(Springfield-jm) – Staffers with Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch’s office are suing over labor issues. The Illinois Legislative Staff Association said Welch is violating their rights by not collectively bargaining with them, despite Welch campaigning for the labor rights amendment approved for the Illinois Constitution. They allege a climate of “fear and anxiety” over their jobs. Welch’s office said Friday they had yet to see the lawsuit.
(Springfield–jc) Illinois lawmakers in Springfield have pushed through a 53 and one half Billion dollar budget that increases spending, again this year. One group that has received one Billion dollars are non-citizens, one group that is receiving less are veterans groups. 104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer says our veterans were ignored in this year’s budget…
104th District State Representative Brandun Schweitzer of Danville. The 20-25 year fiscal budget is now in the hands of Illinois Governor J B Pritzker.
(Champaign-jm) – A Champaign woman is facing charges in her role in a shooting in March. It happened in the 1400 block of N. Hickory Street just before 9:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22. Champaign Police said, when officers arrived, they were told a 24 year old woman from Champaign was taken to the hospital. Investigation indicated that the woman was attending a party at the residence and a single shot was allegedly fired by Danielle Hoffman, 20, of Champaign. Hoffman was arrested on April 4, 2024, following service of a search warrant on unrelated charges. In investigating those charges, evidence was discovered that has been linked to the incident on Hickory Street. On Friday May 31, Hoffman’s charges were amended to include Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, a Class X Felony. She remains in custody at the Champaign County Correctional Facility.
(Buckley–jc) The 20-24 Knight for Christ Live Auction and Dinner to benefit Christ Lutheran High School in Buckley is set for Saturday August 24th at the Ford County Fairgrounds in Melvin. Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz says they are now gathering items and are looking for donations from businesses and civic groups…
Christ Lutheran High School Executive Director Sandy Spitz
(Decatur-jm) – After a long hiatus, boat racing will return to Lake Decatur this coming weekend. Hardy’s Highway: Race for the Lake was announced by the Decatur Park District last September. The races will take place at Nelson Park on June 8 and 9. Around 60 hydro and flat bottom boats will compete in sanctioned racing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. In addition to the racing, there will be food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, music, and family-friendly activities.
(Washington-jm) – While the general tone of USDA's export forecast is down, there are still some products that could see a better export year than they did last year. Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield-jm) – Today is the deadline for candidates that didn’t run in the primary to file to be slated to the November general election. Today also happens to be the first hearing in a case challenging a recently enacted state law prohibiting the slating of such candidates. Potential candidates obtained a preliminary injunction, temporarily blocking the law as the case plays out. The Illinois State Board of Elections said they will follow any order from the courts.
(Rantoul–jc) If you see a bunch of veterans gathering donations on June 12 in Rantoul at the corner of routes 136 and route 45, there is a good reason. The Rantoul Paxton VFW Post 67-50 needs your help. The local group is in needs of operation funds to keep the post open. Event Spokesperson Joe Manka says they hope area citizens will come by and donate on June 12th…
Rantoul Paxton V F W Spokesperson Joe Manka
(Champaign-jm) – Two people are hurt after an early Saturday morning shooting. Police were called to the 100 block of S. Mattis Avenue around 1:45 a.m. Saturday. Champaign Police say, when officers arrived they found a 30 year old male from Champaign who had been shot multiple times. Police say, a 24 year old man from Champaign later arrived at the hospital a short time later with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the torso. He was treated for his injuries and released.
(Champaign-dm) – Experts say there’s no cut-off time when you shouldn’t eat at night, but there are ways to do it intentionally. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more…
Park also says if you work the night shift, follow your body’s cues on when its time to eat. Also, don’t skip meals. But if you’re intentionally fasting, eat foods that are high in protein and fiber so you feel full.
(Undated-jm) – People who are struggling to put food on the table are facing another hurdle. It's now costing even more, the highest in 20 years according to Feeding America’s newly released annual “Map the Meal Gap” study. The high prices are affecting people across the country, and right here in Central Illinois. Almost $25 dollars a week, that's how much more money those facing food insecurity need per week, per person, in order to have enough food on their table. Making it harder than ever before for families to get nutritious food. In Central Illinois, several counties are facing higher percentages of food insecurity. Vermillion, Edgar, Macon, Christian, Morgan, Pike, Hancock, and McDonough counties are all seeing a 13-14 percent food insecurity rate. Other counties such as Schuyler county are seeing a 16 percent rate.
(Washington-jm) – The USDA has released its farm price index report for April. Gary Crawford reports…
WPXN News notes..
Paxton Main Street will hold their 1st Fridays concert series on Friday, June 7 from 7-9 pm at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton with the band Love Sign performing. The concessions stands at the event open at 6pm
Paxton townwide garage sales will take place Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th. Maps will be available at both Caseys and Village Pantry.
The Elliott Amvets will hold a family dinner night on Friday, June 7th from 5-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp for $15.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout benefiting St. Johns PTO on Saturday, June 8th from 10-2.
The 71st annual Buckley and Buckley Loda High School Alumni Banquet will take place on Saturday, June 8th at the 103 East in Buckley. Social hour begins at 5 with dinner beginning at 6.
The Champaign Urbana Elks will sponsor a free children's orthopedic assessment clinic on Wednesday, June 12th at the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois Multi-Specialty Clinic in Urbana from 8:30-10:30 am. Appointments are required by calling 1-800-272-0074.
