(The Center Square) – Past and present Illinois politicians have figured prominently in wiretapped conversations introduced by prosecutors at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain. At the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse last week, government attorneys called nine witnesses and introduced a series of documents, emails and recorded conversations. When the court returns from recess this morning, Madigan's defense team is expected to provide Judge John Robert Blakey with an updated estimate for how long the trial will last.

(Rantoul–jc) Rantoul Village leaders have given their go-ahead for a replacement of underdrains at the village's West Water Treatment Plant. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says with the increased need for water, the pipes are old and need to be replaced...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Springfield–jc)  The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced that the state's unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3% in September. Nevada is the only state with a higher rate at 5.6%, and the U.S. unemployment rate is 4.1%. Based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfarm payrolls were down in Illinois by 2,400. 

(Springfield–dm)-Illinois legislators are trying to advance pension reforms that will even out shortfalls in Tier II pensions.  Illinois implemented Tier II pensions in 2011 to save money.  The Tier II Pensions have fewer benefits.  Illinois Governor J B Pritzker says the question is how much needs to be paid.

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker

(Springfield–jc)  –Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is joining a coalition of 46 attorneys general calling on the Federal Communications Commission to close what they say is an unmonitored loophole to access the U.S. telephone network.

The group is calling on the FCC to strengthen the Robocall Mitigation Database to penalize providers for false or inadequate information. Raoul says if the procedures are adopted, it would stop more illegal robocalls.

(Gilman–dm)-The city of Gilman has had several street projects, and is about to finish a $1.5 million improvement on Main St between 2nd and 3rd streets.  Gilman mayor Rick Theesfield has more information.

Gilman mayor Rick Theesfield

(Chicago–jc)   The Illinois Department of Public Health will observe U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week today through Sunday The annual event is intended to increase public knowledge about the importance of careful use of antibiotics in order to prevent antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria and other germs develop an immunity to the drugs that were designed to fight them. The CDC estimates that each year, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S.

(Springfield–jc)  –  One state legislator is blasting the state's Democratic leadership on several issues. 41st District  State Senator and Republican Minority Leader John Curran says people in the state are not happy with the high taxes, high crime rates and that the state fails the most vulnerable citizens...

41st District State Senator and Republican Minority Leader John Curran of Lemont.

(The Center Square) – An Illinois trade organization has joined a legal challenge to a new law that restricts employers' free speech rights in the workplace. The Schaumburg-based Technology and Manufacturing Association represents more than 800 small businesses in Illinois. The group has joined a lawsuit against Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan, whose agency is charged with enforcing the Worker Freedom of Speech Act. The lawsuit, filed on Aug. 8 by the Liberty Justice Center, claims that the law revokes free speech across the state. Governor. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3649 into law this past summer and the law is scheduled to take effect on January First.

(Paxton–jc)  –  The city of Paxton is still in possession of Covid Rebuild Illinois Funds. City leaders were hoping to use some of these funds for an entrance into a proposed new subdivision on Paxton's west side. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says after several meetings it was learned that these funds can not be used for this type of project...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

The Rebuild Illinois funds will go to several additional street projects in Paxton. 

(Ford County–jc)  A fire in Roberts caused damage to a home in the 100 block of North Center on Saturday afternoon. The fire was fully engaged as firefighters from several departments arrived at 1pm Saturday. No damage estimates were given. No injuries were reported

(Paxton–jc)  A single vehicle accident has been reported on Sunday morning around 9-30. The accident happened along Route 9 and 24-Hundred East Road . No additional information has been released. 

(Springfield–jc)  More than 350 students in grades fourth through eighth will visit Illinois state historic sites this school year thanks to grant funding through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources State Historic Sites Field Trip Grant program. Nearly $4,400 in donated funds were awarded for 12 field trip grants. The competitive program allows Illinois teachers to apply for funds to take students on a field trip to visit and learn at select Illinois state historic sites. 

WPXN News notes...

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Thursday, November 21st from 9-9:30 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City Community Center, 12:30-1 at Runnings in Watseka and from 1:30-2 at Milford Town and Country.

The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper on Thursday, November 21st from 4:30-6:30. The meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 is $6, kids under 5 are free. Delivery is available in town by calling 217-379-0349.

The Paxton-Buckley-Loda Junior High School will present "Seussical Jr. the Musical" at 7 p.m. Friday, November 22nd and Saturday, Nov. 23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, in the school's gymnasium. Tickets cost $5 at the door.

The 41st annual Gifford State Bank Country Christmas Craft Show will take place Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th. Hours Saturday are 8-5 and Sunday 9-3.