(The Center Square) – Some Illinois state senators are expressing concerns about the speedy removal of inmates from Stateville Correctional Center. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said he was proud of the Department of Corrections for the speed with which they were able to make the transfers  of inmates to Crest Hill.

Democratic State Senator Rachel Ventura, of-Joliet, said the Illinois Department of Corrections did not have a solid plan.  Ventura said the Department of Corrections missed the mark on improving life quality for people currently incarcerated.

(Gilman–jc)  Harvest 20-24 continues in East Central Illinois. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire says predictions on the crops are positive, but maybe not a bumper crop...

Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire

(Chicago–jc)  –A judge has declined an effort to dismiss bribery charges against disgraced former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.Attorneys for the longtime Democratic power broker had tried to get the charges thrown out  based on the  U.S. Supreme Court's June ruling in the bribery case of the former mayor of Portage, Indiana, James Snyder. That decision narrowed the definition of bribery. Jury selection for Madigan's trial is set to start next Tuesday, Oct. 8.

(Paxton–jc)  A new scoreboard for Nelson Field in Paxton is expected next week. Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman says the site is the same at Nelson Field and preparation work has been completed as they await arrival of the unit...

Paxton Park District Director Jordan Chapman

(Springfield–jc0  –The state of Illinois is cracking down on auto theft.The Illinois Secretary of State's Officer reports in fiscal year 2024, the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force conducted over 1,800 investigations and recovered over 1,300 vehicles worth approximately $30 million.The agency also conducted 240 audits of businesses in the auto industry, including scrap processors and body shops. 

(Springfield–jc)  –The Illinois Department of Labor is reminding employers and those looking for a job that, starting Jan. 1, 2025, employers with 15 or more employees must include pay scale and benefit information in job postings.

Any person may file a complaint with the agency, when they become aware of a job posting that lacks the required salary and benefit information. Complaints must be filed within one year of the relevant violation and complainants are encouraged to submit a link, picture or screenshot of the posting in question.

(Springfield–jc) In an update from Wednesday morning, Some Illinois Lawmakers in Springfield are calling on the federal government concerning illegal migrants, crimes, and safety of Illinois citizens.  51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet says numbers provided are larger because local police are not allowed to work with ICE officials...

51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet

(The Center Square) – Electric vehicle battery maker Gotion announced a year ago that it would transform a vacant Manteno, Illinois, Kmart distribution center into a $2 billion factory. Some Manteno residents sued the village and Gotion, arguing the plant will use toxic chemicals that are not allowed under local zoning provisions. Representing the citizens is Robby Dube, who said that Kankakee Circuit Court Judge Lindsay Parkhurst denied the motion from the village and Gotion for judgments on the merits based only on the pleadings. Dube pointed out that the judge, when talking about the nuisance claim, said, "what you have pleaded entitles you to relief." "Dube said the plaintiffs won on the merits, but ultimately the judge dismissed the complaint without prejudice.

(Paxton–jc)  – The Paxton Chamber of Commerce continues to take the lead in promoting businesses in the city. The annual Wine and Chocolate walk is set for Saturday, and plans continue for the upcoming holiday shopping season Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack talks about their "group" effort...

Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack

(The Center Square) – Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced the launch of a taxpayer-funded marketing campaign for Illinois manufacturing. The "Make It In Illinois" campaign is funded by $5 million of taxpayer funds. The Governor made  the announcement while visiting the Manufacturing and Technology and Engineering Center  in Chicago on Tuesday.  The Governor announced that October is National Manufacturing Month, which has special meaning for the leading manufacturing state in the industrial Midwest. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards said the "Make It In Illinois" campaign includes advertisements in neighboring states.

(Washington-jm) – The costs of eating out are rising rapidly. Gary Crawford reports...

(Champaign-jm) – Two groups in Champaign County are partnering together to help low-income families. The Housing Authority of Champaign County and VOLO are eliminating the cost of Wi-Fi. They're starting a new project called VCHAP it'll provide free wi-fi for 355 homes in six Housing Authority of Champaign County properties.

(Cissna Park–jc)  –  The Cissna Park F FA Pumpkins in the Park event is set for Saturday. Pumpkins in the park Car and Motorcycle Show Spokesperson Floyd Schumacher says the day starts with the annual F F A breakfast...

Cissna Park Pumpkins in the Park Car and Motorcycle Show Spokesperson Floyd Schumacher

Kids activities, lots of business vendors, live music, to a petting zoo, and a car and motorcycle show, all hilite the day.  

(Chicago–jc)  A federal judge has denied the state's motion to hold his ruling against the prohibition of concealed carry firearms on mass transit. During a hearing Wednesday, Judge Iain Johnston chastised state and Cook County attorneys for providing no evidence that his order granting an injunction against the law that only impacts plaintiffs would cause irreparable harm or endanger public safety. An appeal is pending.

(Springfield–jc)  The 2024 Illinois fall trout season will open Saturday, Oct. 19, at 60 ponds, lakes and streams throughout the state.The early catch-and-release season is scheduled to open Oct. 5. No trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites until the regular fall season opens. The daily catch limit is five trout.

All anglers must have an Illinois fishing license and inland trout stamp 

(Chicago–jc)  Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a proclamation declaring October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology is reminding residents of available resources to stay safe online.

State officials said they are committed to providing the necessary tools and information to help residents protect themselves.