(Springfield-jm) - Illinois House Republicans want to be brought to the table to negotiate stronger property tax relief included in the state's megaprojects bill. House Democrats celebrated "historic" property tax relief included in the Chicago Bears-endorsed payment in lieu of the tax plan they passed last month. Representative Kam Buckner said the state would use half of the revenue for property tax relief for Illinois families. Sixty percent of that funding would go to the local community with a megaproject and the remaining 40% could be invested in the statewide property tax relief fund that lawmakers haven't funded since it was created over five years ago. However, the governor's office says a potential $20 million payment for a megaproject would only provide an average homeowner $1.29 in property tax relief. GOP leaders also hope to reinstate the Illinois property tax relief grant program that helped schools reduce tax levies. Republican representative Dan Ugaste stressed the program could've provided $3.5 billion in relief last year, but the policy could save taxpayers $82 billion over 21 years.
(Springfield-jm) – State lawmakers are considering a bill that could give hospital workers easier access to healthcare. This comes as many providers struggle to receive healthcare because of high insurance premiums coming out of their paychecks. Representative Kelly Cassidy hopes to cap the out-of-pocket insurance cost for healthcare workers to 10% of the premium cost. Resident physicians told the House Insurance Committee Tuesday that this change could ensure they have more resources to take care of themselves while working in Illinois. Hospitals violating the policy would be required to pay $500 fines to the Department of Public Health for each impacted covered employee.
(Rantoul–jc) Village of Rantoul officials say an error was made in the property tax bills for its residents. The bills being mailed to those in the village are about 70 cents higher. That means about 300 dollars more for a house valued at 125 thousand dollars. Property owners will be reimbursed that difference in the property tax procedures this year.
(Springfield–jc) 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet, has filed a new bill in the Illinois Senate to repeal the struggling Safe-T-Act. Rose says some common sense needs to be placed back into the legal system…
51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet
(Normal–jc) - Illinois State University has been notified that the AFSCME Local 1110 membership ratified the tentative agreement reached by the two sides on Monday. With this ratification, all AFSCME 1110-represented employees are expected to return to work this morning. Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule says he is pleased the two sides got together for a new contract
The new deal provides a higher wage structure for union members, retroactive pay to July of last year and “better of” campus wage program language.
(Urbana-jm) – A Champaign man and his friend were stopped by police over the weekend after the Champaign man’s ex-girlfriend reported he shot at her. Then, the two were arrested after police found suspected drugs in their possession. The Urbana Police Department said officers responded to the 1200 block of Ellis Dr. around 11 a.m. for a domestic-related incident on Sunday. After speaking with the alleged victim, police learned that she had been backing out of her driveway when her ex-boyfriend, identified by police as 34-year-old Wesley King of Champaign, fired a gun in her direction. The department added that in addition to the preliminary charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm King is facing, he was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
(Rantoul–jc) The Spring and Summer weather is coming sooner than you think, and The Community Service Center, based in Rantoul is an option for those needing utility bill help. Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford says they are the group to help with Li-Heap…
Rantoul Community Service Center Executive Director Cindy Crawford
(Champaign–jc) A status hearing is set for May 20th for a Champaign County man accused of killing another person in Champaign last week. Charles Haynes appeared in court Tuesday morning. The judge in the case ordered Haynes to remain in the county jail until the status hearing on the 20th.
(Paxton–jc) – The Ford County Highway committee will look to put a resolution forward for a Dix Township Bridge when they meet on Wednesday morning in Roberts. An aid petition for Patton Township and a country transportation agreement are also topics for the meeting tomorrow morning.
(Washington–jc) It’s May and the spring planting season continues at a fast pace, weather permitting. Brad Rippey has the numbers around the state and nation…
(The Center Square) – The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker to reverse his proposed budget cut to local governments. The mayors say Pritzker’s plan to reduce the Local Government Distributive Funds represents an estimated $60 million loss to local governments statewide. Several city mayors have a press conference set for Wednesday in Springfield.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois is one step closer to requiring private insurance companies to cover seizure detection devices. There are currently multiple devices approved by the FDA to alert people of oncoming or ongoing seizures. Sponsors say these tools can cost anywhere between $250 to $2,000. This bill requires insurance companies to provide coverage for medically necessary devices with a maximum cost-sharing amount of $50 per year. The Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council opposes the plan, as they argue it is difficult to see how private insurance can cover the cost if the state cannot absorb the price in its own health plan. Senate Bill 2762 passed out of the House Insurance Committee on a partisan 10-5 vote Tuesday.
