Steel plant layoffs announced
Hundreds of workers will be laid off from their jobs at a Bartonville steel and wire facility.
The union that represents those workers said the closure of the steel facility will affect 260 employees and the wire mill idling will affect 280 workers for a total of 540 people. Company officials said “after evaluating current steel market challenges, including the influx of low-priced imports,” the layoffs were necessary.
Cannabis smell grounds for search
The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that the smell of raw cannabis is grounds for police to search a vehicle.
Vincent Molina was a passenger in a vehicle when an Illinois state trooper smelled cannabis and searched the car. According to court records, the officer found a small box of rolled marijuana cigarettes.
Moline was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis by a motor vehicle passenger and for not storing the cannabis in an odor-proof box. His lawyers argued the smell of cannabis alone should not be probable cause now that the substance is legal in Illinois.
Cabinet pick has Illinois roots
President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Small Business Administration has roots in Central Illinois.
Kelly Loeffler, 54, was recently picked by Trump to head the agency that helps direct federal dollars to small businesses. Loeffler, a Bloomington native, graduated from Olympia High School in 1988 and earned her degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.
