(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Secretary of State Police reported a bomb threat on Wednesday morning at the State Capitol. The Illinois Secretary of State's office has released a statement regarding the bomb threats emailed to state capitals across the country early Wednesday.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Governor JB Pritzker announced on Wednesday, that the United States Census Bureau has approved the state’s request to have nearly 47,000 Illinoisans included in future population estimates. The review, which was requested following findings of inaccurately low counts in certain areas, ensures the state will receive a proportionate share of the $675 billion in annual funds distributed to states each year. The review found that 733 Group Quarters were missed or undercounted in the 2020 Census Group Quarters Operation, along with a corresponding population of 46,400 people. The group submitted by the state identified 40,512 people residing in group quarter facilities such as care homes or senior living facilities who were missed in initial counts. The state also identified 123 dormitory settings where the population was undercounted for an additional 5,888 people.

 

(Springfield-jm) – More Americans with diabetes will have their costs to pay for insulin decline in 2024 as price caps take effect with the new year, bringing relief for millions of people who had seen the cost of the drug skyrocket over the last several years. Three major insulin manufacturers have started to offer price caps or savings programs capping the price of the drugs to $35 to millions of patients. The companies made the announcements last spring, but some of the changes did not take effect until the start of 2024. Sanofi, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly Co. make up 90% of the U.S. market for insulin and each announced they would be cutting the cost of their products by at least 70%, creating big savings for the millions of Americans with diabetes.

 

(Washington-jm) – What are some of the ways USDA's Census of Agriculture provides significant data and useful information to people not associated with ag. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Watseka-jm) – The Watseka Police Department responded to a call of a woman being assaulted at approximately 10:45 AM in the 300 block of E Ash Wednesday. Upon arrival Police learned that a male subject had approached the woman asking for money and after telling him that she didn't have any, the suspect reportedly pulled an object from his pocket, causing a laceration to her arm. The suspect then ran Eastbound on Ash before officers arrived. The suspect was described as being 5'9 and either being white or Hispanic. Anyone having information is urged to contact the Watseka Police Department. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

 

(Urbana-jm) – Urbana’s Hope Village project took center stage at the City Council meeting this week. The final vote ended up passing with six yes votes and only one no vote. Community members beforehand had spent the night voicing their opinion for and against the project. The project already broke ground by beginning the community center. Community concerns came primarily from the neighbors in the surrounding areas. These concerns highlighted the issues around possible traffic and drainage access, and dangers about a retention pond. With that vote ending in a yes, the City hands the reigns over to the Champaign County Health Care Consumers, University of Illinois and Carle to begin building the development plan.

 

(Rantoul-dm)-- With the new year here, the village of Rantoul continues to work on its economic plans for the year. Village leaders have set Friday as a date for departmental meetings,  Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith explains.

 

 

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.

 

(Hoopeston-jm) – The Hoopeston Jaycees invite the community to join us in celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of our citizens during the 2024 Community Awards Ceremony, to take place this Sunday. The ceremony will include the judging and crowning of Miss Hoopeston 2024 as well. The event is at the Lorraine Theatre. Doors open at 3:30 with the program beginning at 4.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Secretary of State's office has released a statement regarding the bomb threats emailed to state capitals across the country early Wednesday. Some states evacuated buildings such as in Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi and Montana.

 

(Springfield-jm) – January is FireFighter Cancer Awareness Month, and international and state firefighting officials are bringing attention to the month in the hope it saves firefighters' lives. Officials said occupational cancer is the number one cause of death for firefighters, with it being the cause of death for 63% of all names on the Fallen FireFighter Memorial added in 2023. The Firefighter Cancer Support Network also estimates nearly two-thirds of all firefighters will be diagnosed with cancer. This year’s focus includes implementing practices to limit carcinogen exposure, emphasizing more precautionary measures during fire fighting, and addressing personal risk factors.

 

(Springfield-jm) – The number of days substitute teachers can be in a classroom in an emergency situation has increased thanks to a new law that began January 1st. The law allows a substitute teacher who has filled a vacancy left by a licensed teacher to teach in an emergency situation for 90 days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if the school distinct files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education and is still looking for a qualified, licensed applicant. Previously, a substitute teacher could only fill a vacancy left by a licensed teacher under contract in an emergency situation for up to 30 days.

 

(Washington-jm) – U.S. soybean growers could see lower exports and higher domestic use in 2024. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Urbana-jm) – A new study from University of Illinois researchers suggests that acetaminophen use during pregnancy may be linked to language delays in early childhood. Acetaminophen is used in brands like TYLENOL to treat mild to moderate aches and pains. Studies show that up to 65% of pregnant women in North America and Europe have taken the pain reliever. The study involved nearly 300 two-year-old children. The study suggests that if a pregnant person took acetaminophen 13 times — or once per week — during the third trimester of that pregnancy, their child might express 26 fewer words at age 2 than other children that age.

 

(Champaign-jm) – C-U at Home’s annual One Winter Night event is just one month away, and the organization is encouraging people to register. For One Winter Night, volunteers spend one night braving the outdoors to get a sample of the challenges that may be faced by homeless people throughout the winter months. The exercise aims to build empathy and raise awareness for those experiencing homelessness.

 

(Champaign-jm) – Work continues on the I-57/I-74 interchange in Champaign. The state recently hit a milestone on the multi-year, multi-million dollar project. Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen joined Governor J-B Pritzker recently to discuss the milestone of the project…

 

 

Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – The University of Illinois Extension is bringing its popular Lessons for Living series to local libraries. Lessons for Living is a free in-person series where people can learn valuable life lessons and get relevant, easy-to-understand tips for living an inspiring, healthy, and enriching life. Starting with the first session on February 15th, all webinars in the series will be broadcast at the Rantoul Public Library, 106 W. Flessner Avenue in Rantoul, making it easier than ever for residents to participate in this informative and engaging series. Participation is free, but registration is required. Please contact the library at Rantoullib@gmail.com or call 217-893-3955 to register.