(Undated–jc)  The National Weather Service has released an updated winter outlook for December through February and more snow could be in store for Illinois. A predicted weak La Niña pattern increases the odds of a wetter winter with more numerous storm systems moving across the Great Lakes region. The agency also predicts near normal temperatures for Illinois. 

(Springfield–jc)  –A state regulatory board has slashed Aqua Illinois' rate increase.

The Illinois Commerce Commission cut down on Aqua Illinois' request by 43%. Also part of the decision is any customer whose incomes who are at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level can get a 70% discount on the base volumetric charges starting in July. The Citizens Utility Board called the decision a step in the right direction. 

(The Center Square) – The bribery and racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain is scheduled to resume today in Chicago, with former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis slated to return to the witness stand. Solis, who represented the city's 25th Ward from 1996 to 2019, began testifying last week. Solis said he secretly cooperated with government investigators for about 2 1/2 years and entered a deferred prosecution agreement, which stipulated that he would not be prosecuted while cooperating .Solis admitted that he still faced a pending bribery charge for soliciting campaign contributions from a developer who had a pending zoning application in his community. Solis is expected to testify about a land development deal in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood, located in Solis' ward, which was allegedly set up to drive business to Madigan's law firm

(Paxton–jc) Paxton city leaders are changing the ordinance code to proceed with a family owned arcade business in the downtown area of the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the code change is for the Hudson Family business called, "the Hudzone"...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Illinois–jc)  – A new survey shows a majority of Illinois men say it is acceptable to go on a first date to a fast food restaurant. Datingnews.com asked 3,000 Illinois men and 54% said a fast food restaurant is OK for the first date, with Chick-Fil-A being the top choice. The survey also showed that a majority of men were fine with asking their first date to split the check. Surprisingly, 66% of women said they would say yes if a man asked them out to somewhere like McDonald's.

(Springfield–jc)  –  Some Republicans in the state are asking the Democratic Governor and Democratic leaders in the state to work with the new Trump Administration. 88th District State Representative Dan Caulkins, Republican from Decatur, says the state needs to work with the federal government or all of Illinois will lose that battle...

88th District State Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur

(Chicago–jc)  –Blue Man Group has announced that it will be ending its nearly 30-year run in Chicago. The group's managing director made the announcement that the last show will be Sunday, January 5th. The show, which features three mute "Blue Men," is known for its obscure and comical stage productions that combine music and art. The group expanded over the years to include resident productions in Las Vegas, Orlando and China.

(Paxton–dm)-The Paxton Christmas Parade is set for Saturday.  After the parade there will be a drawing for a 24 volt blue Chevy Power Wheel truck donated by Hoke Construction.  Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad has information on how to get entered for a chance to win the Christmas present...

Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad.

(The Center Square) – The group Judicial Watch is calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse federal court rulings that upheld Illinois' law allowing mail-in ballots to be counted for 14 days after Election Day.Roy Horras, a leader for an Illinois election integrity group, said that in a split decision, a Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel found that U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, had no standing to challenge the provision. But now, the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals just ruled in a separate Judicial Watch lawsuit that counting ballots received after Election Day is unlawful.Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said Illinois' 14-day extension of Election Day thwarts federal law, violates the civil rights of voters and invites fraud.

(Rantou–jc)  –  About 20 to 25 jobs are coming to Rantoul with Buzard's Pipe Organ Builders. The village is assisting the company with  block grant funds for the warehouse at 700 Veterans Parkway says Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(The Center Square) – A new study that the authors say is intended to enable policymakers, taxpayers and business leaders to gauge how their states' tax systems compare gives Illinois a poor ranking.  The Tax Foundation has released its annual State Tax Competitiveness Index, which compares each state on more than 150 variables in five areas of taxation: corporate taxes, individual income taxes, sales and excise taxes, property and wealth taxes, and unemployment insurance taxes.  The authors said states landing near the bottom of the rankings tend to have several issues in common: complex, nonneutral taxes with comparatively high rates. 

(Ford County–jc) Members of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police – Illini Lodge #17 were presented with the Illinois FOP "Fraternalism Award" last week for their service while assisting the family and co-workers of Newton County, Indiana Deputy CPL Brandon Schreiber who was fatally injured in a shooting in September. Illini Lodge # 17 members spent many hours providing relief and comfort, as well as food and lodging, for the family and co-workers of Deputy Schreiber.Among those honored were Ford County Chief Deputy Dave Kaeding and Champaign area officers Tim Voges, Micah McMahon, John Wright, Lutz Brauing,  and Bill Ward

(The Center Square) – Illinois' pension debt compared to personal income is the second worst in the nation. Fitch Ratings reviewed pension funds for public employee retirees from every state. The report found Illinois' unfunded pension liability, when including other post employment benefits, is $206.5 billion.

(The Center Square) — The average American's energy bill could increase from 25% to 70% in the next 10 years without intervention from policymakers, according to a new study from Washington, D.C.-based think tank the Jack Kemp Foundation. According to reports, America is facing an energy crisis, with demand for energy soaring due to the proliferation of AI and hyperscale data centers – which can use as much energy as almost 40,000 homes –  the boom in advanced manufacturing, and the movement toward electrification.

(Paxton–dm)-Paxton's annual Christmas parade will step off Saturday  November 30 at 1:30.  Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad tells us about the parade.

Paxton Christmas Parade Committee Chairperson Dawn Glad