(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is calling for passage of the Protect our Letter carriers Act. The bipartisan legislation was introduced in March and addresses the rise in violent crime against postal carriers on the job. According to the National Association of Letter Carriers, there have been more than 2,000 attempted or actual robberies and assaults against postal workers nationwide since 2020.

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(Springfield-jm) – A newly-unveiled master plan for the Illinois State Fairgrounds showcases some proposed upgrades to its events, attendance, and revenue generation. The Illinois Department of Agriculture and Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln announced the plans on Monday. If approved, the Fairgrounds will build an onsite hotel, expand sales and marketing staff, and create a “Town Square” south of the Midway to enhance curb appeal and help guests better navigate the grounds.

(The Center Square) – More than 300,000 Illinois residents stand to be cleared of all outstanding medical debt through the creation of the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program Fund ready to be sent to the governor. Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy says the program is a help to many people in the state…

Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy-Democrat from Chicago.  The Bill seeks to alleviate medical debt for families across the state residing in households with individuals falling below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level or saddled with medical debt equating to 5% or more of their household income.

(Undated-jm) – The National Weather Service now says 5 tornadoes touched down in last Thursday's severe weather event. All of them were in McLean County with one staying on the ground and coming into Ford County. That tornado was on the ground for 7.6 miles lifting less than 2 miles northwest of Gibson City and had winds estimated at 110 mph. The National Weather Service also reports that damage in Gibson City, Elliott and Paxton were from downburst winds of 75-90 mph.

(Rantoul–jc) Village of Rantoul leaders continue to work with sources from the county and beyond to develop a  vision for the village. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says with facilities like the Rantoul Sports Complex, B-52 motocross racing and Hardy’s Reindeer ranch, Rantoul continues to grow into a regional draw community…

Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith

(Urbana-jm) – One in five Americans has a mental illness, yet many don’t know what to do if they experience someone having a mental health crisis and are often hesitant to step in and help. That is why the University of Illinois Extension is providing 5 step mental health first aid training courses. The course is to teach people to recognize a mental health struggle or crisis and save a life if the situation arises. Mental health first aid training courses are available to anyone in the state, either online or in person, and in English or Spanish. The cost for the program is $60 which covers the lessons, materials, and 3 year certification. Though for those a part of the farming community, classes are free of charge through the program's partnership with U of I’s agricultural department. For more information about taking the training, contact Andrea Fanta, mental health specialist, at andreaf3@illinois.edu.

(Onarga–dm)-Onarga’s Independence Day Starts Friday July 5th from 4-10 pm with a dance at the American Legion Hall.Chamber of Commerce President Randy Lizzio tells us what activities are going on Saturday morning July 6th.

Onarga Chamber of Commerce President Randy Lizzio.  The afternoon is filled with lots of activities including fireworks at dusk

(Washington-jm) – Production forecasts for Russia and Ukraine are the predominant items within USDA's corn World Supply and Demand Estimate this month. Rod Bain reports…

(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Treasurer’s Office is holding an online auction this week for unclaimed property. A 1783 Spanish milled dollar, various tools, and a 14-karat gold bracelet are among hundreds of unclaimed property items to be auctioned through Friday. To take part, you will be required to register with iBid, the platform the state is using for the auction.

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois has been losing population for years, especially young people, but an economic development specialist believes people can be drawn back for tourism. According to the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism during fiscal year 2023, 111 million travelers visited Illinois creating an economic impact of $78 billion. Pandemic restrictions generated interest in rural outdoor activities. During a University of Illinois Extension webinar on marketing rural tourism, Pam Schallhorn said recreation dependent counties grew more than twice as fast as the nation overall and Midwest recreational counties mirrored the trend.

(Ford County-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that Illinois 115 in Ford County will be closed for a few months. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…

(Champaign-jm) – This week Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public regarding an armed robbery. On May 30 at approximately 12:50 a.m., a food delivery driver was sent to the 300 block of East Clark Street for a delivery. After the driver exited his vehicle, he was approached by three subjects, one of which displayed a handgun, took the food, his wallet, and his phone. The three suspects fled westbound on foot. The suspects were described as two Hispanic males and a Hispanic female all described as being shorter with a thin build, and all were wearing face coverings and dark clothing.

(Paxton–jc)  The Paxton Chamber of Commerce and Paxton Mainstreet Group continue to plan for the city’s 4th of July celebration at Pells Park. Paxton Mainstreet Group Executive Director Donna Pepper says more voices are always welcome for the 4th of July Choir that sings at Pells Park on the 4th of July…

Paxton Mainstreet Group Executive Director Donna Pepper.

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about someone posing as an officer. The Sheriff's Office has been made aware of someone calling and identifying himself as a Sergeant when leaving a voicemail and asking for a call back. The person is asking for information related to another unknown individual. The number left is a Sheriff's Office number (384-1204) however the person leaving the message is not a Sheriff's Office employee. The Sheriff's Office said they are not sure what the caller is trying to do but said they are likely seeking personal or financial information in order to defraud the owner of the number. The Sheriff's Office reminds individuals to never give out personal or financial information unless the identity of the person you are speaking with can be verified. 

(Melvin–dm)While you may not raise livestock, there are other opportunities to enter exhibits  and compete for prize money at the Ford County Fair. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has more information

(Washington-jm) – How do the numbers USDA forecasts for U.S. wheat production this month factor into the latest domestic supply and demand estimate? Rod Bain reports…