(Springfield-jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services announced people in Illinois who lost their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits will get a one time $400 benefit per eligible household member through the new Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger program. The $70 million program was enacted as part of the Governor’s FY27 budget.
(Paxton–jc) Site work continues on a new 8 unit apartment complex in the city of Paxton. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the units are going up along Center Street in the city…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Thomasboro-jm) – Thomasboro is looking for a new mayor. Jeff Robertson submitted his resignation earlier this week. Robertson cited personal and professional reasons for his resignation.
(Rantoul–jc) The number of visitors, teams and families coming to the Rantoul Sports Complex this year is on track to exceed One point 2 million. The local sports complex had a very successful July with more sports coming next month and into the fall, says Rantoul Sporks Complex Director of Operations Brandon Denton…
Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandon Denton
(Gibson City–jc) The new pool construction is moving forward in Gibson City. Concrete was poured yesterday and is expected to continue through today.
The new Gibson City pool will also feature a bath house with a regal blue metal roof; pool tile and grey, speckled gray and blue tiles. The 6million dollar plus project is being funded by the city with the construction of the brand new facility to be completed by the holidays.
(Urbana–jc) – You have 2 days to get to the Champaign County Fair in Urbana. Today features Motocross racing and tractor and truck pulls on Saturday evening. Cullers Fries is there for the 81st consecutive time says Culler’s Fries Family Member Keith Cullers…
Cullers Fries Manager and Spokesperson Keith Cullers
(The Center Square) – In a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice , the Illinois State Board of Elections said it is complying with all federal laws, and pushed back against claims of potential voter fraud. The letter is a response to a previous DOJ letter to the board, which threatened to sue elections officials in the state for knowingly keeping ineligible names on the voter rolls, such as noncitizens.
The Department of Justice also sued the board in an attempt to access the complete voter registration records of the state in an attempt to audit the validity of voter registration in the state.
(The Center Square) – The June 2026 New Business Formation Report from Registered Agents Inc says a record high of nearly 3.5 million new businesses were formed in the first six months of the year. The report used state level filings and U-S Census data and found that Illinois had 11,008 new businesses formed in June, leaving the state with a year over year loss of 15%. Every state bordering Illinois saw an increase.
(Rantoul–jc) –Village of Rantoul leaders are looking at their options to purchase a pot hole machine for the town. Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says staff is now looking at what machine will benefit Rantoul the most and will come to the village board meeting in August with suggestions…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Rantoul-jm) — State Representative Brandun Schweizer will be hosting traveling office hours next week in Rantoul. A member of Scheweizer’s staff will be at the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce office from 11-11 on Monday, August 3rd. Walk-ins are welcome.
(Rantoul–jc) Seven Rantoul churches and ministries are teaming up together for the 4th annual Rantoul Revival in downtown Rantoul on Saturday. The event will feature music, worship, real life stories, prayer and more, says Rantoul Revival Spokesperson Pastor Scott Guhl…
Rantoul Revival and christian Life Executive Pastor Scott Guhl. The event runs from 11am to 4pm at the downtown Rantoul Amphitheatre
(Gibson city–jc) Authorities were called to downtown Gibson city around noon Thursday due to a traffic accident. The injury report was vague and no other information was given
GIlman–jc) With Summer vacation time winding down for 20-26, schools will start the new year in mid to late August. One program offered by the local farm bureau to students in all Iroquois and Ford County schools is “Camp 911. Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire says the free program will take place again, next April…
Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire
(Chicago–jc) Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker signed a package of legislation that protects some of the most vulnerable Illinoisans. This includes expanding safeguards for older adults, people with disabilities, children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals with serious mental illness. Together, these measures promote independence, safeguard against exploitation, improve access to critical services, strengthen oversight, and help ensure Illinoisans receive the support and protection they deserve at every stage of life.
WPXN News notes…
A Golf Cart Fun Run Ride for a Cure Breakthrough T-1-D in Gibson City on Saturday, August 1st from 12-4. Cost is $30. RSVPs are required by calling or texting 217-781-4895.
The St. Joseph Community Festival will take place Thursday, August 6th through Saturday, August 8th.
Paxton Main Street will hold their final First Friday concert series of the season on Friday, August 7th from 7-9 pm at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. The Back Paiges will perform. Paxton’s Resurrection Brass Band will open at 6:30.
Shop in the Park in downtown Cissna Park will take place on Saturday, August 8th from 9-1.
The Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Coffee and Connections on Wednesday, August 12th from 8-9 am at the Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce office.
The 2026 Gibson Summer Bash on Saturday, August 15th with Rick Springfield and Night Ranger performing.
