of 882 wild turkeys during the 2025-2026 fall archery turkey season, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. All 102 Illinois counties were open for hunting between October 2025 and January 18th of 2026. The top two turkey-harvesting counties were Fayette with 33 and Jefferson with 32.
WPXN News notes…
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, March 12th from 5:30-7:30 pm at The Villas of Hollybrook.
The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, March 13th from 4-6 pm. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6-12.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, March 13th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10.
The Worlds Smallest St. Patricks Day parade will take place on Saturday, March 14th from 11-1 in downtown Rantoul.
The Rusty Wheel Circle Jam will be held on Sunday, March 15th at the Eagle Performance Arts Center in Downtown Pontiac from 1-4 pm. Enjoy classic, traditional country, bluegrass and gospel music for free.
The Onarga American Legion will hold a breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 21st from 8-11 am at Durham Park. Following the breakfast will be an easter egg hunt at 11 am.
