(Springfield-jm) – Illinois soybeans are going global as part of a campaign to boost exports instead of relying heavily on China. The program has Midwest farmers branching out to countries like Egypt, Nigeria, and Honduras with a good measure of success. In Illinois, where 60% of soybeans are exported, farmers are looking to the program for stability in a changing global climate. Meanwhile, the outlook is considered bright for U.S.-grown soybeans with new markets being created for Midwest exports and expanded use in fuel. Not only are these new markets building confidence in the future of soybeans as opposed to relying on China, but Illinois is welcoming new crushing facilities for soybean fuel.

 

(Washington-jm) – Export prospects for corn seem to be improving. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Champaign-jm) – C-U at Home is marking an anniversary. C-U at Home is a non-profit ministry based in Champaign. C-U at Home began a transition as a provider of services to individuals experiencing homelessness, focusing on those who are working towards a healthy and independent future.  One year later, the organization’s Pathways to Progress program is meeting the needs of dozens of clients who have received shelter in seven residences located throughout the C-U community. Austin’s Place women’s shelter has served two dozen women since moving to its new home in west Champaign in December 2022. Nine residents have progressed from Austin’s Place into either one of the program’s advanced shelter residences or their own apartments. The C-U Men’s shelter moved into a large home in Urbana this past August. So far in 2023, 26 men have entered the Pathways program, and 11 of them have progressed into an independent living situation. Clients in the Pathways program meet weekly with their assigned case managers to track progress toward goals.

 

(Urbana-jm) – A cultural center on the University of Illinois campus is receiving national recognition for its work. The Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center has been named the Cultural Center of the Year by the Association for Black Cultural Centers. The center is open to all students, most days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

(Springfield–jc)  Time to register for certain gun types is dwindling. New proposed laws go into effect on January First. Illinois Governor J B Pritzker says his hope is that more FOID card holders will go on-line to register their guns…

 

 

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker.

 

(Iroquois County-jm) – Iroquois County ballots will have contested races in the March 19, 2024 primary election.  Michael Quinlan of Bourbonnais and Rebecca Souligne have filed petitions for the prosecutor job.  Quinlan is currently assistant-State's Attorney under Jim Devine.  Devine elected to not seek re-election.  Two seats are up for election for County Board in District 2.  Three will go after the seats...incumbents John Shure of Buckley and Gerald "Jed" Whitlow of Gilman are challenged by Jody Munsterman of Onarga. Jamie Lee Bakken of Sheldon seeks a seat in District 3.  Paul Bowers is not running for re-election.  Raymond Williams of Hoopeston will seek another term. District 4 candidate Scott Watts of Watseka filed for re-election.   John Zumwalt of Sheldon did not file.  He leaves an open seat in the District. Lyle Behrends of Ashkum and Chad McGinnis of Chebanse both filed for new terms in District 1.

(Paxton–jc)-- In our morning news  Fantastic  Local Finds for Christmas..Here is an idea…custom baked cookies and more. Paxton resident Teresa Perez is the owner of Sugar-Shaper and she bakes everything from holiday cookies to cinnamon rolls, mini pies and more. Perez says she also can put your pictures or other images on your cookies

Suar Shaper Custom Baked Goods of Paxton Owner Teresa Perez

WPXN news  will feature gift shopping ideas and Fantastic Finds from the local area each weekday morning  on the news this holiday season.

(Springfield-jm) – More people died on Illinois highways this Thanksgiving travel period. Fourteen people died during the four days, up from 10 last year. With the Christmas holiday travel period authorities are warning drivers to be careful. This year's total is the highest it's been since 2020 when 17 people died on Illinois roads.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois State Police say they hope to begin enforcing new rules soon that will govern how Illinoisans will register their firearms, attachments and ammunition that are now heavily regulated under the state’s assault weapons ban.

But Capitol News Illinois reports state lawmakers are still reviewing those proposed rules, and could take action in January to let them go into effect. 

At a hearing Tuesday I-S-P’s acting chief legal counsel Suzanne Bond told lawmakers the agency has listened to gun owners’ concerns and made changes to the rules that were first proposed in September…

 

 

Illinois State Police Acting Chief Legal Counsel Suzanne Bond. 

 

(Champaign-jm) – As the healthcare field sees a staff shortage, facilities are doing the best they can to address the needs of families. Community colleges, including Parkland say that more students are answering the call with more students registering into their respective Healthcare Professions. Parkland College says certifications have risen from 368 in the 2019-2020 school year to more than 428 during the 2022-23 school year. This month, 140 more students are graduating.

 

(Urbana-jm) – The University of Illinois joined a group of big names in the artificial intelligence community. Grainger engineering professors said they’re part of the AI Alliance. Other members include IBM, Meta and NASA. The goal is to create a platform where people can work together, shaping a future for artificial intelligence that is ethical, useful and safe.

 

(Washington-jm) – Programs within USDA’s Rural Development mission area provide resources in making our nation’s supply chains more resilient. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – For the second month in a row, the Central Illinois Land Bank has failed to receive funding support from the Finance and Personnel Committee of the Vermilion County Board. The Land Bank was requesting $75-thousand dollars in ARPA money to help with office expenses. The Land Bank helps in the demolition of dilapidated structures in Vermilion, Champaign and Macon counties. Some County Board members want the county to go back to running its own Land Bank, instead of being linked to Champaign and Macon counties.

 

WPXN News Notes…

The Villas of Holly Brook in Rantoul will hold a holiday gift wrapping fundraiser for the Carter Education and Community Foundation on Friday from 3-7 pm. 

 

Onarga American Legion Post 551 will hold a fish fry and christmas tree lane on Friday from 4:30-7 pm at the legion hall at Durham Park.

 

The PBL Chamber Singers present cocoa and carols on Friday from 6-7:30 in the PBL Junior High commons. Activities include, sugar cookie decorating, hot cocoa, face painting, pictures with Santa and Christmas carols by the PBL Chamber Singers. Cost is a free will donation.

 

Santa will be at the Elliott AmVets on Saturday at 10am.