(Springfield-jm) - Thousands of Illinoisans are getting a fresh financial start after Governor JB Pritzker announced that more than $1 billion in medical debt has been erased across the state. The relief has assisted more than 500,000 households, according to the governor. The state partnered with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to forgive outstanding hospital bills. The nonprofit identifies eligible individuals and removes debt with no application process necessary. To qualify, individuals must have a household income below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level or possess medical debt amounting to 5% or more of their household income.
(Paxton–jc) It’s still winter, but city of Paxton leaders are looking at their plan for motor fuel tax money for city streets. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says a list of potential streets will be coming to the council in March…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Rantoul-jm) – It’s the longest prison sentence in the history of the Fairbury-based CHAOS Task Force that investigates sex crimes against children in Central Illinois. Garrett Moore of Rantoul has been sentenced to 200 years in prison for disseminating child pornography in Woodford and Livingston counties. Fairbury and El Paso Police arrested Moore in November . 2024 after investigators said he tried to arrange sexual encounters with “multiple” children, according to a CHAOS release. The release said Moore also sent “multiple” videos of child pornography involving children between the ages of three and 13. Woodford County Judge Michael Stroh sentenced Moore to 105 years for distributing child porn, on top of the 95-years he received last November for similar convictions in Livingston County. Moore will have to serve at least 50% of the sentence, but he’ll likely wind up spending the rest of his life behind bars.
(USDA–dm)-The first glance of key ag data for this season was offered Thursday during the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum. Rod Bain has the story.
(Champaign County-jm) – When voters in Champaign County head to the polls, they will see more than just candidates on the ballot. They will also be asked to weigh in on how the county should handle a nearly $2 million budget deficit. When voters step into the voting booth, they will be asked three yes-or-no questions that could shape the future of county services. On the ballot, voters are being asked whether they support raising the county sales tax — which would not apply to medicine or groceries — increasing property taxes or reducing county services. The questions are nonbinding, meaning the results will not automatically change policy. Officials say if voters reject tax increases, that will send a clear message to county leaders to make cuts as they prepare the next fiscal year budget.
(Buckley–dm)-The primary election in Illinois will be Tuesday March 17th, If you live in Buckley, there is a question on a sewer proposal on the ballot. Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver explains.
Iroquois County Clerk Breein Suver
(Springfield–jc) Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump owes the families of Illinois and the United States about $2,000 per household for the tariffs he imposed. Pritzker’s comments came after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the power to levy taxes and duties on Americans rests solely with Congress.
Over one million FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country this week. Trent Schmid from the Cissna Park FFA talks about what is going on this week.
Cissna Park FFA student Trent Schmid
PBL FFA student Mason Loschen talks about what is going on today
PBL FFA Student Mason Loschen
Over one million FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Alaina McCabe from Fisher High School’s FFA Chapter talks about what is going on today.
Fisher FFA Member Alaina McCabe
Premier Cooperative is a proud supporter of National FFA Week
(Springfield-jm) – As a part of his State of the State address last week, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker talked about a new law around social media companies. Pritzker wants these businesses to take greater steps to protect children on their apps. He also proposed a fee the companies would have to pay to operate in the state. He said the money would be used to offset some of the negative effects teens are experiencing. In his speech, Pritzker said the fees could bring in as much as $200 million.
(Paxton-jm) – Cutting waste, fraud and abuse. That’s the mantra Republican candidates across the country and the state of Illinois are focusing on heading into the midterm elections this year. At the federal level, President Trump and Elon Musk created a DOGE program to cut waste, fraud and abuse. Republican Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has released his plans to create a DOGE style program here in Illinois. His running mate, Aaron Del Mar explains the program…
Illinois Lieutenant Governor candidate Aaron Del Mar.
(Champaign-jm) – One person was arrested after the University of Illinois Police Department said they were caught inside a fraternity house after a theft at that location. The burglary happened at First and Chalmers Streets. A resident reported the offender was found inside the residence after a theft had been committed. Once the offender was confronted by the resident, the offender left the premises. The suspect was eventually arrested but their name or the charges they face have been released.
(Washington–jc) Federal authorities are searching for a fugitive who is wanted in connection with a nationwide cattle fraud scheme. The FBI says Joshua Robert Link of Strafford, Missouri has ties to multiple states, including Illinois. Link and four others were indicted earlier this month for their roles in the alleged $220 million scheme involving purported cattle purchase contracts.
Anyone with information about Link’s location is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225- 5324)
(Springfield–jc) – Next year’s budget proposed by Illinois Governor J B Pritzker is the largest budget in state history. It also includes around 700 to 800 million dollars in new taxes. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet, says the budget is not “grounded in reality”...
51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet
(Normal-jm) – Incoming students will pay more next school year to attend Illinois State University, after ISU’s governing board kept costs unchanged the previous two years. Friday, ISU’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to raise the base tuition rate 5%, or $20.11 per credit hour to $422.30 for new undergraduate students living in Illinois. The same students will pay 1.7% more or an additional $2 per credit hour for mandatory and outreach fees, plus 4% more for on-campus housing and dining. The increases are meant to offset the impact inflation has had on providing student services, programs, food, and repair and maintenance of university facilities. The overall cost for incoming undergrads next school year will be between $28,705.29 to $30,605.80, school administrators said.
(Champaign–dm)-You’ve made the resolution: you’re finally going to get fit.
For some, motivation or mobility aren’t the problem. It’s logistics. How can I find a workout location that fits my needs? Tim Ditman of OSf HealthCare spoke to an expert to get a “gym-picking” checklist.
You can also get the scoop on a gym from family, friends or other gym goers. Read reviews too, but take anything you see online with a grain of salt.
(Illinois–dm)-The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved the Illinois Power Agency’s 2026 plan to guide procurement of new renewable generation over the next two years. The IPA’s plan encourages investment in both utility-scale and community solar, utility-scale wind, hydropower and other projects. A report issued last December by the IPA, ICC and Illinois EPA said the state would have an energy shortage in four years if it continued on its current path.
With FFA week being this week, we were able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. Rantoul FFA Student Emmilynne McCallister talks about what is going on today.
Rantoul FFA Student Emmilynne McCallister
Birkey's Farm Store in Gibson City and Hoopeston are proud supporters of National FFA Week
Over one million FFA students will be participating in FFA Week across the country. WPXN was able to talk with several students from area FFA Chapters. GCMS FFA students Kate MacCall and Keiragan Young talk about today’s dress up theme.
GCMS FFA students Kate Maccall and Keiragan Young
One Earth Energy in Gibson City is a proud supporter of National FFA Week
WPXN News notes…
The Paxton Carnegie Library along with Ford County 4-H will host 4-H reading and art hour on Monday, February 23rd from 4–5 pm. The event is free.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their porkchop sandwich supper on Friday, February 27th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. They will also host their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, February 28th from noon–2 pm. Cost is $15.
The GCMS FFA Scholarship Auction will take place on Saturday, February 28th. Lunch will be served at 11 am, silent auction at noon and live auction at 1pm.
The Iroquois County Republican Central Committee will hold a candidates forum and Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday, February 28th at 6pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Woodworth.
The Thomasboro Fire Department will hold their pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday, March 1st from 8 to noon.
The Mahomet Seymour FFA will hold their dinner and dessert auction on Sunday, March 1st. Doors open at 4:30 pm with the auction beginning at 5pm.
