(Springfield–jc)  It was tax day on Wednesday. Several conservative Republicans in Springfield  say raising taxes, again, is on the agenda of Democrats in Springfield.  Paying more in taxes seems to be  good for Democrats, but not for Illinois families. 64th District State Representative Tom Weber, Republican from Lake Villa  says the democrats in Springfield have raised 49 different taxes on citizens…

64th District State Representative Tom Weber, Republican from Lake Villa

Weber says the democrats are in the majority and some new taxes that could become law include…a campfire tax, bag tax, ammo tax, cell tower tax and digital ad tax. Lawmakers are in Springfield working on the next fiscal year budget

 

(Springfield–jc)  – Illinois , Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity  announced just under 5 million dollars in grants for 66 grantees through three tourism grant programs Among the grants was a 29 thousand dollar grant for the city of Pontiac and a 100 thousand dollar grant for the Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Bloomington Normal Visitors Bureau also received a 100 thousand dollar tourism grant.

 

(Champaign–jc)  –The final two weeks of dates for the fifth annual prom dress giveaway organized by former Champaign County Recorder of Deeds Mike Ingram have been set. The next opportunities are Thursday and then running through Tuesday April 28th. The location of the giveaway is at 41 East University in Champaign. Over the first 4 years of the program, over 4 thousand dresses have been offered to high school students for free.

 

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Buckley Loda school system now has an official wrestling program. The P-B-L board gave the O-K at their meeting last night. The new sport will be offered for the first time with the next school year beginning in August.

 

(Bloomington–jc)  –In its 97th year, the Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University will present its 2026 production titled, “Carnival of Dreams” on Friday and Saturday. Performances at CEFCU Arena are 1pm and 7pm each day. Tickets are available online or by calling t 309-438-8000. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

 

(Paxton–jc)  A free health fair event is set for Paxton later today. The East Central Illinois Community Action Agency is hosting the event from 11am to 2pm at Veteran’s Square in downtown Paxton. The groups  Lead Family and Community Development Specialist Tori Brigham says the event is free to attend…

   

East Central Illinois Community Action Agency’s Lead Family and Community Development Specialist Tori Brigham 

 

(Springfield–jc) If going to some museums in the state are on your list of day vacations, there is one way to get some free tickets. 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington, has the details…

 

106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington

 

(Rantoul–jc)  – The Rantoul Township High School board policy committee will review bus conduct, exemptions from Physical Education classes and extracurricular activities when they meet this evening. The Meeting comes to order at 6 tonight at the high school 

 

(Hoopeston–jc)  The deadline to check out a rubber duck for Hoopeston Public Library's Duck Decorating Contest has been extended.You now have through Saturday to pick up a duck at the Hoopeston Library. The returned decorated ducks will be on display at the Hoopeston library from April 20th though April 25.

Prizes will be awarded in several age groups.

 

(Springfield–jc)  – – Illinois gun owners are pressing their legislators to oppose gun regulations and some elected officials are on their side.Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day started at a convention center in Springfield Wednesday to hear from gun rights advocates. 101st District State Representative Chris Miller, Republican from Hindsboro addressed the crowd….

101st District State Representative Chris Miller, Republican from Hindsboro.

 

(Watseka–jc)  Authorities in the Iroquois County city of Watseka are reporting some copper wire thefts. Some of those thefts are associated with trailers parked in the city. Anyone with information is asked to call the Watseka Police Department at 815-432-2433

 

(Springfield–jc)  One area state representative is blasting Democrat Governor J B Pritzker for failing to fully fund the Local Government Distributive Fund or provide proper funding for local schools. 88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decator says Governor Pritzker continues to deflect the blame…

88th District State Representative Regan Deering, republican from Decatur

 

(Washington–jc)  –USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses notable state topsoil moisture very short to short condition ratings for the period ending April 12.

U S D A Meteorologist Brad Rippey

 

(Springfield–jc) The NASA Standard Initiator made by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove has won the 2026 Makers Madness contest for The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association announced the winner on Wednesday from a field of more than 100 entries.

The device was used in the recent space launch-Artemus 2. 

 

(Springfield–jc) The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association is urging businesses and farmers to contact state leaders on a proposed bill in Springfield. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…

 

 

(Springfield–jc)  –The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says youth turkey hunters harvested 2,318 birds during the four-day 2026 season, setting a record for the third straight year.

 

(Springfield–jc)  –Participation also reached an all-time high, with 7,369 youth permits sold. The top counties for youth harvest were Jefferson with 75 turkeys, Fayette with 74 and Marion with 68. 5 Turkeys were harvested in Champaign County, 7 in Iroquois County and 8 in Vermilion County. There was one turkey harvested in Ford County last year, but none this year.

 

(Gilman–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Pizza Palace in downtown Gilman. The business has been in operation since 1985 and features a large varieties of pizzas from thin to pan to sicilian and stuffed crust and also with your favorite ingredients. Pizza Palace of Gilman Owner Eric Bull says hours are Wednesdays through Sundays starting at 4pm…

 

Eric Bull goes on to talk about…pizza…

Pizza Palace of Gilman Owner Eric Bull

The business opens at 4pm Wednesday through Sundays. Carryout number is 815-265-4321

Pizza Palace of Gilman is the WPXN Business of the Day, today

 

WPXN News notes…

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, April 16th 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 American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Gibson Area Hospital on Friday, April 17th from 11:30-5:30.

 

The Gibson Area Hospital Foundation will hold their Glo Bingo fundraiser on Friday, April 17th at 6:30 pm at the Kruse Center. Tickets are $30 each.

 

The EAA Chapter 29 will host a Young Eagles Flight Rally on Saturday, April 18th from 9-11 am at the Rantoul National Aviation Center.

 

The Thawville Community Sale will take place on Saturday, April 18th starting at 10 am.

 

The Champaign County Forest Preserve will hold an International Dark Sky Week Celebration on Saturday, April 18th from 7-10:30 pm at Middlefork Forest Preserve.