Monday, October 31, 2016
Local School Report Cards Released
You can now see how your child's school stacks-up. The Illinois State Board of Education is releasing local school report cards today. The report cards tell parents how their kids' school is performing on state tests, how much the school is spending, and even how many days teachers are absent. Most kids in Illinois' aren't reading or adding at grade level. ISBE says between 60-and-70-percent of students aren't where they need to be in math and reading. You can find your local school report card at IllinoisReportCard.com
Illinois State University To Offer Cyber-Security Degree
About 125 students are expected in the first cyber-security degree program at Illinois State University. ISU's trustees approved the program at their meeting last week. The new degree will be an off-shoot of ISU's current information technology program.
Most Write-In Votes Won't Count
You're likely wasting your vote if you're planning on writing-in a candidate next week. The Illinois State Board of Elections is reminding voters that unless a candidate is registered, a write-in vote doesn't count. You can still vote for your dog for president, but your vote for that office will simply not be counted.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Connect Transit Riders Air Concerns of Possible Shutdown

Mark Kirk Facing Question After Racial Question In Senate Debate
With less than two weeks before Election Day, Illinois Republican Senator Mark Kirk is dealing with the fallout from another off the cuff remark. Kirk questioned Democrat Tammy Duckworth's heritage and family military service during the debate in Springfield last night. After Duckworth talked about her ties to the American Revolution, Kirk said dryly "I'd forgotten that your parents came all the way from Thailand to serve George Washington."
State Police: Don't Drink And Drive This Halloween Weekend
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Unit 5 and First Student Continue Their Contract...For Now
The Unit 5 school district will continue its contract with its busing company First Student, for now. The Board voted Wednesday to keep the contract, as long as the two parties can agree on some concessions by November 1. The district has been dealing with busing issues since the school year started, including late and overcrowded buses. First Student and Unit 5 are negotiating penalties for the problems, including financial compensation. If the two cannot agree on terms by November 1, the contract will be terminated. If Unit 5 terminates the contract, First Student will still provide bus service through June 30, 2017.
Bobcat Hunting Opponents Hope For Bobcat Permits
Thousands of hunters in Illinois want one of the state's 500 bobcat hunting permits. But so do some people who don't want to see the cats hunted at all. "The Chicago Tribune" says about 30 environmentalists applied for permits so they could not use them. Illinois' first bobcat hunting season in decades opens early next month.
Opponents: Vote No On Roads Lock Box Amendment
Opponents of lock box for road money in Illinois say it may sound like a good idea, but they warn the proposal may cause more harm than good. Voters will decide next month on a constitutional amendment that would hold about 600-million dollars a year for only road construction. Opponents like the Civic Federation say taking the money out of the state budget will only make Illinois' finances worse. The opponents say if you want better roads, tell your lawmakers to vote for road projects. They say there's no need to change the constitution.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Caterpillar Sales Woes Continue
Caterpillar's third quarter numbers were down again, but profit per share was better than expected.
Lower costs are easing the impact of fewer sales, meaning the company's restructuring and cost reduction efforts seem to be paying off.
Sales and revenues for third quarter were $9.2 billion. That's down 16 percent from one year ago.
Taking out restructuring costs, profit per share for the third quarter was 85 cents, down from $1.05 from this time last year.
Cat's Chairman and CEO says economic weakness throughout much of the world is to blame.
Tuesday's announcement showed the same trend as the past four years.
Full-time employment was just over 97 thousand, compared to almost 109 thousand in the third part of last year.
With cuts in the companies flexible workforce are factored in, more than 14 thousand people were trimmed from payroll.
The company says it'll continue to keep an eye on the market and then decide if more cuts will be necessary.
Information provided by WEEK HOI-19
Lower costs are easing the impact of fewer sales, meaning the company's restructuring and cost reduction efforts seem to be paying off.
Sales and revenues for third quarter were $9.2 billion. That's down 16 percent from one year ago.
Taking out restructuring costs, profit per share for the third quarter was 85 cents, down from $1.05 from this time last year.
Cat's Chairman and CEO says economic weakness throughout much of the world is to blame.
Tuesday's announcement showed the same trend as the past four years.
Full-time employment was just over 97 thousand, compared to almost 109 thousand in the third part of last year.
With cuts in the companies flexible workforce are factored in, more than 14 thousand people were trimmed from payroll.
The company says it'll continue to keep an eye on the market and then decide if more cuts will be necessary.
Information provided by WEEK HOI-19
Unit 5 Bus Contract Update
Tonight is the last scheduled board meeting before the Unit 5 School Board's deadline to decide on what to do about its busing issues. The district has had troubles with busing company, First Student, since the school year began. Students have complained of overcrowding, getting home late, and being left behind because of full buses. The Board of has until November 1st to decide whether to end its contract with First Student. The company is listed on Wednesday night's agenda as an "action item."
Nearly Eight-Million Voters Ready For Election Day
More people are ready to vote in Illinois than at any point in almost 50 years. The Illinois State Board of Elections says seven-point-99-million people are registered to vote in the state. That's about a hundred thousand voters more than the huge crowds that turned out to vote for Barack Obama in 2008. Illinois last saw this many voters in 1970.
Comptroller Candidates Clash On Televised Debate
Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger is blasting Susana Mendoza by linking her to House Speaker Michael Madigan and the state's financial woes. The Republican official criticized her Democratic challenger for the upcoming November election during a debate last night on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight." Mendoza fired back by tying Munger to Governor Rauner and presidential nominee Donald Trump. Munger is fighting to hold on to the post Rauner appointed her to following the 2014 death of Judy Baar Topinka.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Rauner Makes World Series Bet With Ohio Governor

