SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation says its back to normal road construction this morning. Most road construction projects were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday which ended officially last night at midnight
I-Dot Officials and local and state police say to expect normal delays in construction zones.
(Chicago–jc) The Chicago Bears have tentatively reached an agreement with Arlington Heights over the property taxes for the former Arlington Park racetrack. The exact details of the deal were not released, and any deal would still need approval from the Arlington Heights Village Board and three local school boards. The team has failed to land its requested public funding for a new, $4.7 billion stadium just south of Soldier Field.
(Champaign–jc) –A groundbreaking ceremony is set for later today at a new Senior residence complex in Champaign. City of Champaign officials say the announcement is for the New Bristol Place Senior Residences at 121 Tower Street in the city at 1-30.
(Washington–jc) – theU-S-D-A is projecting another year of rising imports of agricultural products. Gary Crwford reports...
(The Center Square) – Jurors have heard several convicted Illinois politicians named at the bribery and racketeering trial of the former speaker of the Illinois House. Former Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime associate Michael McClain are charged with bribery, racketeering and official misconduct. The case is being heard at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. Former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis began testifying last week and court is expected to resume on today
CHICAGO) – Illinois shoppers should be extra thankful for small businesses According to the Illinois Policy Institute, small businesses are leading the state's net job growth, with businesses under 20 employees creating 74 percent of new net jobs for the state . Small businesses have been the only ones to add to Illinois' job market since the pandemic. In comparison, Illinois businesses with 500 or more employees have seen jobs decline. Illinois Policy Institute director Bryce Hills says its the smallest businesses that have proven to be among the most resilient and consistent job creators in Illinois, despite facing massive governmental obstacles.
(Rantoul–jc) The annual truth in taxation hearing is set for the village of Rantoul on Tuesday. The meeting will come to order at 5-45pm in the Louis Schelling Memorial Board Room at village hall
(Paxton–jc) –The Ford County Sheriff's Office has released their activity report for the month of November. The local sheriff's department collected 71 thousand 536 dollars in boarding fees along with reimbursement of just under 36 thousand dollars. The Ford County Sheriff's Department issued 19 speeding tickets, 2 obstructing justice and 4 revoked driver license citations this month along with 9 investigations, and three burglaries.
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Bankers Association says Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin writing a letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is "missing the forest for the trees." An Illinois law that goes into effect in 2025 seeks to bar interchange fee collection on taxes and tips, which sparked a legal fight with the banks. Illinois Bankers Association v. Raoul is now being litigated in federal court with financial institutions suing to block the law's implementation. In a friend of the court brief, Durbin, D-Springfield, urged the OCC to clarify its understanding of interchange laws. Durbin accused the OCC of making incorrect statements in an amicus brief submitted in the case.
(Urbana–jc)Champaign County Coroner, Stephen E. Thuney has released the
name of a Danville man who has died from injuries sustained after being struck by a motor vehicle on Friday 26 year old Travis A. James,, died at Carle Foundation
Hospital on Saturday. Police say. James was walking along North Bowman Avenue in the city when he was struck by a motor vehicle. An Autopsy is set for today.
(The Center Square) – A group of Illinois education organizations have unveiled their plan for the future of Illinois schools. It's called Vision 2030 and revolves around three education pillars, including future-focused learning, shared accountability and predictable funding. Brent Clark, executive director of the Illinois Association of School Administrators, said Vision 2030 was developed with four goals in mind. They include to enhance post-secondary opportunities, have high quality teachers, look at measures that help with school goals and safety
(Paxton –jc) — The Christmas tree in downtown Paxton is now lit for the Holiday season. A large crowd attended the lighting ceremony on Friday. The annual City of Paxton Christmas parade also saw a huge crowd lining the downtown streets of Paxton with the theme of "the Magic of Paxton." Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the events continue to see Paxton as a "Hallmark" town...
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Washington–jc) How might crossing desirable traits in both dairy and beef cattle produce animals that can provide value-added to its owners? Rod Bain has the answer...
(Urbana–jc) Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday and several law enforcement groups are in a challenge to "Stuff the Squad." The event is set for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank Center in Urbana. The challenge features area police agencies gathering food and donations for the foodbank. From noon to 1pm its the Champaign Police Department vs the Urbana Police Department. 1-30 to 2030 The Parkland Police Department versus the University of Illinois Police Department and then from 3pm to 4pm its the Rantoul Police Department vs the Champaign County Sheriff's office. The public is needed to stop by and donate food or dollars
(Rantoul–jc) The village of Rantoul has a lighted Christmas parade set for Friday at 5pm. The route will start at Congress Avenue in the village and will end on Sangamon into the downtown area. Lineup starts at the high school at 4pm
