(Undated-jm) – Multiple tornadoes touched down around the area Friday evening. At least 8 were confirmed in McLean County including 2 in Bloomington-Normal, one of which hit the Rivian Plant. Another tornado was on the ground for over 30 miles. A tornado also went from near Saybrook before lifting near the Ford County line. An EF-1 tornado tore through parts of Gibson City while another EF-1 tornado passed near Buckley. Three people were taken to the hospital after two semis were flipped on I-57 near Buckley likely related to the tornado. The Gibson City American Legion’s roof and building were damaged. Several buildings on a rural Loda Farm were also damaged by the Friday night storms.
(Springfield-jm) — Illinois lawmakers moved a wide-ranging group of bills out of their respective chambers ahead of their Friday deadline. The measures now head to their opposite ends of the General Assembly for further consideration, as they approach the end of spring session on May 31. State Representative Joyce Mason is sponsoring a measure aimed at expanding background check requirements for childcare workers. Lawmakers advanced House Bill 5492, a bill that would require insurance companies to cover hormone replacement therapy when deemed medically necessary. State Representative Katie Stuart’s proposal would expand access to treatment commonly used for a range of conditions, including menopause and certain types of cancers. House Bill 5511 aims to regulate youth access to social media, requiring companies to implement age verification measures for users. The Gov. JB Pritzker-backed measure is part of a growing effort by lawmakers to address concerns about minors’ exposure to harmful content online. Senate Bill 2427 allows school districts authority to limit or ban cellphone use during the school day. Lawmakers are looking to pass legislation to recognize coroners and medical examiners as first responders. Senate Bill 2770 would formally classify these professionals alongside police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. State Representative Barbra Hernandez’s bill would give couples more power in deciding who keeps their furry companions. House Bill 4540 would give the court system authority to assign sole or joint ownership of a pet, particularly in cases such as divorce. State Representative Maurice West is supporting a measure aimed at providing housing to formerly incarcerated individuals. House Bill 624 is designed to reduce barriers to housing by offering support such as financial assistance, education and counseling.
(Springfield–dm)-According to 104th District State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville), Illinois, like many other states, is battling a first responder recruitment and retention crisis. He said that volunteers have less time and incentive to continue this level of public service and its training requirements, if their real employment is threatened.
104th District State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R. Danville
(Paxton-jm) – After over 50 years as an organization, the Paxton Community Nursery School will be shutting its doors for good at the end of the school year due to low enrollment and budget deficits. In a Facebook post Friday, the school said the circumstances over the last decade have hit them hard.
(Buckley-jm) – A special meeting will be held tonight in Buckley to talk about the future of a proposed sewer treatment plant. The village has $16 million for the project however estimates now bring the total cost of the project up to $21 million. Village leaders are looking for federal grants and voting on a new tax to help. People in the village would have to pay $64 dollars a month, instead of the previous amount of $47 dollars.
(USDA)-Lawn mowing season is here, and perhaps the best way to take care of your lawn is to do less, according to a Cooperative Extension expert. USDA’s Rod Bain has more information
(Gilman–dm)-The Iroquois West School Board will hold their regular monthly meeting tonight. Items on the agenda include Resolutions honoring retirees Sandy Henley, Susan Legan and Judy Wilson. Also approval of summer camps for football, boys and girls basketball, cheer camp and girls volleyball. Also the use of the High School gym, the small gym and cafeteria on May 2nd for post prom activities. The Board meeting will be at the High School Board room starting at
(Chicago–jc) Illinois U.S. Representative . Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democrat Schaumburg, has asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to launch an economic impact assessment of Operation Midway Blitz. Krishnamoorthi said the deployment of federal immigration law enforcement has driven a year-over-year revenue decline that affects state and local tax revenues
(Gordyville–jc) The American Cancer Society’s Coaches versus Cancer event at Gordyville USA near Gifford last week was attended by just shy of 2000 people. The event raised 690 thousand dollars. American Cancer Society Development Manager Sharla Jolly says, the raise the paddle portion, was the largest donation to date…
American Cancer Society Development Manager Sharla Jolly
A big thank you to University of Illinois Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Underwood and staff for helping with the annual event.
(Springfield–dm)-The Illinois House Friday afternoon approved a bill to allow composting of human remains as a burial option. 88th District State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) voted against the measure and spoke against it during floor debate..
88th District State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur)
(Undated-jm) – Airports and travelers across the country have questions about flights being cut in the next few months, after the Federal Aviation Administration placed caps on the number of summer flights in and out of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The FAA is limiting daily service at the hub from an anticipated 3,000 daily flights to nearly 2,700. University of Illinois Professor Sheldon Jacobson said when you break down what it means for American Airlines and United, they’ll be cutting one in every seven flights. Jacobson said making the decision to cut flights from larger international airports or smaller regional ones will be difficult. Willard Airport officials say they have not heard of any cuts to service.
(Roberts–dm)-There will be a free produce pantry at the Roberts Gym on Friday May 15th sponsored by Jeremiah 33:6 along with a health fair sponsored by the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State. Professor Valarie Wright talks about what you can get checked at the health fair.
Professor Valarie Wright. The Health Fair runs from 3pm to 5pm and all are welcome regardless of income
(Rantoul–jc) The Rantoul Sports Complex continues to bring in large amounts of various sports, teams, players and fans. This past weekend, nearly 40 thousand people attended sports from soccer tournaments to baseball and softball tournaments. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandun Denton says the place was built to handle huge crowds including over 1 thousand parking spots…
Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandun Denton
(Champaign–dm)-The Champaign City Council will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday April 21. Items on the agenda include, approving the FY 2026/2027 annual action plan, Reallocation of $4,138,245 of the City of Champaign Illinois 2026 private activity allocation to the Illinois Housing Development Authority. Also on the agenda is accepting a bid for the 2026 locally funded asphalt streets improvement, and approving an engineering services agreement with Clark Dietz Inc for the Champaign police fuel system and parking lot design project. The meeting is scheduled to start at 7pm
(Paxton–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Paxton Mainstreet. The local not for profit’s main goal is to promote the city of Paxton, its businesses, local events and citizens. Paxton Mainstreet Executive Director Donna Pepper says the group is preparing for its 3rd year of Free Friday night concerts at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton…
Donna Pepper says the first concert is Friday May First at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton featuring the Philo Country Opry…
Paxton Mainstreet executive Director Donna Pepper
Paxton Mainstreet is the WPXN Business of the day, today
WPXN news notes.
The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County will hold their Spring Fling Fundraiser on Thursday, April 23rd from 5-8 pm at the Knights of Columbus in Rantoul. Activities include dinner, live music, 50/50 and meat raffle and a dessert auction. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased by calling the Community Service Center.
Buckley Townwide Garage Sales will take place Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th.
The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, April 24th from 4-6pm.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their porkchop sandwich supper on Friday, April 24th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. They will also host their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, April 25th from noon–2 pm. Cost is $15.
The Onarga Fire Department will hold their taco fundraiser on Saturday, April 25th from 10 until they are sold out at Durham Park. Cost is $3 per taco.
The Cadillac in Paxton will host Emo Night Live with the All American Throwbacks on Saturday, April 25th at 8pm.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Roberts will hold a free spaghetti supper on Sunday, April 26th from 4-6:30 pm at the Roberts Gym.
Gospel singer Kelley Dupius will perform at the Paxton Church of Christ on Sunday, April 26th at 7pm.
