(Springfield-jm) -- An analysis of population trends now suggests Illinois will only lose one seat in Congress. Illinois has lost tens of thousands in total population count since 2010, when the last U.S. Census count took place. The latest Census figures showed the state’s population declined by 51,000. Among other downsides, the population losses mean fewer members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressional seats are apportioned based on how the national population is split between states by the decennial U.S. Census. Each state is given one Representative and the other 385 seats are distributed by the state's share of the population. In Illinois, lawmakers in the majority are allowed to draw political boundaries. This has been the crux of protests from residents pushing for previous redistricting reform initiatives.
(Springfield-Cale)-- Lawmakers throughout the state of Illinois are giving sharp response to a Chicago radio report this week concerning a powerful former Springfield lobbyist and close friend of House Speaker Michael Madigan who once sought leniency for a state worker in a disciplinary case by arguing that the worker “kept his mouth shut” about an unspecified rape downstate says Republicn Minority Leader Jim Durkin..
(Springfield-jm) -- Illinoisans awoke to a brand new industry on New Year’s Day, with legal recreational marijuana sales coming online Jan. 1. Lines were long. Enthusiasts celebrated. Dispensaries cleared more than $10 million in sales in the first week. At the same time, images of customers’ receipts were spreading across social media. Even in Illinois, which financial forecasting service Kiplinger dubbed the least tax-friendly state in the nation, weed buyers had sticker shock. Of the 10 states with legal recreational marijuana regimes, Illinois is home to the second-highest tax burden on retail sales, according to a review of state and local statutes. In Chicago, customers will pay up to 41.25% in taxes on some marijuana products, after factoring in a soon-to-be-passed Cook County excise tax. That total doesn’t even include a 7% state wholesale tax further up the supply chain, which will be passed down to consumers through higher prices.
(Springfield-jm) -- The penalty for crimes committed in places of worship increased at the beginning of the year. Crimes such as assault and battery has been upgraded to aggravated assault or aggravated battery.
(Undated-jm) -- At least 29 hundred people in the U-S have died from the flu according to the CDC. 6 point 4 million people have come down with the illness while 55 thousand have been hospitalized. Many hospitals have implemented visiting restrictions due to the flu.
(Roberts-cale)-- City of Roberts will be updating their water testing equipment. The new equipment will save approximately 15 minutes per day. Roberts Mayor Rick Flessner says the equipment needed to be updated….
Roberts Mayor Rick Flessner
(Rantoul-jm) -- A Rantoul man has been arrested on criminal sexual assault charges. Richard Thome allegedly forced a woman to have sex. Bond was set at $25,000. He faces 4-15 years in prison.
(Urbana-jm) -- The chairman of the Champaign County Board will have the final say in who will fill out the remainder of County Treasurer Laurel Prussings term. Prussing announced last week she is resigning at the end of the month. There had been questions as to whether the responsibility to pick a candidate to fill out the remainder of Prussings term would fall to County Executive Darlene Kloeppel or county board chairman Giraldo Rosales.
CHICAGO – With a forecast of heavy rainfall into the weekend, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 5 encourages you to get ready for the possibility of flooding in the local area.Flooding can happen anytime, even in winter months, says FEMA Region 5 Administrator James . Joseph. Joseph says to make sure your family knows how to stay safe before extreme weather occurs—don’t attempt to walk or drive through flowing water and verify your mobile phone is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts to warn you of dangerous conditions and other emergencies in your area. Follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information related to this storm system. During this time of year, floodwaters can be excessively cold so be cautious, as even brief exposure can be life threatening. Stay indoors if possible, check that your sump pump is functioning properly and ensure nothing valuable is stored on your basement floor to avoid potential damage from unexpected flooding. Tips are found on line at www.ready.gov/floods
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is denouncing as “horrific” a newly disclosed 2012 email in which a powerful lobbyist cryptically suggests knowledge of cover-ups involving a rape and shady hiring practices. The Democratic governor said he referred the email, written by Michael McClain, a confidante of House Speaker Michael Madigan, to independent investigators. Madigan on Thursday endorsed that approach, rejecting Republicans' call for a House committee probe. In the email, uncovered by WBEZ radio, McClain sought leniency for an employee facing discipline, noting that he “kept his mouth shut on ... ghost workers (and) the rape in Champaign."
(Paxton-Cale) The Paxton Knights of Columbus Council #8229 will be hosting their free throw contest on Jan. 12. Any person aged 9 to 14 can participate in the contest. Organizer Trent Eshleman says registration is at 12:30 with the event starting at 1pm
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Organizer Trent Eshleman
(Urbana--jc) In updating our story from Thursday, Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup has released more information on the two men involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash from Wednesday along on Interstate 74. Thirty-seven year old Rodney Young of Champaign, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at 9:06PM on January 8, 2020. An autopsy is scheduled for this afternoon to determine a cause of death for Rodney who was reportedly ejected from the vehicle during the crash.46 year old Shawntez L. Young of Champaign was pronounced dead at Carle Foundation Hospital on Wednesday afternoon He died from multiple blunt force injuries he received during the crash.. The crash occurred at 8:25PM in the westbound lanes of Interstate 74 near mile post 183 and involved a single vehicle occupied by four male individuals. This crash remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police District 10 and the coroner’s office.
(Roberts-Cale)- The Lyle Adkins benefit will be taking place this Saturday in Roberts. Benefit Spokesperson Venice Perrish talks about what will be served for dinner, and about the silent auction.
Benefit Spokesperson Venice Parrish
(Chicago--jc) --Illinois may have legalized weed, but the federal government still controls the skies, so cannabis consumers can't fly with it. Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare airports have so-called “amnesty boxes” for people to dispose of any pot they have in their possession before completing the security screening process to board a plane. Police say any cannabis left in the boxes will be disposed of as officials would dispose of any narcotics.
The Loda American Legion will host a fish and chicken supper tonight.
