(Springfield-jm) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker dismissed a report his family is indirectly funding pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel groups that have set up encampments on campuses across the nation. At an unrelated news conference Tuesday in Springfield, Pritzker was asked about a recent Politico report that details his family’s financial contributions, through the Libra Foundation, to groups that have set up encampments on college campuses around the country. The Libra Foundation is a Pritzker-family charitable organization that shares grantees on their website. The Libra Foundation board is made up of only Pritzkers. The Pritzker-backed Tides Foundation is "fiscally-supporting" the Adalah Justice Project, according to the Tides Foundation's website. In a social media post, the project shared a video of children, approximately ages 4-7, holding a banner that reads “Free Palestine.”

 

(Washington-jm) – It's coming soon--USDA's first forecast for 2024 crop production and demand. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Rantoul–jc)  You can expect some “movie nights” at the Rantoul Sports Complex this summer. Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid says they will show some “fun” movies for families…

 

 

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Ryan Reid.

 

(Champaign County-jm) – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has confirmed a recent case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in an individual in Champaign County. It's a tick borne illness transmitted in Illinois primarily by the American dog tick. Symptom onset is one to four days and includes high fever, severe headache, muscle soreness, gastrointestinal distress, and swelling around the eyes and back of hands. Additionally, a distinct rash may emerge several days after onset, typically appearing as small, flat, pink spots initially located on the wrists, forearms, and ankles, which can extend to the trunk and occasionally manifest on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. 

 

(Paxton–jc)  The annual Draggin’ Main Event in Paxton is set for May 18th. Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper invites the public to participate with a vehicle or come to downtown Paxton to enjoy the event…

 

 

Paxton Main Street Executive Director Donna Pepper.

 

(Undated-jm) – Letter Carriers are looking for the public's help this Saturday.  The nationwide 'Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive' is being held to stock local food banks and pantries in the local community. Donations stay in the community. The National Association of Letter Carriers conduct the local food drive every year. Residents can help by bagging healthy, non-perishable food items.  Place the items by your mailbox.  Letter Carriers will pick up items during regular visits and deliver them to local food banks.

 

(Springfield-jm) – Advocates for after school programs say tens of thousands of children could lose access to services this summer without help from the Illinois General Assembly. Capitol News Illinois reports the coalition of service providers, along with state lawmakers, say programs are at risk because of a miscalculation in a federal program that passes through the Illinois State Board of Education. That miscalculation could mean the loss of more than 50 million dollars in funding for after school, tutoring and other programs for children when school isn’t in session. State Senator Ram Villivalam (vill-ee-vah-lahm) is the sponsor of a bill that would provide the 50 million each year in the state’s budget…

 

 

State Senator Ram Villivalam. The programs in question are not tied to individual school districts, Governor J-B Pritzker proposed more than 200 million dollars in spending for those in this FY 2025 budget. The programs at risk are provided through community organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, the YMCA and others.

 

(Washington-jm) – A new USDA agricultural trade forecast is coming soon. Gary Crawford reports…

 

 

(Champaign County-jm) – Champaign County Coroner Stephen Thuney has released his 2023 annual report. There were a total of 1913 deaths reported in Champaign County for the year ending December 31, 2023. This represents a decrease of 188 from calendar year 2022.Coroner jurisdiction investigations determined 335 deaths were the result of natural causes, 158 deaths were from accidental causes, 16 deaths that were ruled homicide, and 32 deaths were ruled suicide. There were 166 autopsies performed. There were 158 accidental deaths in 2023 representing a 12% decrease from 2022. There were 32 deaths from motor vehicle incidents, 6 overdoses from prescription medications, 54 overdoses from illicit drugs, 41 overdose deaths involving more than one drug, 91 blunt force trauma, 1 drowning, and 6 other categories. There were 16 homicide deaths investigated by the Champaign County Coroner’s Office in 2023. This represents a decrease of 23% from 2022. All 16 deaths were male, ages ranging from 16 to 59 years. 

 

(Buckley–jc)  A renovation project continues at one local bank in southern Iroquois County. Work continues at the Buckley State Bank in Buckley. Bank officials are also planning a celebration to dedicate the facility and also celebrate over 100 years in the community. Buckley State Bank President and CEO Jackie Weber says it is their way of remaining a big part of the local community…

 

 

Buckley State Bank President and CEO Jackie Weber.

(Champaign County-jm) – A downward trend is now reversing for fuel prices in Champaign ahead of summer travel. The average per-gallon cost has risen 3.2 cents in the last week for a total of $3.56/g, GasBuddy said. Statewide, Sunday’s lowest gas price sat at $3.18/g while the highest was $5.29/g. nationwide gas and diesel demands could stay low through the summer driving season in the wake of a weaker-than-expected jobs report.