(Springfield--jc) Video poker machines are more prevalent and profitable than ever before, according to a new state report.That has some lawmakers and local leaders looking to do something about them. The video gambling report comes as lawmakers consider the largest expansion of brick-and-mortar gambling facilities in the state in years.In 2013, the first year Illinois lawmakers allowed for video gaming, almost 8,000 machines did $121 million in business. Just five years later, almost 30,000 machines did $1.4 billion in business. That's enough gambling machines to fill 24 full-sized casinos.Video gambling revenues have increased 75 percent in the past three years alone, according to the report "Wagering in Illinois” from the state’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.
(Washington--jc) -- The corn and soybean crop are 99 percent completed in Illinois, but some other states are behind yearly averages. Stephanie Ho reports…
(Springfield--jc) -- As the cold and flu season gets into full swing, the Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding that antibiotics are not always the answer. Illinois Public Health Director Doctor Nirav Shah says the overuse of antibiotics is dangerous…
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Doctor Nirav Shah
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — American farmers still working to get out their remaining soybeans after a weather-plagued harvest season are struggling to figure out what to do with a record crop now their traditionally dominant export market is largely closed. China, a leading soybean consumer, has all but stopped buying American soybeans in response to President Donald Trump's trade tariffs, and economists are warning some farmers could be forced out of business by the export crisis.
(Washington--jc) In homes and communities across the area state and nation, millions of Americans quietly care for older parents, spouses and others, helping them remain at home. The unpaid care that they provide is valued at 479 Billion dollars, each year. A-A-R-P’s Nancy LeaMond says they need help from government agencies…
A-A-R-P spokesperson Nancy LeaMond (‘La-Mond)
(Calumet Park--jc) -- A village of 8,000 people in northern Illinois has decided to outsource its fire department to save money, a move that the village's attorney said other small municipalities will soon replicate. Calumet Park taxpayers will save about $500,000 a year after ending its contract earlier this month with the Service Employees International Union that represented part-time firefighters. The village has instead signed a five-year deal with Kurtz Ambulance Service for fire suppression and ambulance services.Kurtz provides various services to hospitals, nursing facilities, municipalities, fire protection districts and industrial facilities. It has positions in Will, Cook, Grundy, Kankakee, McHenry and Lake counties.
(Springfield--jc) -- Some Illinois House Republicans say a Democratic lawmaker wished legionella on the family of a Republican lawmaker during debate on a veto override attempt of legislation that would increase the cap on claims the state can pay out to those wronged by Illinois government.The Illinois Court of Claims cap was at $100,000. A measure lifting that cap to $2 million passed the General Assembly but was vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner. A veto override passed the Senate earlier this month.During an override debate In reference to the 14 legionella deaths at the Quincy Veterans Home, Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Aurora, said she wants to give a mix of legionella to Republican Peter Breen’s family. Some democrats say the comments were taken out of context and Republican leaders want an apology or a resignation.
(Gibson City--ab) The Gibson City police department is looking for volunteer Salvation Army bell ringers Dec 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22nd. Times are 10AM-6PM and volunteers ring 2 hour blocks. Locations will be at ACE, Big R and County Market. Funds raised will stay local. Contact the department at 1-217-784-8666 if interested.
(McLean County --jc)A portion of Interstate 55 near Towanda is being designated as the Sergeant Anthony R. Maddox Memorial Highway in honor of the McLean County native who died while serving the U.S. Army in Afghanistan in 2013. Maddox attended Chiddix Junior High School and Normal Community High School. No date has been set yet for the dedication ceremony. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman and State Representative Dan Brady sponsored legislation in Springfield to re-name the portion of I-55 in Maddox honor.
(Undated--jc) Illinois is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a state. Here is today’ Bicentennial Minute…
(Springfield-jc) -- A new state law raises the amount people suing the state can get for damages. The cap in the Illinois Court of Claims is now 2 million dollars. That figure is up from the previous cap of 100 thousand dollars. State Representative Stephanie Kifowit of Aurora supports the huge increase…
State Representative Stephanie Kifowit of Aurora
State Representative Peter Breen of Lombard says the huge increase could hit the state hard…
Republican State Representative Peter Breen of Lombard
Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed the original bill setting the cap at 300 thousand dollars, citing the states major fiscal problems.
(Rantoul--jc) -- An open house is set from 11am to 1pm at the Early Childhood Education Center in Rantoul. The group is the host for the area Head Start program and is under the guide of the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission. The Center is located on the former Chanute Air Force Base and has been in operation since 2003. Officials with the center work with children from 6 weeks old to 5 years of age.
(Washington--jc) Snow, sub-freezing temperatures and high winds across the nation's mid-section are causing some problems for livestock. Gary Crawford reports…
(Rantoul--jc) Some downtown Rantoul businesses are gearing up for a new holiday shopping event. It’s the first Holiday Shop and Hop event set for 10am until 1pm on Saturday December 8th. Lindsey Lane Bridal will host several vendors in the shop. Anywhere, Anytime Journeys is providing hot beverages that also includes a hot chocolate bar. Pictures with Santa Claus will be provided at A House of Flowers by Paula. And its’ Apple Dumplings at a Whistle Stop Resale Shop.
A professional recruiting company says the nation’s public schools aren’t giving students the opportunity to learn skilled vocational trades.As unemployment hits record lows and the nation’s pool of workers to be hired thins, Express Employment Professionals’ franchise owners say local high schools are graduating kids who lack many of the skills that employers are having the greatest difficulty finding – specifically, high-skilled jobs in trades.Terri Greeno owns a number of Express franchises in northern Illinois. She says schools are so geared toward college enrollment that technically talented students often miss out.
(Paxton--jc) -- One Paxton resident is spearheading an effort to place a 150 foot tall flagpole on Paxton’s west side. Denny Kingren says placing the American Flag near the interstate would be like the giant cross near Effingham and similar flags in southern Wisconsin. Kingren has received a huge swell of support for the idea that is expected to cost somewhere around 35 to 40 thousand dollars with upkeep at several thousand dollars annually. The size of the flag would be a 30 foot by 60 foot flag on a 150 foot flagpole. Kingren has met with several local groups about the idea. Fundraising has not officially been started. WPXN news will update this story as it develops.
(Gibson City--jc) Handels Messiah will be performed on Sunday in Gibson City. This is the 75 anniversary of the performance in the Ford County town. The event is set for 3pm Sunday afternoon at the Gibson City Bible Church along Route 47 in Gibson City. The event is free to attend. A free will offering will be used to cover expenses.
