(Undated-jm) – Changes in federal funding have put the University of Illinois Extension's “SNAP-Ed” programs at risk of elimination. The Senate is considering a House-passed reconciliation bill which would end nationwide funding for SNAP-Ed. If the bill is passed, Illinois will see extensive changes including: elimination of programs like Hunters Feeding Illinois and mobile food markets, elimination of 230 Illinois SNAP-Ed program staff positions, over 60 IDHS Family and Community Resource Centers would no longer receive SNAP-Ed information and over 8,600 seniors would no longer receive nutrition education information. SNAP-Ed reaches over 1 million Illinois residents annually, making healthy food options more accessible throughout the state.
(Chicago-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker is officially running for re-election. He made the announcement Thursday to a room full of supporters in Chicago. Pritzker highlighted his accomplishments since becoming governor in 2019, including raising the minimum wage to 15 dollars per hour, banning assault weapons and protecting reproductive rights. He also focused on how Democrats need to address affordability issues facing the middle class, so they can win elections and push back against the Trump Administration. While there is speculation that Pritzker will run for President in 2028, he says he’s running for governor again because he wants to move Illinois forward…
Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker. With Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton running for the U-S Senate, Pritzker has to choose a new running mate. He didn’t say who it would be, but he did say it has to be someone who could be governor if something happens and they have to take over.
(Watseka-jm) – Evidence of Dee Ann Schippert’s gambling is allowed to be presented in court, a judge ruled. Schippert, the former Administrator of the Iroquois County Public Health District, is facing 33 felony counts, including theft of government property, forgery and official misconduct. She previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office alleges that between May 31, 2020, and July 15, 2022, Schippert filed fraudulent timesheets, all while time-stamped video footage showed Schippert at various gaming parlors for at least 759 hours — 260 of which were during regular business hours. The Attorney General’s Office said Schippert was paid more than $100,000 for fraudulent timesheets which claimed regular and overtime hours she did not work.
(The Center Square) – The latest data on Illinois’ population trends shows the state losing more people 18 and under at a faster rate than any other state. That spells trouble ahead according to one analyst. Illinois’ population is growing older with fewer working age people than before, according to the latest U.S. Census data released Thursday. Gov. J.B. Pritzker told members of Congress earlier this month the state is growing. While the state did see a gain of nearly 68,000 people from 2023 to 2024, Illinois has lost nearly 89,000 people since 2020. Data released Thursday also show there are fewer people under 18 with the 65 and older population growing. Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski said that spells trouble for Illinois.
Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski
(Springfield–jc) Separate lawsuits challenging how Illinois Statehouse Democrats allegedly abuse the constitution's three readings rule for bills to become law have hearings in the days ahead. Statehouse Republican leaders have a lawsuit challenging the passage of a measure they say will make Illinois a more litigious state. That case has a petition hearing this morning in the state capitol
(Urbana-jm) – A 29-year-old was arrested in Urbana after law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and found drugs in his possession, including over 115 grams of cocaine. The Urbana Police Department said that officers conducted a traffic stop near E. Washington Street and Urbana Avenue after they witnessed a vehicle code violation. During the stop, they identified the passenger as a 29-year-old Urbana man who was on parole. Police investigated and found approximately 117.04 grams of cocaine and 13.20 grams of cannabis.
(Rankin–dm)-The Rankin Lions club is sponsoring their Independence Day Celebration this weekend Friday June 27th and Saturday June 28th. Rankin Lions Club Spokesperson Mark Eighner tells us about the activities going on this weekend.
Rankin Lions Club Spokesperson Mark Eighner
(Urbana-jm) – New changes at one hospital in Urbana could impact people who need extra help reaching their appointments. Carle Foundation Hospital is set to update their parking lot services beginning next month. The hospital will be eliminating their valet parking. Some are concerned about people who have disabilities. However, Carle said to meet those needs, they’ll be offering an ADA accessible wheelchair transport service in the north and south garages. The hospital said there are other changes coming next month. Those include automated parking gates, pay stations, more spots and an ADA accessible shuttle for guests who park in the fairgrounds area. The changes will start July 1. Carle said the goal is to improve access and the experience for patients and visitors.
(Melvin–bp)--At the Ford county fair there are a lot of exciting things happening, One of them is a jackpot meet ,goat and market lamb show for the 4-h and ffa kids. Ford County Fair 4-H spokesperson Chris Flemming says the participants do a lot of work to be prepared for the county fair…..
Ford County Fair 4-H Spokesperson Chris Flemming
(Gibson City-jm) – Gibson City firefighters responded to an accident late Thursday afternoon. It happened on Route 47 on the city’s west side and involved a water truck that overturned into another vehicle. All people involved were able to get out of the vehicles on their own.
(Undated-jm) – As Congress considers federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance, groups advocating for Illinois schools are speaking out on how it would affect students across the state and the education system at large. Judith Ruiz-Branch reports…
(Rantoul-jm) – The Director of Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in Rantoul has retired after three years in the role and decades of other experience.Maurice Rochelle, leader of the Illinois National Guard-administered Lincoln’s Challenge Academy, a youth life skills and education program, retired from the position of Director this week. Rochelle led this program after nearly 40 years in the Illinois Army National Guard, where he retired as a colonel. There’s no word on who will take over the program permanently.
(Gibson City–dm)-The Gibson City Legion Riders is an organization that raises money to support veterans and other organizations. Legion Riders President Wayne Link tells us more.
Legion Riders President Wayne Link
(Urbana-jm) – The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office honored those who go above and beyond. Officer Joseph Johnson was given two lifesaving awards for stopping two suicide attempts in jail. In court, they may see Officer Malinda Zellers, who was recognized as the Court Security Officer of the Year. Zellers has only been in the role for about a year. Their annual award ceremony recognized deputies, correctional officers and others who have saved lives and made the community a safer place.
(Robert-bp) - A free produce and health fair is set for this afternoon in Roberts. Jeremiah 33-6 is hosting the event with help from the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University Jeremiah 33-6 Spokesperson Valerie Wright talks about the free event….
Jeremiah 33-6 Spokesperson Doctor Valerie Wright
(Rantoul–jc) Sam Hall the Third has been Mayor of Rantour for about two months. Hall has lived in the village for about 25 years. Hall talks about his family and being mayor of the village…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
The Mayor’s office is hosting a community planning type event tomorrow morning in the village.
WPXN Weekend News Notes…
The 2025 Ford County Fair continues tonight with Gretchen Wilson performing at 7:30. Saturday it's the Demolition Derby at 6:30 to wrap up the fair.
Jeremiah 33:6 will be holding a free produce pantry and health fair this afternoon from 3-5 pm at the Roberts Village Gym.
The 2025 Rankin Celebration will take place today and tomorrow. Tonight its the tractor pulls at 6pm. Saturday it kicks off at 8 am with the 5k run walk, church service at 10 am, vendors 11-8, kids games 12:30-1:30, car show 1-4, bags tournament at 1, cake walk 1:30, live music 2-8, kids water ball competition 2:30, petting zoo at 4 and fireworks at dusk.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Loda Methodist Women on Saturday from 10-2.
The annual Sibley Burr Oaks Area Tractor Drive will be held Sunday, in memory of cancer survivors, loved ones and veterans, with proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society. Registration runs from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Down by the Lake Bar in Sibley. The group will ride to Saybrook for their Sesquicentennial Celebration. To pre-register or buy advance tickets, people can call Russ Tjarks at 217-249-2377.
