(Chicago–jc)  'A federal judge has tossed a lawsuit using Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act, saying a recent change in state law is retroactive, making the case outside of the threshold for the federal judiciary.Illinois passed BIPA in 2008, prohibiting the unauthorized use of an individual's biometric data like fingerprints. Legislators recently approved clarifications restricting the amount of penalties for violations. 

(Rantoul–jc)  –  Rantoul leaders are moving forward for upgrades at the New Prospect Substation in the village. Major upgrades are needed with the increased amount of water needed for plants like Rantoul Products. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says the money invested by the village will help with the design, procurement of property and construction support for the New Prospect Substation...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Joliet–jc)  – The ribbon is cut on a taxpayer-funded electric vehicle charging station in Joliet. The 480 thousand dollar grant paid for eight charging ports at Nowell Park and Inwood Athletic Club. Tax funds from the Illinois EPA's program went to Veterans Energy Team, a Joliet area veteran-owned business that partnered with the Joliet Park District, to build the four charging stations. More grant announcements are expected.

(Urbana–jc)-Champaign County Coroner Stephen E. Thuney has released the

name of a man who has died as the result of a stab wound sustained during a domestic altercation that occurred at his residence in the 2000 Block of Cynthia Drive in Champaign on Sunday. W. B. Curry, 71 years-of-age, of Champaign,  was pronounced dead at the scene .An autopsy was scheduled yesterday. An inquest may be held at a later date.This death continues to be investigated by the Champaign County Coroner's Office and the Champaign Police Department.

(Gibson City–jc) Week two of the Illinois State government fall veto session begins this morning in Springfield.One topic for some lawmakers is the projected 3 Billion dollar shortfall for next year's budget. 53rd district State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City says his group wants the governor to sign a pledge to balance the budget without raising taxes...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City

(Paxton–jc)  The annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is coming to the city of Paxton the Friday after Thanksgiving. The annual Paxton Christmas parade steps off on Saturday November 30th at 1-30pm Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad invites everyone to come to the tree lighting on the 29th at 7pm...

Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad

Other activities are planned for Friday November 29th. The theme for this year's Christmas parade is "the Magic of Paxton."

(Champaign County–jc)  Traffic along Interstate 74 near milepost 179 was slowed last night due to a semi-trailer stuck in the right lane.  Traffic was down to one lane for several hours.

(Washington–jc)  What are the pork production estimates for next year. U-S-D-A Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekonowski says the numbers show a rise for pork products...

U-S-D-A Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekonowski

(Undated–jc)  –Ten Illinois 4-H members are receiving the Illinois Sustaining the Future Awards. The awards are for those in the organization that exemplify outstanding leadership within the agricultural industry and demonstrate a desire to remain engaged. Among the 10 recipients include Caleb Zwilling representing Champaign County and Kamber Kilgus representing Livingston County

(The Center Square) – The November 5th General Election was two weeks ago, but Illinois continues to count vote-by-mail ballots. An election integrity group says the practice could be reigned in. Carol Davis, chairman of the Illinois Conservative Union, said a recent federal appeals court ruling will likely result in states, like Illinois, not counting mail-in ballots that are cast and postmarked by Election Day but arrive five days later. In late October, the Republican National Committee and Judicial Watch partnered up and won a lawsuit reversing a lower court ruling allowing vote-by-mail ballots to be counted five days after election day as long as it was postmarked by Election Day. . Illinois law gives elections officials two weeks to count vote-by-mail ballots with election day on the postmark.

(The Center Square) – Quid pro quo allegations are a key part of the U.S. government's corruption case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain. Madigan and McClain are facing 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct. The longtime associates are accused of using Madigan's public office to secure jobs for their associates by advancing legislation favorable to ComEd.The utility admitted in 2020 that it sought to influence Madigan by placing his associates into jobs requiring little or no work. ComEd agreed to pay a fine of $200 million and cooperate with the federal investigation in exchange for an agreement that prosecutors drop a bribery charge against the utility.

(Paxton–jc)  The city of Paxton will have more money to use for city street repairs and resurfacing projects in 20-25. City leaders are targeting the 300 thousand dollars of Illinois Rebuild dollars to the streets in the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says they are looking at several street upgrade projects...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Springfield–jc)– A leading Illinois House Republican says Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker needs to stop his "macho man routine" and work with the incoming Trump administration to grow the state's economy. Governor J B Pritzker loudly stated that there are major differences in potentially working with the new administration...

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker

73rd district State Representative Ryan Spain, Republican from Peoria, says the governor needs to stop the "macho man" act and work with the Trump Administration...

73rd District State Representative Ryan Spain of Peoria

(Gilman–dm)-The Gilman city council just recently approved  a TIF redevelopment plan that they have been working on for approximately a year and a half.  Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield has more information.

Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield.

 Mayor Theesfield said the new TIF District should benefit the city, other taxing bodies and Incrobrosa.

(Washington–jc)  County committee elections are underway now through December 2nd around the area, state and country. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux says county leaders are needed for a wide variety of input on ag issues...

Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux

Ballots must be postmarked by December 2. New county committee members will take their elected positions on January 1st.