(The Center Square) – Following a 10-day sales tax holiday for back to school shopping across the state in August, the state announced that residents saved a combined $11.4 million, more than the originally estimated $10 million. Of the state representatives who voted in favor of the holiday as part of the annual state budget package, Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, said that economic uncertainty will remain at the forefront of lawmakers’ minds going into the upcoming fall veto session next month, and the tax holiday was proof the state can provide relief to families in the state.
(Ford County-jm) – A man arrested in Ford County is facing extradition to Ohio on charges related to sexual contact with a minor. Ford County court records show Jason David Riley, was arrested on a warrant from Ohio. Riley agreed to a waiver of extradition, clearing the way for him to be returned to Ohio. Court records from Montgomery County show the case against Riley was opened in 2020, and he is facing five counts of what Ohio law calls gross sexual imposition. The charges against him specifically mention that the victim in this case was under the age of 13.
(Springfield-jm) – Election Day is just a few days away and voters going to the polls will vote on who will be Governor. Incumbent J–B Pritzker is running for his third term in office while Republican challenger Darren Bailey is trying for the second time to unseat him. During a recent interview with Capitol News Illinois, Bailey says there’s a lot of division and lack of trust in the government in Illinois…
Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Darren Bailey.
(Paxton-jm) – In updating our story from yesterday, Paxton firefighters believe the cause of a fire that damaged a home in Paxton Sunday evening was electrical. Crews received the call to 15 Allison Drive around 10:40 pm. No injuries were reported.
(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Poison Center is reminding families to take extra safety precautions this Halloween to prevent accidental poison exposures. Officials said Halloween items such as glow sticks, dry ice, cosmetics and some candy can pose unexpected risks, especially for young children. In 2025, the Illinois Poison Center managed more than 4,000 cosmetic exposures, 228 glow-stick exposures and 13 dry-ice exposures. The center recommends parents inspect trick-or-treat candy and throw away anything with torn, open or questionable packaging. Parents should also check labels for ingredients that could trigger allergies and remove choking hazards, such as hard candy, gum, peanuts and small toys, for young children.
(Gibson City–dm)- The Gibson City Restoration Association is sponsoring their 2nd annual fund raising purse auction on Sunday November 1st. President of the Gibson City Restoration Association Sharon Heavilin has the details
Gibson City Restoration Association Sharon Heavilin
(Rantoul–jc) A 13 year old youth from Rantoul remains in critical, but stable condition following a car versus pedestrian accident in the village on Sunday night. In updating our story, Rantoul Police say the incident happened just before 6-30 Sunday night at the intersection of Grove Avenue and Lon Drive. The driver of the Dodge pick up was ticketed.
The average price of regular unleaded fuel in Illinois Monday was $4.89 per gallon, up 22 cents in the past week, according to AAA fuel data. Prices surged before the weekend began, as more reported refinery issues at the BP refinery in Joliet. The company reported they were working to “resolve an operational issue” Thursday. The loss of refining capacity driving up fuel prices comes after the refinery experienced a power outage that put the entire plant offline over multiple days in September. Prices are expected to ease as the issue is fixed early this week.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Lottery reported $3.87 billion in total sales during fiscal year 2026 and said it contributed $792 million to the state’s Common School Fund for K-12 public education. The lottery said it generated $804 million in proceeds for the state during the fiscal year, which ran from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Of that amount, $792 million was directed to the Common School Fund and $12 million went to local good causes. The $804 million operating-income figure has not yet been audited or finalized, the lottery said. Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays said the results marked another record year for sales. The lottery said four of the past five years have set sales records.
(The Center Square) – The Federal Railroad Administration is now planning to conduct an environmental assessment of a railyard near residential areas in Bridgeport, which is proposed to become a new Amtrak maintenance facility. The project, which has faced backlash from residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, is a $915 million proposal to relocate the Amtrak facility in favor of plans to build a new Chicago White Sox stadium. Both would be at least partly funded and entirely developed by future majority owner of the team and billionaire Justin Ishbia. After originally being granted a categorical exclusion for an environmental review of the project, the federal government heard the concerns of local elected officials that moving forward without a full environmental review could present a multitude of issues for hundreds of residents nearby the site.
(Springfield-jm) – The race for Governor is coming down to the final few days. Governor J-B Pritzker is seeking his third term in office, while Republican challenger Darren Bailey is trying for the second time to become the top leader of the state. Governor Pritzker recently talked to Capitol News Illinois about the election and Democrats chances…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker.
