(The Center Square) - The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago joined a coalition of 26 states, counties, and cities in a lawsuit against the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s final rule that changed corporate average fuel economy standards for new passenger cars and light trucks. The coalition alleged that the new rule is contrary to law and goes against NHTSA’s mandate from Congress to set fuel economy standards at their maximum feasible level.
(Mahomet–jc) The subject of Data Centers was the focus of a community meeting held in Mahomet on Saturday. Several Hundred residents showed up at the event to voice concerns and have questions over the issue. Village officials released to the public that a company inquired about the possibility of a data center in Champaign County. More on the issue is expected at future meetings of the Mahomet Village Council.
(The Center Square) - Illinois ranks fifth on a list of the most expensive U.S. states to start a business. Bridge Point Business Brokers ranked 48 states based on nine business cost factors to reveal where entrepreneurs face the highest expenses. With a 9.5% corporate tax rate, an 8.9% sales tax rate and commercial rent averaging $36.80 per square foot, Illinois ranked fifth overall. Wisconsin was the 13th most expensive state to start a business, Iowa was #22, Missouri #30, and Indiana #36. Kentucky was #44, or the fifth least-expensive state.
(Champaign–dm)-Harvest season is underway, and that means large equipment on the roads. Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Kirk Builta has this safety message to share with all drivers.
Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Kirk Builta
(Urbana-jm) – Fire officials are investigating a weekend fire at an abandoned school in Urbana. Crews were called to the old Washington School building on Broadway Avenue just before 6pm Saturday evening. When they arrived they found smoke coming from a 2nd floor window. The cause is still under investigation.
(Buckley–jm) – A board malfunction caused Buckley’s outdoor warning siren to go off Friday on its own. Village officials are looking into repair costs.
(Paxton–dm)-It’s that time of year you might want to plant grass seed. Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has some tips on how to prepare your lawn for seeding.
Paxton Hardware and Rental Owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott Saturday mornings at 730 on Scott’s Tips for Success
(Chaampaitn–jc) –According to a new study by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, data center investments are expected to generate almost $300 million per year in property tax revenues over the next decade. The report says public concerns around utility costs and other development impacts can be mitigated by policy guardrails and project design standards.
(The Center Square) - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal says the application period is now open for the fiscal year 2027 Small Equipment Grant Program. OSFM will award a total of $6 million to eligible fire departments, fire protection districts and not-for-profit ambulance services across Illinois to purchase small firefighting and emergency medical equipment. The agency increased the maximum grant from $26,000 to $50,000 for fiscal year 2027.
(The Center Square) - Last year, Illinois schools spent $1.86 billion on transportation to get students to and from school each day. In the wake of increased fuel prices, especially for diesel that school buses typically run on, school districts across the country began bracing for even higher costs. The Illinois State Board of Education reported during the 2025-26 school year that $1.86 billion was spent on student transportation through the year, with contractual transportation services making up $1.24 billion of the total. In 2021, the total amount spent on transportation was $1.25 billion, meaning transportation costs have increased $610 million in five years. The state reimburses much of the costs for things like bus driver salaries, fuel, oil, tires, and vehicle depreciation, but not all transport costs, through the Pupil Transportation Claim and Reimbursement System. For the current Fiscal Year 2027, ISBE was allocated $809.37 million for transportation reimbursement. That number remained roughly unchanged from the prior year.
(The Center Square) - Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was left out of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s recent meeting with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state lawmakers, but the mayor said his administration will remain involved with discussions over a potential stadium project for the Bears. A statement from the governor’s office said Pritzker, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, and several other officials met with Goodell and Bears minority owner Pat Ryan last week. The statement said conversations with the Bears continued throughout the summer about the team’s plans in Illinois. . A modified bill could be considered during the fall veto session next month.
(Washington–dm)-October is National Cooperative Month - The Agriculture Secretary Thursday issued the annual proclamation announcing this month's recognition of our country's cooperatives and their contributions to our national, and rural, economies. Rod Bain has the story.
(Paxton-jm) – A Louisiana man was arrested in Chicago last week in connection with a robbery that occurred at the Hardee’s in Paxton nearly two months ago. Kadorian J. Dougan, 25 of Monroe, La., was arrested Wednesday on a Ford County warrant. He’s been charged with burglary in connection with taking a bag of money from the Hardee’s on West Ottawa Road on August 5. He is in custody in Cook County awaiting extradition back to Ford County.
(Urbana–jc) –The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has confirmed rabies in a bat found near St. John's Catholic Newman Center- commonly known as Newman Hall- on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The bat was found on September 30 near the Armory Avenue entrance and tested positive on Thursday. Anyone who touched the bat, was bitten or scratched by it, or may have been in the same room with it while asleep should call the health department at 217-352-7961 for further consultation. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if their pet may have had contact with the bat. The risk of rabies to the public is low and no human exposures have been identified so far.
(Urbana–jc) Early voting was suspended in Champaign County Friday. County officials say a technical issue in the county clerk's office is the reason. No other information was released. Early voting is expected to resume this morning at the county clerk's office in Urbana.
(The Center Square) - Illinois pumpkin production increased in 2025, but weather brought a mixed bag for growers this year. The USDA’s Economic Research Service said Illinois produced about 533 million pounds last year, up from 485 million in 2024 and far more than any other state. Illinois also maintained its leading position in pumpkin acreage with 14,800 acres, harvesting nearly twice as many acres as any of the other top states. The higher production levels mean additional tax revenues. Illinois is home to two major pumpkin processing plants: Nestle Libby in Morton and Seneca Foods in Princeville.
(Paxton–jc) Plans continue for the 20-26 City of Paxton Christmas Parade. Paxton Christmas Parade Chairman Dawn Mertes says this year’s theme is “A Holly Dolly” Christmas…
She says the parade is set for the Saturday after Thanksgiving…
Paxton Christmas Parade Chairperson Dawn Mertes
The Paxton Christmas Parade is the WPXN Business of the day today.
Call Dawn at A Picket Fence Florist 217-379-4245 for more information or your parade entry
WPXN News notes…
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Wednesday, October 7th from 12:30-5:30 at the Cissna Park American Legion.
The village of Rantoul’s police and fire departments will hold a community night out on Wednesday, October 7th from 5-7 pm near the corner of Grove and Garrard in downtown Rantoul.
The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a walk in flu clinic on Friday, October 9th from 9-11 am at the Elliott Amvets in Elliott.
The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, October 9th from 4:30-7 pm.
The City of Paxton will be flushing hydrants this week starting on the west side of town.
The Moyer District Library will host a free cooking class for kids in grades 3-5 on Monday, October 5th.
The Ford County Public Health Department will hold a walk in flu clinic on Tuesday, October 6th from 1-4 pm at the Moyer District Library in Gibson City.
