(Springfield-jm) – A new bill filed in Springfield would require companies to have age verification before people could see pornography online. Senate Republicans believe the plan could protect vulnerable children on the internet. A 2022 report from Common Sense Media found that most teenagers have watched porn online and many kids encounter it by the time they turn 12. Experts and lawmakers said young children may be exposed to porn on accident through search engines, social media, or clicking questionable links. The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned that minors watching porn can struggle with negative emotional, psychological, behavioral and physical health. Under this plan, porn companies could face a $5,000 fine for each day they fail to have reasonable age verification methods. The Attorney General would also have the power to investigate violations of the law after companies receive 30 days to comply. Courts may impose an additional civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each company "knowingly failing to perform reasonable age verification methods."

 

(Washington-jm) – How were agricultural import projections adjusted in USDA's August quarterly ag trade forecasts for fiscal year 2023 and reflected in the first forecast for FY 2024? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Danville-jm) – Those visiting Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinical locations in Central Illinois will be required to wear masks. VA Illiana is bringing back its mask requirement, starting today. It is seen by the VA as a preventive measure to ensure veterans, staff and communities are safe through the uptick of positive COVID-19 cases in the region. Masks will be available at all main entrances and at appointment check-in desks to use prior to clinical encounters.

 

(Paxton-jm) – The City of Paxton public works and long term planning committee will meet tonight. The joint committee meeting will take place at 7 pm where members will seek input from the public about possible new sewer plant upgrades, the vermilion lift station and drainage issues on the west side of town.

 

(Loda–jc)  The Team Hope Huntington’s Disease event is set for Saturday at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. Event Spokesperson Samantha Cox says golf, a walk, silent auction, kids zone and a dinner are planned for Saturday at Lakeview Country Club…

 

 

Team Hope Huntington’s Disease Event Spokesperson Samantha Cox. Walkers are still needed, please reach out if you or your family would like to participate. WPXN will be broadcasting our On the Sidelines Show live on Saturday morning at Lakeview at 7am to help with the event. 

 

(Champaign County-jm) – The Eastern Illinois Foodbank’s Foodmobile will be traveling throughout Champaign County today. The Foodmobile will be at the St. Joseph Feed the Need at 8 am, old high school park in Ogden at 9 am, the parking lot across from the Homer Post Office at 10 am, the Sidney Community Center at 11 am, the R.E. Franks Meeting Center in Philo at noon, Pesotum’s Hartman Park at 1 pm and Premier Cooperative in Sadorus at 2pm.

 

(Springfield-jm) – While the state of Illinois ponders an appeal of a court order blocking a law allowing deceptive practice charges against crisis pregnancy centers, some have spoken out against the measure as anti-free speech. Senate Bill 1909, signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker in July, prohibits pregnancy centers from engaging in conduct the Illinois Attorney General's office deems are unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices. That could lead to such centers being shut down. On behalf of the National Institute of Family Life Advocates, the Thomas Moore Society filed a lawsuit to block the law. On August 4, the case docket showed federal Judge Iain Johnson temporarily blocked the law with a preliminary injunction while the case plays out, saying the measure is "both stupid and likely unconstitutional." A status hearing in the Northern District of Illinois federal court is set for October 23. The state has not appealed.

 

(Washington-jm) – What countries are expected to be our nation's top agricultural export markets for fiscal year 2024, per USDA's first ag trade outlook for the new fiscal year? Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Undated-jm) – The Sheriff’s Offices of Champaign and Vermilion Counties are jointly investigating two burglaries that targeted businesses with gaming machines last month. The two burglaries happened one week apart in Ogden and Potomac. Authorities believe both crimes were committed by the same suspects, and they believe the suspects were solely after the money inside the machines. The first burglary happened the morning of August 21 at Buckley’s Gaming Cafe in Ogden. Deputies arrived around 4 a.m. to find evidence of forced entry to the business and to a single gaming machine. One week later, at 3:30 a.m. on August 28, they found the same occurrence at Lola’s Bar and Grill in Potomac. The Champaign and Vermilion County Sheriff’s Offices are asking the public for help in identifying the suspects.

 

(Undated-jm) – County clerks around the area are ready to release petition packets today. Candidates for established political parties can begin circulating petitions today. The first day candidates can file their nomination papers is November 27th-December 4th.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The world's largest ag show was held in Decatur last week. The Farm Progress Show brought in visitors from around the country and world. Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello talks about the importance of agriculture in Illinois…

 

 

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello. 

 

(Champaign County-jm) – Eight Champaign County school districts will receive over $3.3 million in additional funding to help students. The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. Those receiving funding include: Alternative School, part of the Champaign/Ford Regional Office of Education: $25,131, Champaign Unit School District 4: $165,701, Prairieview-Ogden School District 197: $3,652, Rantoul City School District 137: $905,100, Rantoul Township High School District 193: $769,566, Regional Safe School, part of the Champaign/Ford Regional Office of Education: $47,357, Thomasboro School District 130: $14,376, Urbana School District 116: $1,279,074 and University Laboratory High School: $183,328.