(Springfield-jm) -- Another 18,000 Illinoisans filed for initial unemployment benefits last week. That’s nearly 2,800 more than the week before. The total number of Illinoisans receiving benefits is more than 450,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Governor J.B. Pritzker says unemployment offices will be reopened to those needing help with their claims sometime this summer, but he hasn’t given a specific date. The offices have been closed for more than a year. Pritzker said the Illinois Department of Employment Security is working with state public health officials toward a reopening.

 

 

(Pesotum-jm) -- District 10 Illinois State Police will be conducting Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols. WPXN’s Jason Madden reports…

 

 

 

(Champaign-jm) -- Champaign County will be hosting a spring electronics recycling. The recycling will take place on May 22nd. Registration information and more details will be available in the coming weeks.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- State lawmakers have until the end of the month to pass a state budget. The state will be receiving several billion dollars in federal COVID relief funds which GOP lawmakers say should go towards paying down the state’s debt. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman says he thinks Democrats will use the money to create new programs which eventually have to be paid for by taxpayers…

 

 

53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.

 

 

(Watseka-jm) -- Iroquois County Chief County Assessment Officer Robert Yergler is reminding senior citizens the deadline to file the 2021 Senior Citizens Homestead Assessment Freeze is July 1st. If you have questions or need assistance call the Iroquois County Volunteers Services Office at 815-432-5785.

 

 

(Paxton--jc)  Just Hamburgers in Paxton will be closed today due to a family and friend funeral this morning.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- Exports have become increasingly important for the U.S. dairy sector, especially after market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rod Bain reports…

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- Despite other states eying an end to enhanced unemployment benefits ahead of a September drawdown, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he’s not “going to pull the rug out” from anyone. Illinois Manufacturers’ Association President Mark Denzler sent the governor a letter urging him to end Illinois’ participation in enhanced benefits and rescind an executive order that waives the requirement for someone to actively seek employment to qualify for the benefits.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- A compromise to drop the state’s trailer tax fee from $118 to $36 while making up lost revenue by increasing the one-time title transfer fee by $5 could come together before the end of the month. Bipartisan legislation to drop the fee back to $18 was heard in committee last week.

 

 

(Undated-jm) -- An organization that helps victims of sexual assault is expanding. Clove Alliance is expanding from Iroquois and Kankakee Counties to also include Ford County. The group has an office in Paxton says Spokesperson Tammy Barragree…

 

 

Clove Alliance Spokesperson Tammy Barragree.

 

 

(Watseka-jm) -- Iroquois County Sheriff Derek Hagan is awarding five $1,000 golf outing scholarships. The scholarships are for the 2021-2022 academic year. The deadline to apply is May 28th. To be eligible, the applicant must be a permanent Iroquois County resident and apply as a full time undergrad.

(Springfield-jm) -- The state’s two legislative groups are fighting over redistricting. Democrats want to move forward with drawing up legislative districts before the June 30th deadline while GOP members want to hold off because of a delay in receiving census data. 106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City says there could be some legislative changes…

 

 

106th District State Representative Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

 

 

(Springfield-jm) -- The Illinois State Fair is announcing Sammy Hagar and The Circle will be added to the grandstand lineup. Hagar will take the stage on Thursday, August 12th. Tickets go on sale May 22nd.

 

 

(Washington-jm) -- USDA's top economist says now that USDA has cut its forecast for Brazilian corn production, markets will re-focus on U.S. crop conditions and prospects. Gary Crawford reports…