(Springfield–jm) – Major changes to SNAP benefits take effect today. It’s tied to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which cut nearly $300 billion from the program. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program experts say many people are anxious, even fearful, about what life will look like once these cuts take effect. Previously, adults ages 18 to 54 with no dependents had to show proof of work to qualify. Under the new law, that age range now extends to 64. Instead of the federal government covering 100% of SNAP benefits, states will now receive less leaving Illinois to make up the difference. Exactly how much less remains unclear, as experts are still waiting on details from the federal government.
(Paxton–jc) A ceremony to remember the 9-11 tragedy of 25 years ago was held in Paxton on Sunday. A medium sized crowd attended the event on Sunday in the city at the city’s Grand Old Flag near Interstate 57. The PBL band and PBL Chamber Choir performed and those in attendance heard from 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold, and Paxton Fire Chief Denny Kingren. A motorcycle group also was in Paxton and throughout the area to honor those who died on 9-11, 2001.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is urging both motorists and farmers to prioritize traffic safety on Illinois roadways this fall. WPXN’s Jason Madden has the details…
(Loda-dg)-Several hundred people gathered on Friday and Saturday to help raise money for the Huntington’s Disease charity event at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. Whether they were a walker, golfer, kids zone participant or dinner guest, $84,986 was raised to help raise awareness for the disease. A huge thank you to all the sponsors and those who donated but couldn’t be there in person.
(Undated-jm) – Emergency crews around the area were busy this weekend responding to calls and urging people to use caution. Late Friday afternoon Paxton and Elliott first responders were called to a two vehicle accident at 200 north 1400 east. One vehicle flipped and the other ended up on its side. A medical helicopter landed at the scene to take a person to the hospital. Late Saturday morning, Rantoul crews were called to a single vehicle rollover accident on Maplewood Drive near the Maranatha Baptist Church. A medical helicopter responded to that accident as well taking someone to the hospital.
(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he will go to court if President Donald Trump sends the National Guard to Chicago. The governor visited a public school in Berwyn Thursday and was asked what he would do if the president deployed the Guard to help prevent crime.
Illinois Gov J B Pritzker. Trump expressed frustration with Pritzker’s lack of cooperation with his administration. The president said crime is the number one issue for Republicans against Democrats.
(Undated-jm) – Dozens of motorcycles roared through the area yesterday escorted by firetrucks. It’s part of the annual Illiana Fire Association 9-11 Memorial Ride. The ride started near Danville, made its way into western Indiana before coming through Rankin, Paxton, Ludlow, Rantoul, Gifford and Potomac on its way back to Danville. The group had lunch in Paxton before heading out to the high school to drive past the big flag before leaving town.
(Roberts–dm)-Saturday September 13th is the date for the Flessner Fall Fest. This is a fundraiser for Mason and Dawson Flessner, both battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Proceeds also support research to find a cure to end Duchenne. Flessner Fall Fest organizer Lindsey Flessner has a rundown of the day’s activities
Flessner Fall Fest organizer Lindsey Flessner.
Vermilion County-jm) – Another potential candidate for Vermilion County sheriff has picked up a petition to seek election in 2026. Hugh Sands of Rossville would be a Democratic candidate. Republican Mike Hartshorn already has announced his plans to succeed his retiring father, Pat. September will mark 10 years since Sands retired after a law enforcement career of about 22 years, he wrote in a social media post.
(Illinois–dm)-Unemployment is on the rise in Illinois.WalletHub said the state’s jobless claims last week were 13.74% higher than the week before and 39.31% higher than last year. Illinois ranks fifth on WalletHub’s list of States Where Unemployment Claims Are Increasing the Most.
(Springfield-jm) – As another round of utility bills arrives in the mail, a Central Illinois lawmaker has filed legislation to provide more relief for people struggling to get by. Senator Sally Turner told WAND News it is unacceptable that working and middle class families are left with virtually no option for relief while energy costs continue to rise. Turner's bill could create a home utility rebate program for families who earn too much to qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program but are still hurt by rising energy costs. The proposal calls for rebates to households between 100% and 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. Her plan would create a $500 million rebate fund that the state could use during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Any remaining funds would also be available for qualified first-time small business owners.
(USDA–dm)-USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey talks about some of the locations in the country that saw significant month over month drought expansion in the month of August.
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippy
(Vermilion County-jm) – Three mosquito batches have tested positive for West Nile virus in Vermilion County. Mosquito batches collected in the Danville, rural Fairmount and Ridge Farm areas have been the first samples to test positive for West Nile this year in Vermilion County. This comes as the Vermilion County Health Department has collected 60 samples of mosquitoes since May.
(Paxton–dm)-It’s about that time of year when you need to start thinking about fall lawn care. Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen has some suggestions.
Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen. You can hear more from Scott Saturday mornings at 730am on Scott's Tips for Success.
(Rantoul–dm)-The Rantooul Township High School District 193 will hold two meetings tonight. The first meeting is scheduled for 5:45 for a Budget Hearing for fiscal year 2026. The regular meeting begins at 6:00pm. Some of the items on the agenda include approval of medical insurance coverage, approval of the fiscal year 26 budget, approval of bid specifications for a gym/bleecher project. Also approval of a dance team trip proposal and a travel club trip. The Meeting will be held at the Rantoul Township High School Boardroom.
(Springfield–jc) Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has ordered the Village of Forest Park and Motorola Solutions to disable data-sharing capabilities with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Giannoulias’ office discovered that the technology was being used to give CBP access to license plate camera data.
The Illinois Vehicle Code bans the sharing of such data with agencies investigating people based on their immigration status or abortion-related services.
(Chicago–dm)-University of Illinois College of Medicine officials have until Monday, Sept. 8, to produce documents for a congressional investigation of alleged antisemitism at the school’s Chicago campus. The U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce detailed numerous reports of hostile acts toward Jewish students in a letter dated August 25 of this year. The letter from U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, said it has not been demonstrated that the university responded in a meaningful way to address the problem.
WPXN News notes…
The Rantoul Recreation Department will host a Senior Rambles Trip to Arthur on Tuesday, September 9th. Cost is $25. The trip includes entrance to The Great Pumpkin Patch. Dining at Yoders is not included. Reserve your spot by calling 217-893-5703
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile on Friday, September 12th from 9-10 at 185 W. Sangamon Avenue in Rantoul and 10:30-11 at the Ludlow Community Center.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, September 12th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10 per plate and includes salad and garlic bread.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Business After Hours on Thursday, September 11th from 5:30-7:30 pm at Hard’s Reindeer Ranch.
The Shop in the Park in Cissna Park will take place on Saturday, September 13th from 9-1. Activities include craft and vendors, live music and food.
Kirby Foods in Paxton will hold a cookout benefiting the Methodist Women of Paxton on Saturday, September 13th from 10-2.
