(Springfield-jm) – As new federal SNAP work rules take effect this month, Illinois lawmakers are considering a plan that would use taxpayer dollars to soften the impact on families who fail to meet the requirements. House Bill 4730 would create a state run program called FRESH. The initiative would provide one-time cash payments to households whose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are reduced or terminated because a member of the household did not meet federally mandated work requirements. Eligible families would receive a lump-sum cash benefit on an EBT card. Payments would be calculated in one of two ways. If SNAP is reduced: The household would receive three times the difference between their former monthly SNAP amount and the reduced amount. If SNAP is terminated: The household would receive three times their final full monthly SNAP benefit. 

 

(Springfield–jc)  –  Several bills to  strengthen laws on domestic violence are being proposed by a local state senator. . 53rd district State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon says the bills are common sense safety issues…

   

53rd District State Senator Chris Balkema, Republican from Channahon

 

(Momence-jm) – The man accused of the shooting death of a tavern owner in rural Momence is now officially charged. In Kankakee Circuit Court, 47-year-old Julius Burkes Jr. of Hammond, Indiana was formally charged with the murder of Courtney Drysdale at the Line Bar in Momence. Burkes was charged Tuesday with 3-counts of Murder, armed robbery, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Prosecutors say they’ll seek a penalty of Life in Prison, without parole, if he’s found guilty. Burkes is jailed in Indiana, where he faces charges on another case. He’s facing extradition back to Illinois to answer to the charges in the Momence case.

 

(Champaign–jc)  The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a vacant single-family home in the 200 block of East Washington Street this morning just after 2. Fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire. The cause of this fire has not been determined as investigators remain on scene conducting their investigation. There were no firefighter injuries reported.

 

(Champaign–jm) – Champaign Park District has announced that THE “HAPPY TOGETHER” TOUR 2026 — featuring ‘60s and ‘70s favorites including The Association, The Troggs, Jason Scheff of Chicago, Gary Puckett, The Fortunes, Ron Dante, The Vogues, and The Cowsills — will make a stop at the historic Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 7pm. Regular reserved seating tickets will be $59.50-$99.50 plus an additional per-ticket fee of $7-$10. VIP tickets will also be available for $179.50-$189.50 plus a per-ticker fee of $13-$15. ? THE “HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR” 2026 tickets will go on sale on Friday, February 13, 10am, at the Virginia Theatre Box Office, online at?thevirginia.org, or charge by phone at?(217) 356-9063.

 

(Paxton-jc)  –  The City of Paxton is purchasing some body cameras and safety equipment for its police department. The Paxton City council approved the equipment purchase at their meeting on Tuesday night. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says a gran covered a majority of the costs for the new equipment…

 

 

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Bloomington–jc)  The McLean County Republican Party says a newly announced federal investigation into Tufts University could have significant implications for Illinois State University and dozens of campuses nationwide, following allegations that student data was improperly shared with third-party organizations involved in election engagement. The U.S. Department of Education last week confirmed it is reviewing Tufts University’s participation in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement, a nonprofit that analyzes student voting data.

 Republicans argue the partnerships may violate federal student privacy laws, including The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  –  The Rantoul Township High School board of education’s Building and Grounds Committee is set to meet this morning at 9 at the high school. On the agenda is a discussion of a 10 year life safety survey.  The group will also hear an update on the gym and bleacher project, and the intercom system.

 

(Undated-jm) – Several communities around the WPXN listening area reported an internet outage last night. Conxxus users from Paxton to Buckley to Gibson City, Fisher, Rantoul to Armstrong reported an outage just before 7pm. The outage lasted about an hour.

 

(Springfield–jc)  One candidate for the Republican nomination for governor says the “safety act” passed by the democrats in the state does not work. Republican Candidate for Governor James Mendrick of Woodridge is also a law enforcement officer. Mendrick talks about how he would make Illinois safer…

 

 

Republican Candidate for Governor James Mendrick of Woodridge. The Illinois primary election is set for Tuesday March 17th. 

 

(Paxton-jm) - A former Paxton pharmacist could be  taking a plea deal after she was accused of illegally possessing a controlled substance outside of her job with the intent of delivering it in 2023. The Ford County Chronicle reports that Jenna Lee Vogel will take a plea deal. That appearance is set for April 8th. Lee Vogel was charged in February of last year, with two counts of illegal possession of a controlled substance — one Class X and the other Class 3.More information is found with the Ford County Chronicle.  

 

(Champaign–jm) – The Champaign Police Department is investigating after a generator was stolen from a local business early Tuesday morning. The theft happened at Burrito Lab on University Avenue. In a Facebook post, staff said they arrived at the business to find their generator missing; surveillance footage they provided showed two men trying and failing to ride off with it on a bike before they ultimately carried it away on foot. While the theft happened on Tuesday, Champaign Police said officers did not respond to the business until 1:32 p.m. on Wednesday.

 

(Springfield–jc) Everyday shopping could be taxed if some in Springfield get their way. Dean Abbott reports…

 

(Springfield–jc)  – Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced on Wednesday that a plastic lumber manufacturer is expanding and consolidating its operations in Montgomery.

 State officials said Tangent Technologies, bolstered by state taxpayer funding, would invest 50 million dollars , create 110 new jobs and retain 485 jobs.

 

(Loda–jc)  One local popular restaurant is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special menu and music this weekend. Murdocks in Loda invites the public for a great meal and music with the band Ridgeland on Saturday night says owner Brent “Murckock” Sinn…

 

Murdocks of Loda Owner Brent “Murdock” Sinn.

 

(Gibson City–jc)  Plans for the Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services Summer Bash 20-26 continue. The date for the concert has been set for Saturday August 15th in downtown Gibson City. The national act coming to Ford County will be officially announced in early March. 

WPXN News notes…

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Rantoul City Schools Central Office on Friday, February 13th from 11-4.

 

The Thawville American Legion will hold their all you can eat fish fry on Friday, February 13th from 4:30-7pm. Cost is $15.

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their spaghetti dinner on Friday, February 13th from 5-7 pm. Cost is $10.

 

The Upper Room Bible Church in Paxton will host a free concert featuring Love and The Outcome on Friday, February 13th at 7pm. 

 

The Cadillac in Paxton will hold Country Line Dancing with DJ Maggie B on Friday, February 13th at 8pm.

 

The Rankin Fire Department will hold their 31st annual Fireman’s Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on Saturday, February 14th from 6-1. Cost is $7 for adults, $4 for kids, children under 6 are free.