(Springfield–jc)  Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has reintroduced a constitutional amendment to do away with the Electoral College that picks the president of the United States. He said it's time to end the "18th century invention" he said "disenfranchises millions of Americans." Supporters of the process say it ensures large populated states don't overpower smaller states. Illinois' electors are set to officially cast their votes this morning in Springfield.

(Champaign–jc)  Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer is releasing the name of a Bloomington woman who has died of injuries sustained in a shooting incident in the 2400 Block of W. Springfield Avenue  last Monday. 21 year oldHeaven M. A. Hope, of Bloomington, Illinois was pronounced dead at 8:48 PM on December 9th at Carle Foundation Hospital. This death is being investigated by the Champaign County Coroner's Office and the Champaign Police Department

(Springfield–jc) –The Illinois Department of Labor is reminding job seekers and employers that, effective January First all job postings made by employers with 15 or more employees will need to include pay scale and benefit information.Employers will also be required to extend transparency in opportunities by informing current employees about all open job postings. Anyone may file a complaint with the agency if they become aware of a job posting that lacks the required salary and benefit information

(Paxton–jc)  Ford County leaders now have an economic development committee as part of its operations. New Ford County Board Chairman Chase McCall says Ford County needs to look to "what can be"...

Ford County Board Chairman Chase McCall

(CHAMPAIGN –dm)- The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District  reports a rise in pertussis cases,commonly known as whooping cough, throughout Champaign County. Most of the reported cases so far have occurred among high school and university students. According to the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention , pertussis cases are increasing nationwide, with over six times the number of cases reported this year compared to 2023. We are seeing a similar trend in Champaign County, with a total of 26 cases reported so far this year.

(Rantoul–dm)-While it might look like all of the growth in Rantoul is taking place on the west side of town, there is new business growth thru-out the village. Rantoul Village Administrator Scott Eisenhauer has the details...

Village of Rantoul Administrator Scott Eisenhauer. 

(USDA–dm)-What does USDA research indicate regarding a series of tax credits set to expire at the end of 2025, and how it might impact producers and farm families? Rod Bain has more.

(The Center Square) – A witness told jurors Monday that a former state lawmaker's contract lobbying work for a state-regulated utility "was a joke" designed as cover in case the arrangement was questioned. Federal prosecutors plan to call former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo, D-Chicago, to the stand as the case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continues into its 11th week.

Prosecutors say AT&T paid Acevedo through Thomas Cullen's lobbying firm. They say Acevedo also received payments from ComEd through a contract lobbyist. Acevedo was sentenced in 2022 to six months in prison for tax evasion.

(Champaign–jc)  –  Champaign leaders are expected to designate  a portion of Kenwood road  as honorary Danijah State Way when they meet in monthly session tonight. Leaders will also adopt a new ordinance  concerning some building codes. Champaign councilmen will also look at the final plat of the Pierce Holdings Subdivision. The Champaign city council meeting comes to order at 7 tonight.

(Champaign–jc)  –Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer is releasing the name of a Bloomington, man who has died of injuries sustained in a shooting incident in the 1500 Block of Dobbins Drive , Champaign last Tuesday. 42 year old

Alvin J. Parker,  of Bloomington, was pronounced dead just before 10pm on  December 10th. This death is being investigated by the Champaign County

Coroner's Office and the Champaign County Sheriff's Office.

(Southern Illinois–jc)  –A federal jury has convicted a Granite City woman in an arson-for-hire scheme to collect insurance payouts. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois said Evette Osuegbu, 62, conspired with a relative to burn properties in East St. Louis. According to court documents, Osuegbu admitted to setting her apartment on fire on December 31st 20-22. She filed and received an insurance claim worth $30,000.

(Rantoul–jc)  Re-development of the downtown area of the village. That is one project that continues for Rantoul. Street upgrades are underway, and a plan to bring more businesses to the downtown area has made strides for Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says more stores and offers are needed for the downtown area...

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(The Center Square) – Illinois unfunded pension liability is growing. 

The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability reports the latest unfunded liability is 143-point 7 billion dollars. That's One and a half Billion dollars higher than last year. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said they're doing good things with pensions...

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker

Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski says even with investment markets at all time highs, it hasn't been enough to shore up the taxpayer costs.

(Paxton–dm)-There is a new refrigerant being made that is EPA friendly, but there are still furnaces available for a limited time that will use the existing refrigerant.

Dogtown Heating Air and Plumbing office manager Kody Haas has more information.

Dogtown Heating Air and Plumbing office manager Kody Haas.

(Illinois–jc)  –The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to report any signs of avian influenza across the state. An incident was recently reported that involved several dozen waterbirds dying of suspected bird flu at Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Randolph County. The public is encouraged to report any concentration of five or more dead birds found at a single location to the department.

(Springfield–jc)  OSLAD grants were handed out to 100 projects in the state. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the details...

WPXN News notes

The 2024 Ford County Santa Rally will take place on Saturday, December 21st. The rally will start in Sibley at 11:15 am, Melvin at noon, Piper City at 1pm, Kempton at 2 pm, Stelle at 2:35 pm and Cabery at 3. Santa will visit children at each community's town hall or community center.

The Paxton Covenant Church will hold a free Christmas meal on Christmas Day from 11-1. Call Amanda Nelson at 217-415-6376 or the church at 217-379-3554 to reserve your meal.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, December 20th from 9-9:30 at the Piper City Community Center, 10-10:30 at Living Word Church in Roberts, 11-11:30 at the Melvin Convenient, 12:15-12:45 at the Gibson City city hall, 1-1:30 at the Elliott village hall and from 2-2:30 at Paxton Hardware and Rental.

The Onarga American Legion will hold their fish fry on Friday, December 20th from 4:30-7pm.

The Onarga Sons of the American Legion will hold pancakes with Santa on Saturday, December 21st from 7:30-11 am at the legion hall at Durham Park.