(Springfield-jm) – A new report that highlights the redistricting process in the U.S. gives Illinois the worst grade in the country. The anti-gerrymandering group Common Cause gave Illinois an “F” grade, citing a lack of public participation that has routinely gotten in the way of producing political maps reflective of the state’s demographics.
(Undated-jm) – NBC News announced it will host the Republican National Committee’s third presidential primary debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. The debate will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8.
(Rantoul–jc) A New wastewater treatment plant upgrade is now officially underway in the village of Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says his office signed the contracts yesterday…
Village of Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith. The village is investing around 11 Million dollars for the project.
(Vermilion County-jm) – The updated Vermilion County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan outlining projects and activities to reduce damages caused by severe weather and other natural hazards will be available for public review and comment starting November 2. The Plan, along with a summary sheet and a comment survey, will be available for review at the Vermilion County EMA office and on the County website. The comment period will remain open through November 16. Public comments received will be used to make any revisions needed before the Plan is submitted to the Illinois and Federal Emergency Management Agencies.
(Springfield-jm) – Fall trout season is coming up later this month. Illinois Department of Natural Resources Kevin Irons says there is a daily limit…
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Kevin Irons.
(Decatur-jm) – Federal investigators found that a lack of preventative maintenance on the explosion suppression system of a bucket elevator was a major factor in an April 21, 2023, explosion at Archer-Daniels-Midland Company’s West Plant that resulted in the hospitalization of three employees with burns and other injuries and extensive damage to the grain elevator. U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators responding to the combustible corn germ dust explosion determined that the explosion suppression system on the indoor bucket elevator leg was non-functional and in a state of disrepair. Investigators found the Decatur grain processing facility had not conducted inspections and testing of the explosion suppression systems since late 2016.
(Washington-jm) – USDA's October look at broiler and turkey production and price forecasts indicates tighter supplies but mixed prices received by producers. Rod Bain reports…
(Chicago–jc) As it gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, the Illinois Lottery is celebrating the highest net income generated in its history, fueled by a historic number of jackpots surpassing $1 billion in Mega Millions and Powerball. The Lottery announced record net income of $882 million for fiscal year 2023 ending June 30 which is a 5.7% increase over last year and eclipses every prior year.
(Gibson City–jc) Today’s WPXN Business of the Day is Debbie's Gifts and More and L and D Upholstery of Gibson City. They have been doing upholstery work since 1978 and the Gifts Shop opened in 1998 says owner Larry Spellmeyer…
The gift side of the store offers collectibles and a lot more,
Debbie’s Gifts and More and L and D Upholstery Owner Larry Spellmeyer. The store is open Tuesdays through Fridays 8-30am to 5pm and 8-30 to Noon on Saturdays. Gifts, collectibles, plush, and more are found at Debbies.
(Springfield-jm) – Legislation that would authorize legislative staff to form a union has advanced out of committee. The measure would create the Legislative Employee Labor Relations Act and comes in response to an effort by Democratic staff in House Speaker Chris Welch’s office to unionize and negotiate wages through collective bargaining. Welch said he intends to push for the bill’s passage during the upcoming fall veto session, which begins Tuesday, October 24.
(Springfield-jm) – A majority of Illinoisans don’t want to see Governor J.B. Pritzker in the White House. An Illinois Policy Institute poll found that 60% of respondents would not support Pritzker in seeking the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024. Pritzker has said he has no plans to run for president, but some have speculated he would be a candidate if President Joe Biden chose not to run.
(Springfield-jm) – Personal income has fallen in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains what it means…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Chicago-jm) – Utility customers throughout Illinois will likely see an increase in the price they pay for natural gas each month. Capitol News Illinois reports administrative judges at the Illinois Commerce Commission have recommended the agency grant gas rate increases to Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. The increases await approval – or modification – by the full five-member panel of commissioners at the I-C-C. They are expected to issue a final ruling on the gas rate increases before the end of the year. Advocates say they will protest the recommendations at an I-C-C meeting today in Chicago. The new gas rates will go into effect in January.
(Urbana–jc) During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, experts are reframing the thinking about treatment of the disease: it doesn’t have to mean loss of your breasts. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more from a local expert.
(Mahomet-jm) – A Mahomet woman has been sentenced to probation for stealing over $60 thousand in apartment security deposits. Shauna Corson pleaded guilty in Champaign County court to felony theft admitting just $66,253 in security deposits from her employer. She was also ordered to pay back the money to her former employer.
(Washington-jm) – How did the numbers from USDA’s latest quarterly hogs and pigs report find their way into the most recent look at pork production and hog prices? Rod Bain reports…
WPXN News Notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a mobile food distribution today from 9-9:30 at Abbe Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at R&P Home and Harvest in Watseka and 1:30-2 at Town and Country in Milford.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper this evening from 5-7 pm. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 $6. Meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink.