(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking tips from the public that can help law enforcement solve three different strings of car burglaries. Officials said that in each string, the suspects are targeting unlocked cars or detached garages. In one string, suspects have burglarized or outright stolen cars. These incidents are happening at: Willow Springs Condominiums in Urbana Township, which started in May of 2026, with the most recent burglary happening this month; Sterling on First and The Village at Colbert Park apartment complexes in Savoy, which started in the spring of this year and “have continued” and Scottswood Subdivision in Urbana Township, which started in September and have continued through October.
(Normal-jm) – Illinois State University Police have issued a crime advisory after a report that a masked attacker sexually assaulted a student early Monday at Watterson Towers. The student reported being surprised by an unknown person wearing a black ski mask and eye covering about 1 a.m. in the lower-service area of the massive residence hall. She reported fighting back and breaking free, according to the advisory. With support of housing staff, the student called police.
(Champaign–dm)-The end of October is close and that means the end of the Harvest Season is just about here. Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Kirk Builta gives us an update on the corn harvest.
Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager Kirk Builta
(Rantoul–jc0 – One Rantoul financial institution has a grand re-opening set for Wednesday to celebrate their refurbished office in the village. Community Plus Federal Credit Union officials say the ribbon cutting is set for Wednesday at 5-30pm at 526 East Champaign Avenue in Rantoul. The public is invited to meet the team for the event on Wednesday afternoon
(Watseka–jc) Families are invited to enjoy an evening of Halloween fun at Iroquois Memorial Hospital’s Trunk or Treat from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 30th along East Fairman Avenue near the corner of Fourth Street. The event is hosted by the I-M-H Employee Committee, the event will feature vehicles decorated in Halloween themes, including the I-M-H ambulance. Children can collect candy as they visit the decorated vehicles, and giveaways will add to the evening’s fun.
(Ford/Iroquois–dm)-The annual Ford-Iroquois 4H Foundation auction is just around the corner, and Ford Iroquois 4H Foundation Auction Chair Person Nita Dubble has the information
Ford-Iroquois 4HFoundation Chairperson Nita Dubble
Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined candidates and other top names in Springfield for a Democratic party “get out the vote” event in Springfield on Saturday morning.
The candidates included Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton running for U.S. Senate, U.S. Rep Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., and the event served as a canvassing launch for state Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield. Also present was Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. Pritzker’s campaign continued events around the state on Sunday, when he attended a United Auto Workers rally in Chicago, celebrating his endorsement from the union that he received in September. Meanwhile, Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey will begin a week-long tour Monday starting downstate, with stops in Effingham, Salem, Marion, and Collinsville.
(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump released a series of posts late last week endorsing multiple statewide Republican candidates. The president’s endorsements included Darren Bailey for governor, Mike Bost, Darin LaHood and Mary Miller for U.S. Congress, but notably left off U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy, the former Republican state chair. Trump told voters to go to the polls “right now” to vote Republican up and down the ballot.
(Paxton-Gilman–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is The Pop Loft in Paxton and Gilman. The store has floral stems and arrangements to Balloon columns, plants and gifts for all occasions. The Pop Loft Owner Samantha Magers says now through the rest of the week they have 40 percent off fall items at both locations…
She says her business is participating in a wedding showcase event this weekend in Champaign……
The Pop Loft of Paxton and Gilman Owner Samantha Magers
The Pop Loft in Paxton and Gilman is the WPXN Business of the Day, today
WPXN News notes…
The Animal Medical Center in Gilman will hold their 4th annual Labrador Lap and Schnauzer Shuffle Run/Walk to benefit breast cancer research on Saturday, October 31st from 9:15-noon.
The Paxton Park District will hold their trick or treat costume parade on Saturday, October 31st at 4pm starting at the library and going to the fire station.
The Iroquois Memorial Hospice annual brunch will take place on Sunday, November 1st from 8 to noon. Activities include brunch, silent auction and live music by A Natural High
.The Gibson Area Restoration Association will hold a Purses, Pastries and Preservation Fundraising Auction on Sunday, November 1st from 2-5 pm at the Kruse Event Center in Gibson City. Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Tickets are available by calling 217-249-8103.
The Rankin Lions Club will hold their Friday Supper on Friday, November 6th from 4:30-7:30 pm.
The Elliott Amvets will host their Family Night on Friday, November 6th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $15 and includes chicken, fish or shrimp and two sides.
