(Springfield–jc) Five years after the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act became law, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition said more than 120 million dollars has been distributed to communities impacted by coal plant, mine or nuclear closures through the Energy Transition Community Grant Program, with an additional 40 million to be distributed annually until 2045. The act was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on September 15, 2021. Many Illinoisans saw record-high electric bills last summer, when energy consulting firm Energy Professionals reported that ComEd’s rates increased 53% and Ameren Illinois’ rates increased 47
(Undated-jm) – SNAP recipients will likely see a change in their monthly benefit allotment starting in October. On October 1st, the annual cost of living adjustments kick in. Single people will only receive $8 more per month while a family of 4 will get $29 more monthly. SNAP helps about 37 million lower income Americans buy groceries.
(Washington–jc) Harvest has started in East Central Illinois. What is the outlook for the global soybean production forecast? World Ag OutlookBoard Chairman Mark Jekanowski has the latest numbers…
World Ag Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski
(Kankakee-jm) – Kankakee Community College plans to host a Career and Internship Fair on Wednesday, October 7th from 10-1. Area employers can sign up at kcc dot edu slash job fair. The deadline to register is Friday, October 2nd. The fair will be on the KCC main campus in the College Center.
(Bloomington–jc) With this week's football games the I H SA games move into the second half of the regular season. This year the football playoffs will expand with more teams eligible for the post season. I H S A Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha looks at the decision to expand opportunities for football schools…
I H S A Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha. WPXN news has more on this topic at noon and 4pm news today
(Champaign–jc) –Champaign Police were dispatched to the 2500 block of West Springfield Avenue just before 6-30 Monday night multiple reports of a shooting with injuries in the area. As officers arrived, they quickly located a 24-year-old man with potentially life-threatening wounds. Police personnel immediately rendered medical aid on-scene with assistance from the Champaign Fire Department until the man could be transported to an area hospital. He remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition. The initial investigation indicates that the victim was outside of his home when shots were fired and the victim was struck. The subject or subjects then fled the area before officers arrived. Champaign Police ask that anyone who has additional information please call 217-351-4545. Or callCrime Stoppers by phone at: 217-373-8477.
(Springfield–jc) Illinois Governor J B Pritzker is asking for help for 8 area counties with the flooding from August in East Central Illinois. WPXN”s Joel Cluver has the details…
(Paxton–jc) The 14th annual Paxton Swine and Dine is coming on Saturday with a full day of events. The ribs and chicken, Kansas City Certified contest, starts the day at 6 in the morning. Paxton Swine and Dine Spokesperson Alan Meyer says the event has great sponsors to help with the daily activities…
Paxton Swine and Dine Event Spokesperson Alan Meyer. WPXN will be broadcasting live at 7am on Saturday in the downtown area with our “on the sidelines” program with Derek Bohlman. The national music acts performing Saturday night in Paxton are Gabby Barrett and Gina Miles.
(The Center Square) – The average regular unleaded gas price in Illinois has surpassed 4 dollars 50 cents per gallon and is now more than a dollar higher than it was one year ago. Triple A listed the average price on Tuesday at 4 dollars 53 cents, up from 4 dollars.49cents on Monday. In Champaign and Urbana most gas stations are at 4 dollars 29 cents. Casey’s and Circle K in Rantoul have gas at 4 dollars 49 cents. In Paxton and Gibson City the price for a gallon of gas at the area Casey’s stores is 4 dollars 49 cents. The mobile station in Gilman has gas at 4 dollars 39 cents and the Casey’s in Milford, has is 4 dollars 42 cents. Illinois gas prices are 60 to 70 cents higher than neighboring states. The average price for a gallon of diesel in Illinois is $6.22 a gallon, just under the national average.
(Chicago–jc0 The N-F-I-B Small Business Optimism Index dipped in August to 98.7, One-point-one- points below July’s highest level since August 2025, but above the 52-year average of 98.0. The Uncertainty Index fell 2 points to 89, remaining well above the historical average of 68. N-F-I-B Illinois State Director Noah Finley said taxes, inflation and worker shortages continue to impact Main Street.
(Paxton–jc) The city of Paxton now has intergovernmental agreements with Ford County Public Health and Iroquois County E-M-A to help with weather related or other events that occur in the area. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the agreement provides a list of mutual aid and support between the city and these two additional entities…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Champaign County-jm) — Champaign County residents who need help paying their utility bills can begin signing up for assistance in October. The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP for the county. Eligible households include adults 60 and older, individuals with a disability, families with children 5 years and under, households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25 percent in their propane tank.
(Cissna Park–jc) Cissna Park F F A members will be going through the town area school district later today to gather canned food items for their annual food drive. Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton says the hope is to gather 10
thousand items…
Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton. Those wanting to donate are asked to set out the donation from 5pm to 7-30pm or call the school to arrange pick up.
(Paxton–jc) – The Ford County board has a continued meeting set for Friday at 5pm in Paxton. Agenda items include those concerning county farm lease contracts and also sealed bids for operation. The meeting takes place at the courthouse at 5 Friday afternoon
(Roberts–jc) A two hour free produce and health fair event will take place today from 3pm to 5pm at the Roberts Gym. Jeremiah 33-6 group President Valarie Wright says free screenings will be part of the event in Roberts…
Jeremiah 33-6 President Valarie Wright. The event is free to attend and all are invited to attend.
(Springfield–jc) – The Legislative Ethics Commission has appointed David E. Risley as acting legislative inspector general, following the resignation of Michael McCuskey last week. Commission members said in a statement that Risley brings more than 30 years of experience in investigations and prosecutorial work as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney. McCuskey’s resignation is set to take effect Sept. 30, and Risley is scheduled to start his new duties Oct. 1.
(Northern Illinois–jc)– An Exxon Mobil fuel refinery southwest of Chicago went offline over the weekend, causing a halting of production and driving already heightened fuel costs even higher for Midwestern motorists, who likely won’t see prices ease until days later. The cost for a regular gallon of fuel in Illinois was $4.53 Tuesday, up nearly 5 cents from Monday and up roughly 23 cents in the past week. Meanwhile, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota were among the top five highest price increases for regular fuel in the past week. A full power outage lasting roughly three and a half hours at the Exxon Mobil refinery in Joliet resulted in a production shutdown Sunday.
WPXN News notes…
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Heritage FS in Gilman on today from 9-2.
Impact Life will hold a blood drive at the American Lutheran Church in Rantoul today from 11:30-2:30 in the youth hall.
Jeremiah 33:6 will hold a free produce pantry and health fair today from 3-5 pm at the Roberts Gym.
Paxton’s annual Swine n Dine BBQ Competition and Festival will take place on Saturday, September 19th in downtown Paxton. The evening's entertainment includes live music with Gina Miles and Gabby Barrett.
The Champaign County Farm Bureau will host From Seed to Prairie: How tallgrass prairie plants got their start on Monday, September 21st at 7pm. The event is free but registration is required by going to go dot illinois dot edu slash ecimnprairie.
The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a walk in flu clinic on Wednesday, September 23rd from 8:30-11 am at the Kempton American Legion.