Bloomington City Council Votes on Sewers and TIFF District

Fruin to Retire

Monday, October 24, 2016
Historic World Series Won't Be Cheap For Cub Fans

11-Hundred State Employees Getting Bonuses

Illinois Pumpkin Crop Looking Good
If Illinois' pumpkins are looking good, chances are everyone else's pumpkins are looking good too. Illinois grows about 90-percent of the pumpkins sold across the country. And farmers say this year's pumpkin crop looks good. They say the right mix of rain and heat has paid over with a bevy of beautiful orange gourds.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Illinois State Board Of Elections: Election Is Not Rigged
The Illinois State Board of Elections is assuring voters the November election is not rigged. The State Board issued an open letter yesterday, trying to roll back claims that somehow the fix is in. The letter explains how the state handles election day, tests voting machines, and guards against any kind of hack. The State Board suggests anyone who is concerned about the integrity of the state's elections should volunteer to be a poll watcher.
Illinois Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

Illinois Loses Manufacturing Jobs, Unemployment Holds Steady
It's now how many jobs Illinois lost last month that stings, it's which jobs. The latest unemployment report shows the state's jobless rate held steady at five-and-a-half percent. But the same report says Illinois lost 800 manufacturing jobs. The national jobless rate is five-percent.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Illinois Isn't Stopping Food Stamps For Able-Bodied Adults

Illinois Health Care Task Force Finds Small Savings
Governor Rauner's health care savings task force is taking credit for 20-million dollars in savings. But that's not much compared to the 23-billion the state will spend on healthcare this year. Task force members yesterday said they found six-thousand ex-spouses or adult children who shouldn't be on the state's employee healthcare rolls.
Prosecutors To Release Dixon Shooting Probe Today

Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois Chapter Conference Held Tuesday Night
If you've ever had a loved one with Alzheimer's, you know how trying it can be for the entire family.
On Tuesday in East Peoria, caregivers from across Central Illinois gathered to learn about the latest research into treating the disease.
The conference also aims to help family members or caregivers from who are supporting a loved one suffering from dementia.
The event was put on by the Alzheimer's Association's Central Illinois Chapter, covering 20 counties.
Among the topics of discussion was how diet could possibly affect development of Alzheimer's.
To contact for information, events, or donations, visit www.alz.org/illinois/.
Information provided by WEEK HOI-19
On Tuesday in East Peoria, caregivers from across Central Illinois gathered to learn about the latest research into treating the disease.
The conference also aims to help family members or caregivers from who are supporting a loved one suffering from dementia.
The event was put on by the Alzheimer's Association's Central Illinois Chapter, covering 20 counties.
Among the topics of discussion was how diet could possibly affect development of Alzheimer's.
To contact for information, events, or donations, visit www.alz.org/illinois/.
Information provided by WEEK HOI-19
Special Prosecutor to Investigate Expenses of Normal Town Councilman
Coliseum At Illinois State Fairgrounds Closing Temporarily
The Coliseum at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is closing down temporarily. The state Department of Agriculture announced yesterday that the facility is being shut down after engineers discovered structural deficiencies inside. The Coliseum will remain closed until repairs can be made.
2015 Illinois College Grads Average $29K In Loan Debt
A new study shows two-thirds of recent graduates of Illinois colleges and universities have student debt. A survey done by the Institute for College Access and Success reveals those borrowers have to pay back just over 29-thousand-dollars on average in student loans. The group from Illinois is the eighth-most indebted in the nation's class of 2015.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Wife Held on $1 Million Bond in Fatal Stabbing of Husband

Wife Held on $1 Million Bond in Fatal Stabbing of Husband

18th Congressional District Candidates: 2016 Election Is Not Rigged
Republican Darin LaHood and his Democratic opponent both agree: The 2016 election is not rigged. LaHood and Democrat Junius Rodriguez say Donald Trump is wrong to call the election rigged. Rodriguez says claims like that are why Trump can't be elected. LaHood says despite Trump's sometimes wild claims, he still believes Trump would be a far better President than Hillary Clinton. LaHood and Rodriguez met for a debate last night in Springfield.
Poll Says Illinois Voters Split On Unions
A new poll says Illinois voters like unions, they just wish organized labor had less power in Springfield. The latest poll from Southern Illinois University's Paul Simon Public Policy Institute says 57-percent of people asked have at least a somewhat favorable view of unions. But the poll says almost 40-percent of people wish the unions didn't have so much political power. The Institute poll also shows Illinoisans support a Right to Work law by a two-to-one margin.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Fatal Stabbing

