(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois' cannabis sales are skyrocketing. State officials announced weed dispensaries in the state sold almost $64 million in cannabis products last month. In total, the state's cannabis shops have done more than $360 million in sales since legalization on January 1st.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Several Illinois Republicans have called for public hearings of the Illinois Department of Employment Security after months of dysfunction.  Representatives Tom Bennett, Dan Caulkins and Mike Murphy came together to ask for more public input. They said their offices are still receiving hundreds of calls and emails every week from people who can't get their unemployment issues resolved. They are also requesting public hearings regarding the failures of the organization during the pandemic.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,941 new Coronavirus cases Wednesday and 35 additional deaths bringing the state’s total number of cases to 266,151 and deaths to 8,367. Locally, Vermilion County reported 4 new cases bringing their total to 475. Livingston County reported 4 new cases and 1 additional death bringing their total number of cases to 294 and total deaths to 5. Iroquois County reported 2 new cases bringing their total to 378. McLean County reported 28 new cases bringing their total to 3,003. Kankakee County reported 21 new cases and 1 additional death bringing their total number of cases to 2,609 and total deaths to 71. Champaign County reported 136 new cases bringing their total to 3,947. Ford County reported no new cases Wednesday.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- USDA's September supply and demand estimates for corn factors in changes in both sides of the balance sheet. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- The family of a missing Rantoul man will hold a prayer and candlelight vigil this Saturday. David Franklin has been missing for nearly a month. His bike was found about a week ago northeast of Rantoul. Franklin was last seen in the Maplewood shopping plaza. The candlelight vigil and prayer will be in the County Market parking lot at 7 pm Saturday.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced last week the likelihood of a La Nina winter. State Climatologist Trent Ford explains what La Nina is and the impacts it could have this winter in Illinois…

 

 

State Climatologist Trent Ford.

 

(Champaign County-jm) -- Champaign County voters will be asked to approve a slight tax increase for the Champaign County Forest Preserve to address the $3.7 million backlog of maintenance projects. The increase would be 1.6 cents per $100 equalized assessed valuation. That means a Champaign County homeowner with a $100,000 home would see a $5.33 increase or approximately 45 cents a month. Some of the projects that would be funded by the increase include dredging Willow Pond at Middlefork Forest Preserve in Penfield, maintenance of the covered bridge at Lake of the Woods and trail and accessibility upgrades at all forest preserve locations.

 

 

(Paxton-jm) -- A new restaurant is open in downtown Paxton. La Hacienda Cantina opened in the former Harvest Ale House location at the intersection of Pells and Market. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11-8, Friday and Saturday 11-9 and closed on Sunday.

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Lottery has a new scratch-off to help with homelessness. Lotto announced that all profits from "Cupcake Cash" will go toward combating homelessness in the state. The ticket costs $2 for a chance to win up to $20,000.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus continued to set the stage for its fall legislative agenda Wednesday, calling a news conference and committee hearing to discuss education policy. Education and workforce development make up one of four pillars on the agenda unveiled by the caucus earlier this month. Potential actions include, according to advocates, significant financial investment to provide affordable child care, pre-kindergarten education, literacy programs and other measures focused to give preference to low-income students and families that need resources the most.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- Illinois now has 266,151 total Coronavirus cases and 8,367 total deaths after the state reported 1,941 new cases and 35 additional deaths Wednesday. Livingston County and Kankakee County each reported additional deaths bringing their total deaths to 5 and 71 respectively. As for local active and recovered cases...Vermilion County reported 378 have been released from isolation, 90 are in isolation and 3 are hospitalized. Livingston County reported 264 have been removed from isolation, 25 cases are active with 6 of them hospitalized. Iroquois County reported 343 have been released, 14 remain in isolation and 2 are hospitalized. McLean County reported 1,629 have recovered, 1,348 are in isolation, 8 are hospitalized with 2 of them in the intensive care unit. Kankakee County reported 1,840 have recovered, 698 cases are active and 11 are hospitalized. Champaign County reported 3,517 have recovered, 410 cases are active with 5 of them hospitalized. Ford County reported 116 have been released, 6 are in isolation and 1 hospitalized.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- A USDA research project is going deeper into the potential economic and environmental impacts of precision agriculture. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

 

(Danville-jm) -- The city of Danville has taken its next step towards building a casino in town for a much needed economic boost. The city council received all 10 votes it needed for a supermajority to pass the rezoning of a plot of land on Eastgate Drive to be used for business purposes. The vote comes two weeks after the cities Planning and Zoning Commission votes 5-1 in favor of declining the rezoning of the land.

 

 

(Gibson City-jm) -- The investigation into House Speaker Mike Madigan continues in Springfield with a legislative committee meeting to possibly discuss his fate. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City explains the process…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

 

(Rantoul-jm) -- Rantoul will have a new public works director. Greg Hazel announced he will be retiring after 22 years with the village. Hazel agreed to stay on and help with the transition which is expected to be done by the first of the year.

 

 

(Watseka-jm) -- A historic house in Watseka has won a prestigious award. The Roff House received one of Landmark Illinois’ preservation awards. The 1868 Italian style house was restored by John Whitman. A virtual awards ceremony will take place October 21st.