(Springfield-jm) -- Lawmakers and education officials are calling for more cash to be sent into the classroom through an evidence-based funding formula. It sends millions of dollars into Illinois schools to help meet students' needs, but as of right now, it’s not fully funded. This funding model is essentially an algorithm that sends dollars to the Illinois districts that need it most. Without full funding, it means less money is going into your child’s education. The education advocacy group Stand for Children says the model still falls $6.8 billion short of being fully funded. Lawmakers say school districts are already working hard to recover from the pandemic and fully funding this formula could help get them back on track.

 

(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 6,658 new Coronavirus cases Wednesday and 14 additional deaths. Locally Champaign County reported 44 new cases. Vermilion County reported 110 new cases. Ford and Iroquois Counties did not have a report.

 

(Washington-jm) – The trade numbers just in for October have surprised some analysts. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman released the county results of a statewide effort to crack down on unbuckled driving over the Thanksgiving holiday. Heuerman says that Champaign County deputies issued six tickets to drivers for seat belt violations. In addition, they issued three speeding tickets, three distracted driving tickets, two tickets for driving with a suspended/revoked or non valid driver’s license and four tickets for other infractions.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Illinois GOP members are still blasting their frustrations over two controversial pieces of legislation approved during the fall veto session. One of the pieces approved was the undoing the parental right of notification of abortion act. The other controversial piece came as a result of the COVID pandemic says 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – A Champaign environmental watchdog group said it won’t be until 2033 until Vistra Energy removes coal ash from the former Dynegy plant near Danville. It’s the latest development in the years-long debate over the coal ash, which environmental groups said is polluting the Middle Fork River. Dynegy, now Vistra, has long-resisted efforts to completely remove the coal ash. However, it recently agreed to do so as a result of a lawsuit. Prairie Rivers Network said Vistra’s plan involves demolishing the power plant to create a landfill, then moving the coal ash there. The landfill would be outside of the river’s floodplain. Vistra will hold two public meetings today to get residents’ feedback on the plan.  The meetings are at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Davis S. Palmer Arena in Danville.  Residents can also join via Zoom. You can sign-up online.

 

(Springfield-jm) -- A new law is aiming to protect your student from sexual abuse. Governor JB Pritzker signed Faith's Law. The bill was named after Faith Colson, who was sexually assaulted while in high school in Schaumburg, Illinois. Faith's law requires all school districts have a code of conduct and a resource guide for parents on what they can do if their child is a victim of sexual abuse.

 

(Gibson City-tr) -- The Gibson City Christmas Parade will remain stationary this year in the city's north park after last year's success. Gibson City Parade Spokesperson Susie Tongate gives a rundown of what to expect this year…

 

 

Gibson City Parade Spokesperson Susie Tongate.

 

(Vermilion County-jm) – Vermilion County Animal Control said it’s seen an increase this year in abuse, neglect, and hoarding cases. The group says it's not just the numbers but the severity of the cases. They say if you suspect an animal is being abused, reach out to your local animal control.

 

(Rantoul-tr) -- The Rantoul Youth Center will be hosting a breakfast alongside a meet and greet with Santa on December 18th from 8am-10am. Rantoul Recreation Dept Head Luke Humphrey has the details…

 

 

 Rantoul Recreation Dept Head Luke Humphrey. Reservations are being requested for this event by December 13th. Please call 1-217-893-5703 for availability. 

 

(Hoopeston-jm) – The Vermilion County community of Hoopeston will have a new mayor. Current Mayor Bill Crusinberry announced Tuesday night he is resigning due to health issues. 

 

(Washington-jm) – Rapidly rising input costs and delivery delays continue to make problems for farmers and the people who sell those inputs to producers. Gary Crawford reports…