An investigation is underway into the fatal stabbing of
31-year-old Mark Mellor of Bloomington. Mellor died at the Emergency Room at
Advocate BroMenn just after midnight Sunday morning. Officials believe the
incident that led to his death may have begun in Woodford County. The Woodford
County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police also are involved in
the investigation.
Rates For Insurance Seekers Through ACA Marketplace Jumping

Illinois To Add New Bicycle Rule To Rules Of The Road

Rauner Announces Change For One Corrections Facility, Closure For Another

Friday, October 14, 2016
Health Foundation Gives AED Devices Across Central Illinois
A health group has donated automated external defibrillators to police and fire departments in McLean County in Central Illinois.
The Illinois Heart and Lung Foundation gave the AED units to first responders in 14 rural communities this week in Lexington. External defibrillators can be used to revive a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, that is, when their heart abruptly stops beating.
Foundation executive director Kathi Franklin tells the Bloomington Pantagraph the group is working to provide AEDs to all first responders in the region.
Chenoa police received two defibrillators because they serve Chenoa and Gridley.
Receiving one AED each were first responders in Anchor, Arrowsmith, Bellflower, Colfax, Cooksville, Danvers, Heyworth, Hudson, Lexington, McLean, Saybrook, Stanford and the McLean County sheriff department.
Information provided by the Associated Press
The Illinois Heart and Lung Foundation gave the AED units to first responders in 14 rural communities this week in Lexington. External defibrillators can be used to revive a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, that is, when their heart abruptly stops beating.
Foundation executive director Kathi Franklin tells the Bloomington Pantagraph the group is working to provide AEDs to all first responders in the region.
Chenoa police received two defibrillators because they serve Chenoa and Gridley.
Receiving one AED each were first responders in Anchor, Arrowsmith, Bellflower, Colfax, Cooksville, Danvers, Heyworth, Hudson, Lexington, McLean, Saybrook, Stanford and the McLean County sheriff department.
Information provided by the Associated Press
Illinois Governor Rauner: I'm Not Endorsing

Eastland Mall Closing For Thanksgiving Day
Peoria Man Accused Of Sex Acts With Pet Dogs

Thursday, October 13, 2016
Mitsubishi Palnt Auction Postponed
The auction of the former Mitsubishi plant in Normal and what's in ithas been postponed for a possible "entirety sale." Owners Maynards Industries updated its website for the auction with "auction postponed due to pending going concern entirety sale." No potential buyer was named nor was sale price or postponement date mentioned.
Illinois Gets Another Real ID Extension

State Farm Assessing Damage Caused By Hurricane Matthew
State Farm employees will be busy assessing the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew. The Bloomington-based company has thousands of claims from home and auto owners. Some estimate the storm will result in at least four-billion-dollars in insured property losses.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Teacher Strike Avoided at Eleventh Hour
A teacher's strike in Chicago has been averted, with an agreement reached just minutes before the midnight strike deadline.
Union leaders and school board officials reached a "tentative agreement" on a contract that could extend through 2019. Union President Karen Lewis made the announcement just moments before the deadline.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the agreement would ensure that nearly 400,000 students enrolled in they city's 652 schools could attend class for the foreseeable future.
The agreement averts the second major strike for Chicago teachers since 2012.
The district's nearly 400,000 students had class Tuesday, as scheduled.
Information provided by Week HOI-19
Union leaders and school board officials reached a "tentative agreement" on a contract that could extend through 2019. Union President Karen Lewis made the announcement just moments before the deadline.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the agreement would ensure that nearly 400,000 students enrolled in they city's 652 schools could attend class for the foreseeable future.
The agreement averts the second major strike for Chicago teachers since 2012.
The district's nearly 400,000 students had class Tuesday, as scheduled.
Information provided by Week HOI-19
New Poll: 47-Percent In Illinois Think About Moving
A little less than half the people in Illinois say they'd move if they could. And 20-percent say they might move in the next year. A new poll from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute says 47-percent of the people in the state want to leave Illinois. Most say it's because of taxes and problems in state government. Most disturbingly, the poll says almost 60-percent of people in the prime of their careers now want to leave the state.
Dick Durbin Lends His Support To Road Lock Box Amendment

Rauner Responds To Ad Campaign Connecting Him To Trump

Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Illinois Governor Rauner: Trump Comments 'Appalling'

Dee Brown Resigns From Illinois Basketball Program
Former Illinois basketball star Dee Brown is leaving the program. The university announced yesterday that he has resigned as the director of player development and alumni relations for personal reasons. He had served in the position since April. Brown helped lead the Illini to a runner-up finish in the 2005 NCAA tournament
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