(Springfield-jm) -- Nearly 700 more Illinoisans filed for initial unemployment benefits last week than the week before for a total of more than 8,400. The total number of unemployment beneficiaries has decreased by nearly 28,500 from the week before to 122,500 in Illinois, but that’s the third-highest in the country, behind only California and New York, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
(Washington-jm) -- Representative Adam Kinzinger’s political future isn’t decided just yet. Last week he announced he was not going to seek reelection to the House of Representatives. The 43-year-old Illinois Republican says he is considering running for senate, governor, or even president in 2024. Kinzinger has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump and could face an uphill battle within his party. He says he will likely make a decision about a bid for governor or senator by January of next year.
(Springfield-jm) -- Daylight savings time ends this weekend and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office says it’s a good time to check your smoke alarms. The reminder applies to both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, says Fire Marshal Spokesperson J-C Fultz…
State Fire Marshal Spokesperson J-C Fultz. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost three out of every five home fire deaths in the U-S can be attributed to fires where either the smoke alarms didn’t work or weren’t installed at all.
(Undated-jm) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 4,267 new Coronavirus cases and 28 additional deaths Thursday. Vermilion County reported 26 new cases. Champaign County reported 103 new cases and 1 additional death.
(Paxton-tr)-- The Paxton Pride Christmas parade is on the horizon and entries are needed. Paxton Pride Christmas Parade Spokesperson Teri Hancock suggests a few ideas for parade entrants…
Paxton Pride Christmas Parade Spokesperson Teri Hancock. For entry, Teri is accepting phone calls at 217-379-9241 (repeat)
(Gibson City-jm) -- Gibson City Melvin Sibley district leaders are announcing their tax rate will be down for the 5th consecutive year. The rate for this year is 5.29 percent, down 19 from 5 years ago. Because of an increase in Equalized Assessed Valuation, the district expects to see their tax revenue increase from $8.2 million to about $8.8 million.
(Washington-jm) -- The Farm Service Agency Administrator looks at some of the numbers regarding acreage enrollment and payments for two of USDA's major farm safety net programs. Rod Bain reports…
(Springfield-jm) -- Throughout the pandemic, Illinois’ total number of ICU beds has declined by nearly 1,000, despite recent waves of COVID-19 cases, and some don’t think that makes any sense. Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski said the downward trend of total beds runs counter to why residents were told there need to be mandates such as indoor masks. Hospitals say they base their bed availability on the daily situation.
(Springfield-jm) -- Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Board of Higher Education partnered with the Illinois General Assembly Thursday to simplify the application process for Illinois universities. An investment of $1 million will add all instate public universities onto the Common App platform. The Common App platform streamlines the application process so first-year students can apply to any of Illinois' 12 public universities, plus dozens of private institutions, with a single form. Governor Pritzker says that adopting this platform will help expand access to higher education for all students.
(Champaign-jm) -- The city of Champaign announced Thursday that Deputy Chief Tom Petrilli will serve as the next Interim Chief of Police, effective in December. This announcement came after current Interim Chief of Police Matthew Henson announced his retirement after 20 years of service. He will leave the Champaign Police Department on December 16.
(Gibson City-tr)-- The Bishop family would like to extend a humble invitation to have some family fun at the Miracle for Maci Benefit Saturday, November 6th from 2pm-10pm. Maci started her first battle against a rare form of cancer known as LCH for short at the age of 5 and the cancer has unfortunately spread. Miracle for Maci Spokesperson Mike McDonald shares the itinerary for the upcoming benefit…
Miracle for Maci Spokesperson Mike McDonald
(Paxton-jm) -- The Paxton Buckley Loda School District is trying to decide what to do with nearly $1.2 million left from the bond issuance for the addition to Clara Peterson Elementary, renovations to the high school and the tear down of Eastlawn Elementary a few years ago. Some ideas brought forward include rebuilding the concession stand with restrooms at Jerry Zimmerman Field and adding an addition to the band room.
(Washington-jm) -- Traders are anxiously awaiting USDA's new round of crop production estimates and supply/demand forecasts. Gary Crawford reports…
The Central Region Rodeo Finals and trade show will take place today through Sunday at Gordyville USA.
The Loda American Legion will host their all you can eat fish and chicken fry tonight from 4-7 pm. Cost is $10.
The Rantoul Public Library will host an outdoor movie tonight at 6:20 pm showing Coco.
Parkland College’s Staerkel Planetarium will host their Kaler Lecture tonight at 6:30 pm with U of I Professor Caleb Brooks talking about microreactors. Cost is $2.
MedServ Equipment Corporation will host a Thriving for Life Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday from 9 to 2 at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana.
Paxton IGA will be hosting their cookout benefiting the Class of 2025 on Saturday from 10 to 2.
Dixie Flyers will perform at the Melvin Community Hall on Saturday. Doors open at 5:30 with the show starting at 7.
