(Chicago-jm) – In a surprise move, an Illinois judge has removed former President Donald Trump from the state’s ballot based on the 14th Amendment’s so-called “insurrectionist ban.” The decision is paused, giving Trump a short period of time to appeal. Wednesday’s unexpected decision comes as a similar anti-Trump challenge from Colorado is pending before the US Supreme Court, which is widely expected to reject arguments that Trump is barred from office. Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter stripped Trump from the Illinois ballot one month after the anti-Trump challenge was dismissed by the Illinois State Board of Elections.
(Springfield-jm) – A federal judge handling the district level lawsuit challenging Illinois’ gun and magazine ban laid out a roadmap Wednesday for how the trial on the merits should proceed. While cases in the Northern District of Illinois are on hold while plaintiffs there ask the U.S. Supreme Court to again intervene, the case continues on the merits in the Southern District of Illinois. Among the questions the court will address include what defines an “arm” in both recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and the recent ruling on the case in the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Judge Stephen McGlynn is also looking for both sides to address whether the item defined as an arm “may be used to resist tyranny.” He wants both sides to also answer whether the banned arms have a dual-use for military and civilian settings, and whether such firearms are in common use or “dangerous and unusual.” McGlynn met Wednesday afternoon with attorneys from both sides for a closed conference to discuss various elements of the case and how discovery in the case will proceed. Supporters of Illinois’ gun ban say the law is needed to take “assault weapons” and “weapons of war” off the streets of Illinois.
(Washington-jm) – This country is expected to import more foreign ag. products this year. Gary Crawford reports…
(Hoopeston-jm) – Hoopeston firefighters are investigating the cause of a vacant house fire. It happened in the 800 block of East Seminary. Hoopeston firefighters received assistance from Wellington and Rossville firefighters.
(Rantoul–jc) The Prospect sub-station project continues for the village of Rantoul. The village is upgrading the amount of power that can be used by village businesses and residents. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the village continues to grow and more resources are needed…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith.
(Undated-jm) – Early Voting for the March 19th General Primary Election is underway. Voters are encouraged to participate before March 18th. Questions can be directed to your County Clerk’s Office. Special hours for Early Voting are also arranged by County Clerks. Saturday and evening hours are posted by some local offices. Grace Period Registration and Voting also started last week and continues thru March 19. Grace Period is for those needing to change an address, visit the Clerk and vote in-person at the same time your register. Two forms of identification are required. Officials are also accepting applications for Vote by-Mail ballots.
(Champaign-jm) – The City of Champaign officially accepted $500,000 in funding from the Illinois' Tourism Attractions and Festivals grant to get started on their plans for Downtown Champaign this summer. The city is planning to add a stage, and extra seating, essentially bringing more business to the area. The project will also bring more diversity to these businesses as well.
(Springfield-jm) – A measure introduced by Illinois state Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria, looks to change what is traditionally included in a student’s “record” and would do away with destruction of the temporary record and make it permanent. Laura Hart with the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission’s Special Education Initiative, recently testified before the Senate Education Committee. Hart said otherwise eligible individuals for disability benefits through the Illinois Department of Human Services are turned away because they can’t prove “age of onset.” DHS has expressed its approval of Senate Bill 3166. The bill goes beyond keeping track of a student’s attendance. It adds things like psychological evaluations and information about a student's intelligence and personality. State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, raised concerns about the language in the bill including the scope and who has access to the records.
(Washington-jm) – 2023 could bring another downturn in U.S. agricultural exports. Gary Crawford reports…
(Rantoul-jm) – Three TV and film production projects will be receiving grant money to promote the industry in Illinois. A total of $10 million in taxpayer funded grant money is going to film studio infrastructure projects through the Illinois Soundstage Program. The Fields Studios located in Chicago, Fresh Films in Rock Island, and Flyover Studios in Champaign have all been awarded funding through this program. Flyover Studios will be building production stages in what was formerly known as Hanger One on the Chanute Air Force Base property in Rantoul.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Manufacturer’s Association is bringing back their bracket contest to name the coolest things made in Illinois. 53rd District State Senator Tom Benentt of Gibson City has more…
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.
(Champaign-jm) – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that Danville Area Community College is set to receive $550,000 and the Illinois Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors is set to receive $165,000 in grant funding to support pre-apprenticeship programs for the construction trades. The funding comes from the Illinois Works Jobs Program as part of Rebuild Illinois, which provides Illinois residents access to jobs created by state capital projects. Pre-apprenticeship programs offer structured pathways and industry-aligned certifications to help graduates transition to a full apprenticeship program in the construction and building trades.
(Hoopeston-jm) – A publication that focuses on healthcare industry news recently listed Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center among the top hospitals in the country, including among only 15 in Illinois, to be the best in nurse communications for patients. Becker’s Hospital Review came up with the list based on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems data from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services. The star rating is based on responses to three survey questions on how patients feel about nurses providing clear explanations, nurses treating patients with courtesy and nurses respecting and listening to patients. The data, released Jan. 31, 2024, is from post-visit patient surveys done between April 2022 and March 2023.
