(Chicago–jc)  –A federal jury Wednesday saw undercover videos made by an F-B-I mole in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Capitol News Illinois reports ex-Commonwealth Edison executive Fidel Marquez (fih-DELL mahr-KEZZ) quickly agreed to become a cooperating witness after FBI agents approached him early one morning in January 2019. Marquez secretly videotaped meetings with his colleagues and allowed his cell phone to be wiretapped as the government built its case against Madigan and his inner circle. 

The feds used those recorded conversations to support their theory that ComEd bribed Madigan with jobs and contracts for his political allies in exchange for favorable legislation in Springfield. In one video, a ComEd lobbyist who agreed to be a conduit for payments to several Madigan allies told Marquez that the subcontractors didn't do any work for the utility in exchange for their checks that ranged from four- to five-thousand dollars a month.

(Cissna Park–jc)  –  The Cissna Park F F A Auction is coming in just over two weeks. Money raised helps with chapter projects and is also for scholarships for the chapter members. Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton says they continue to gather a wide variety of items...

Cissna Park F F A Advisor Jeff Clifton

The event is set for Saturday November 16th. 

(The Center Square) – With the state's notoriously cold winter just around the corner, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has joined a group of governors now demanding that grid operator P-J-M Interconnection take steps to address its record-high electricity rates. Pritzker recently joined 5 other Democratic Governors in penning a letter to P-J-M that addresses the impact the development is having on consumers following the region's capacity auction. The governor in a release said that no one should worry about not being able to afford their electricity bill.

(Washington–jc)  The middle part of America received some much needed rains over the past several days. It has also caused other issues. Rod Bain Reports...

(Rantoul–jc)  One local military group is set to honor Veterans Day on Monday. A service is set in Rantoul on Monday at 11am says Rantoul Paxton V F W Spokesperson Joe Manka...

Rantoul Paxton V F W Spokesperson Joe Manka

(Gibson City–jc)  It's a day of shopping, sipping and walking. The annual Fall Wine Walk is set for Saturday in Gibson City. The event takes place from 11am to 3pm and starts at the Burwell Building in the downtown area. Tickets are 20 dollars.

(Springfield–jc)  The governor's office has released budget projections for the next 5 years. There are big holes in the price. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the story...

Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan coalition of 51 attorneys general condemning potential post-election violence and supporting a shared commitment for peace and stability regardless of the election results. Raoul says the coalition of attorneys General expect Americans will respond peacefully and we condemn any acts of violence related to the results. A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation's stability. As Attorneys General, they affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles we serve.

(Paxton–jc)  Plans for a new subdivision continue for Paxton's west side near Interstate 57. In the second installment of our look at the project, Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says along with home sites and new businesses, other amenities will be included...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Washington–jc)  With the soybean harvest nearing completion in Illinois and around the nation, now the analysts are looking at planting in Brazil. Gary Crawford has the story...

7amThe Center Square) – Illinois legislators from both sides of the aisle are reacting to former President Donald Trump's apparent victory to take back the White House and Congress for Republicans. The makeup of the Illinois General Assembly isn't expected to change much if at all after Tuesday's election. Democrats are expected to maintain their supermajorities in both chambers of the state legislature. State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, said Republicans need to take a page from Trump's playbook by pushing back against Democrats harder.With an expected sweep of both chambers of the U.S. Congress and the presidency, state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, said his party should aim to do what they can to counter Trump's agenda.

Legislators return for fall veto session next week. Lame duck session is in early January. The new General Assembly will be seated mid-January.

(Champaign–jc)  One local State Senator is co-hosting a winter clothing drive in Champaign. 52nd District State Senator Paul Faraci says the efforts will continue through November 25th at his office at 45 East University in Champaign and also the U of I Community Credit Union on First Street in Champaign.  The donations will help the local homeless shelters.

WPXN News notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, November 8th from 9-10 am at the Fountain Valley Mobile Home basketball courts and from 10:30-11 at the Ludlow community center.

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, November 8th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the Loda FIreworks on Saturday, November 9th from 10-2.