(Champaign–jc) Parkland College has launched its first healthcare registered apprenticeship in partnership with Gibson Area Hospital, creating a new pathway for students to become certified surgical technologists while earning income.
The new apprenticeship program focuses on the occupation of surgical technologist and combines academic instruction with paid, hands-on clinical Surgical technology experience. Apprentices will spend two years at Parkland College completing an Associate in Applied Science degree in surgical technology in preparation for national certification.To complete the apprenticeship, participants will spend an additional six months working full time at Gibson Area Hospital, further developing their skills in a real-world healthcare setting.
(Danville-jc) The East Central IllinoisCommunity Action Agency provides a wide variety of help for those in need in Vermilion Ford and Iroquois Counties. East Central Illinois Community Action Agency Leading Family Coordinator Tori Brigham says they have “transportation” help…
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency Leading Family Coordinator Tori Brigham
(Rantoul-jm) – The Village of Rantoul took to social media Tuesday, saying the property tax rate posted on residents’ bills is higher than it should be by about 70 cents. Village officials say the difference amounts to about a $315 difference for the owner of a $150,000 home. Officials said the mistake was discovered after bills were finalized and sent out. They also said taxpayers will be paid back the amount owed to them after their first property tax bill payment.
(Roberts–jc) Roberts Fun Day is set for Saturday June 6th in and around the Roberts Gym in the village. The day will see a morning breakfast, bounce houses, food trucks and music too. Roberts Fun Day Spokesperson Jessa Loveall talks about the night time band…
Roberts Fun Day Spokesperson Jessa Loveall. WPXN will be stopping by the event as part of our Summer Fun Tour on June 6th.
(Urbana–jc) – He’s back. One former University of Illinois graduate and basketball player is now back at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
U of I officials say they have hired Tom Michael as the administrative officer for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at the U of I. Michael had been with Eastern Illinois University for the past 12 years as Athletic Director. Michael played basketball for the University of Illinois from 1991 to 1994
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce is set for its annual Golf Outing. The “Fore the Movies” themed scramble golf outing is set for Friday June 12th at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. Registration starts at 11am with a tee time of noon. Chamber officials urge players to dress up with “golf” movie themed attire. Contact the local chamber for more information.
(Paxton–jc) The Paxton Church of Christ is ready to host the public for the 75th annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday. The local Paxton event is set for 8am to 8pm at the Church of Christ on Paxton’s west side along Route 9 says Church spokesperson Sherry Heiser…
Paxton Church of Christ Day of Prayer Spokesperson Sherry Heiser. There is no program, just a day of prayer. A similar prayer event is set for Cissna Park on Thursday
(The Center Square) – Experts in artificial intelligence spoke to state lawmakers recently, providing guidance on four bills introduced in the House, which would regulate and unlock legal remedies against A-I companies, platforms and products.
The new legislation may bring more federal scrutiny to Illinois if lawmakers pass the bills. A repeated point of contention for the proposed regulations was the patchwork of legislation varying state-to-state stifles innovation nationwide.
In December 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to prevent such a patchwork. A federal task force will look to provide uniform guidance for A-I companies.
Danville, IL, May 5, 2026 – The Danville Symphony Orchestra (DSO) concludes its 2025-26 season with Heroes at the Dick Van Dyke Auditorium.
On Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 pm, Maestro Matthew Sheppard will conduct the DSO in its final concert of the season, featuring two heroic and passionate classical works, including Alexander Borodin’s triumphant Symphony No. 2, the “Heroic Symphony.”
WPXN News notes…
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Coffee and Connections on Wednesday, May 13th from 8-9 am at the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce office.
The Champaign Park District will hold a touch a truck at Sholem Park on Wednesday, May 13th from 4-7 pm.
Rankin townwide garage sales will take place Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th.
The nonprofit group Jeremiah 33:6 will hold a free produce pantry and health fair on Friday, May 15th from 3-5 pm at the Roberts Gym in Roberts.
The Onarga American Legion will hold their fish fry on Friday, May 15th from 4:30-7 pm at the Legion Hall at Durham Park.
Gibson City’s Friday Night Under the Lights will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 15, featuring a car cruise, food vendors and live music downtown on Sangamon Avenue.
