(Chicago--jc)  --While a couple of state budget analysis groups differ on how much more Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker could spend if he's elected, they agree Pritzker will cost taxpayers more.When considering education funding, pension and backlogged debt payments, infrastructure and other Pritzker proposed programs, Illinois Policy Institute puts Pritzker’s estimated spending up to $18 billion more than what the state spends now. The conservative groups says that estimates show the cost of the democrat’s spending promises demand an income tax hike of $13 billion dollars plus for fiscal 2020 alone.

 

(Springfield--ab) Governor Bruce Rauner is highlighting Illinois’ efforts to become a “smarter state.” Governor Rauner told a national governors association conference that Illinois is at the forefront of the effort. That includes making most license applications and renewals available online among other initiatives...

 

 

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner

The Governor says the state is working to make more online state services accessible via mobile phone and nearly all Illinois school districts now have high speed internet.

 

 

BLOOMINGTON — A LeRoy physician and attorney has filed a $1.8 million lawsuit against Bob and Ed Brady, who he claims have defaulted on a loan. The Pantagraph reports that Thomas Pliura and his wife, Pam, filed the lawsuit this week in McLean County, claiming the Bradys borrowed $1 million through a loan agreement dated October of  2010, but have not made any repayment.The Pantagraph reports that both sides made no comments on the lawsuit on Wednesday.

 

 

(Gifford--jc)  -- Gifford School leaders say the roof project on the old gym at the school is now complete. The roof has a new warranty from the manufacturer. Superintendent Rod Grimsley says the final payment on the project will go out this month. School leaders are meeting with architect Dan Wakefield to get cost estimates to repair the south exterior wall of the old gym.

 

 

(Springfield--ab) State lawmakers are continuing to look into legalizing sports betting in Illinois. Many testifying at a house committee hearing on the topic urged legislators not to rush into a sports gaming program. There are many factors to consider, such as state regulation, how much to tax betting and should it be allowed both online and at establishments says spectrum gaming group managing director michael pollock.

 

 

Spectrum Gaming Group Managing Director Michael Pollock.

Lawmakers are also again discussing allowing more casinos in Illinois and slot machines at horse racing tracks.

 

 

CHICAGO (AP) — Ten current and former staffers are suing Democratic Illinois governor candidate J.B. Pritzker's campaign, saying they were harassed and discriminated against because of their race. The billionaire businessman's campaign said Wednesday the lawsuit was filed after they rejected a settlement offer to pay $7.5 million in damages. The African-American and Latino staffers said in the lawsuit that they were forced to work in unsafe areas and offered "no meaningful opportunity for advancement."

 

CHICAGO (AP) — A former Miss America who is running for Illinois attorney general once said that many victims of sexual harassment "become very promiscuous" think: "That's what I want to be." Republican Erika Harold is stressing her experience as an anti-bullying advocate as she seeks the job of Illinois' top legal officer. She made the comments after winning the 2003 Miss America pageant, and her campaign stood by them Wednesday.

 

(Rantoul--jc) One local church is using breakfast to help raise money for a mission trip to Tanzania. . Those with the American Lutheran Church in Rantoul are hosting a breakfast burrito fundraiser on Saturday and  Sunday. The bags contain 5 breakfast burritos for a suggested 10 dollar donation. More information is found by call American Lutheran Church in Rantoul.

 

 

(Paxton--jc)  -- When Ford County voters go to the polls on November 6th, they will be asked to approve a quarter of one cent tax for public safety purposes. The money would only be used for specific safety issues facing the county. Several area counties are currently using this type of sales tax. Polls open on Tuesday November 6th from 6am until 7pm.

 

 

(Paxton--ab) The Ford County Department of Public Health is offering Flu vaccines for the upcoming flu season. Dianne Tavenner with the Ford County Department of Public Health explains how the public can get their flu shot.

 

 

Ford County Public Health Department Spokesperson Dianne Tavenner

 

 

(Undated--jc)  -- Illinois is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a state. Here is today’s Bicentennial minute…

 

 

(Springfield--jc)  --Illinois officials have their eyes on a potential payday from legalizing new forms of gambling, but state revenue specialists warn that it may not be the jackpot they’re hoping for. Illinois lawmakers are looking to bank some revenue on a trifecta of legalizing sports betting, online internet gaming and fantasy sports. The state would follow New Jersey in legalizing sports betting after a landmark Supreme Court case in May allowed for sports betting outside of Nevada. September was the first month of recorded revenue reflecting New Jersey’s new availability of gaming. The state of New Jersey recorded 24 million dollars in total revenue from legalized sports on 184 million in wagers.

 

(Paxton--jc)  -- The Ford County  Public Health Department has flu clinics set.

WPXN’s Braedon Arnett has the  information.

 

 

 

(Buckley--ba)  For those looking to celebrate the holidays a little early, one local school has the answer. Christ Lutheran High School Spokesperson  Charlie Goldenstein talks about a unique holiday shopping experience....

 

 

Buckley based Christ Lutheran High School Spokesperson Charlie Goldenstein

 

 

(Champaign County--jc  Six cases of Legionnaire’s disease are being confirmed in Champaign-Urbana. All 6 are from Champaign County and several locations are being investigated as the source, says Illinois Public Health Director Doctor Nirav Shah…..

 

 

Illinois Public Health Director Doctor Nirav Shah

 

(Paxton--jc)  -- Education support employees in one local school district are getting a raise. Paxton-Buckley-Loda School board members gave their o-k to a raise from minimum wage to 9 dollars 50 cents hourly for the substitute teachers. The district had, until passing the raise, paid only minimum wage.

 

 

(Rantoul--jc)  -- A California company is set to buy 4 hangers and a call center on the former Chanute Air Force Base. Rantoul leaders say economic development at the airport remains a top priority for Rantoul and numerous opportunities are available. The sale of the properties will become final at the end of November. The final hanger purchase will be completed sometime in early 20-19.

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(Washington--jc)  If you are preparing elaborate electrical outdoor displays for Halloween, keep in mind some electrical safety tips. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

 

(Paxton--dg)  --The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce will be having after hours later today at the Frederick Community Bank in Paxton. The event takes place from 5:30-7pm. The Frederick Community Bank will also be having an open house today during business hours. The public is invited to come and sign up for some great prizes they will be giving away.

 

 

(Rantoul--jc)  The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers. These volunteers will help with donations with the red kettles and ringers for the holidays. The donations begin on November 16th. More information is found by contacting the Salvation Army on North Prospect in Champaign or calling 217- 373- 3782