(Chicago–jc) –Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin says the FBI will soon embark on a "perilous new era with serious questions about its future" following news that FBI Director Christopher Wray announced he will be resigning at the end of the Biden administration. President-elect Donald Trump praised the move, saying it's the end of "weaponization" of the Justice Department. Trump has nominated Kash Patel to direct the FBI.
(The Center Square) – Reports of child trafficking, sexual abuse and child labor violations continue after hundreds of thousands of "unaccompanied alien children" were illegally brought into the country and sent to live with sponsors, The Center Square has reported. The Department of Labor has regularly reported on violations of child labor laws; the latest investigation is of a HelloFresh facility and a staffing agency in Illinois that reportedly hired Guatemalan teenagers, ABC News reported.
The allegations were brought to the Department of Labor by a local immigrant activist group.
(Rantoul–jc) Spring is the time a new manufacturer is set to build in the village of Rantoul. With it comes around 30 new jobs for the area. Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Eisenhauer says Buzard Organs is a great fit for Rantoul...
Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Einsenhauer
(The Center Square) – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker says he will protect non-violent, non-citizen migrants in the state. Earlier this week, President-elect Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan was in Chicago. Monday evening, he said if elected officials don't get out of the way, they could be prosecuted. Wednesday, Pritzker downplayed those comments. The governor says he is open to a dialogue with Homan. Pritzker said violent criminal illegal aliens should be deported and never allowed, but he will stand up for asylum seekers and other undocumented residents of the state.
(Paxton–jc) If you are hungry for a great meal out, one local chamber says their city has a lot of options. Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack says Paxton has a wide variety of restaurants...
Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce President Dawn Stack
(The Center Square) – Water rates may be on the rise for thousands of Illinois households. The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a rate hike for Illinois American Water, but slashed the original request by 30% for an overall increase of $110 million.The utility, which services around 150 communities around the state, said the funds are needed for maintenance and system improvements. American Water serves the communities of Champaign, Urbana, Pontiac, Fisher, St Joseph and Tolono, locally. On average new bills will cost customers an additional 20 dollars per month.
(Washington–jc) U-S-D-A's latest look at the domestic soybean ledger includes another increase in exports of U.S. soybean oil. Rod Bain reports...
(Chicago–jc) – A judge has ruled that former state Representative Eddie Acevedo is required to testify at the public corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain. The judge denied defense attorneys' motion to quash Acevedo's subpoena and instructed Acevedo to return to the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Monday.
(East St Louis–jc) –The city of East St. Louis is accused of hundreds of unlawful discharges of untreated sewage to various locations in the community, including the Mississippi River and a nearby lake at Frank Holten State Park. The U.S. Justice Department announced the complaint Wednesday. They're asking for community members to provide statements regarding the overflow events by April 30.
(Chicago–jc) –A Chicago man has been charged with trafficking dozens of firearms to the West African nation of Ghana. Federal prosecutors filed the criminal complaint against 54-year-old Anthony Nee Amoo, alleging he bought 71 firearms between 2006 and 2024 and exported them personally, or stowed them in vehicles or barrels. He was arrested Monday and remains in federal custody.
(Springfield–jc) One local State Senator continues to tell the majority party in Springfield that Illinois' high tax rate on corporations and small businesses, continues to drive jobs and businesses out of Illinois. 53rd District State Senator, Republican, Tom Bennett of Gibson City says the Democratic leadership in Illinois has the wrong policies for business...
53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City
(The Center Square) – Even with the city facing a budget deficit of nearly $1 billion, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he still favors a new lakefront stadium for the Bears. Johnson said he remains committed to keeping the National Football League club in the city. There is a 600 Million dollar debt on the property. Johnson says billionaires and visitors would pay for the stadium with Illinois Sports Facilities Authority hotel tax revenue and also pay off the large current debt.. The Bears have played in Chicago since 1921, when the team, then called the Staleys, moved from Decatur.
(Onarga–jc) The Onarga legion and auxiliary continue to showcase their "Christmas Tree Lane" today and through the weekend. Onarga Legion Auxiliary Spokesperson Deb Talbert says the trees can be viewed tonight from 6 to 9pm during bingo and also on Friday...
Onarga Legion Auxiliary Spokesperson Deb Talbert. Over 30 trees have been decorated by local groups and businesses. You can vote for your favorites at the event. More dates for the Onarga Christmas Tree Lane are scheduled
(Springfield–jc) -Illinois municipalities and counties looking for state tax funds to complete energy efficiency building audits or upgrades can apply with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The fourth notice of funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant will award projects ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, for a total of $1 million. Applications are due by Feb. 3, 2025.
(Gibson City–jc) They are back in business in downtown Gibson City. After a devastating fire in downtown Gibson City in 20-22, one business is back with a brand new building and operation. Hustedt Jewelers is open for the holidays and beyond says Hustedt Jewelers Store Manager Christina Farris...
Hustedt Jewelers, Gibson City Store Manager Christina Farris
Hustedt Jewelers also has a location in Bloomington
WPXN News notes...
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will be held tonight, from 5:30-7:30 at the Knights of Columbus sponsored by the Bank of Rantoul.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, December 13th 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, December 13th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate.
The Onarga American Legion's Christmas Tree Lane will host the Onarga Music Club on Friday, December 13th from 5-8 pm.
The annual Breakfast with Santa event sponsored by the Paxton Park District is set for Saturday, December 14, at the Civic Center. A free breakfast is served by members of the park board, with Santa available to meet and take photos with children.
Onarga will hold their lighted Christmas parade on Saturday, December 14th at 4:30 pm.
