(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced that the state's unemployment rate increased to 4.9%, while nonfarm payrolls increased +12,700 in May, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national unemployment rate was 4.0% in May.

(Undated-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced road projects scheduled for this year. WPXN’s Dan Mushrush has the details…

(Champaign-jm) – The Champaign Fire Department responded to a working fire in the 1100 block of North Champaign St., Sunday at 6:03 p.m.  Upon arrival on the scene, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from a detached garage, car, and rubbish that was behind a residence. Crews quickly deployed multiple hose lines and extinguished the fire. The fire was contained to the property of origin. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(Bradley-jm) – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting a career fair on Thursday in Bradley.  The fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Quality Inn Bradley- Bourbonnais, 800 N. Kinzie Ave. Representatives from the offices and bureaus who oversee both technical and administrative support responsibilities will be available to discuss current and upcoming employment opportunities at the various IDOT locations.

(Urbana-jm) – Two people are behind bars after an armed robbery. It happened around 1:45 p.m. Saturday in the 1900 block of S. Philo Road. Urbana Police says, officers were called for reports of a robbery of a person inside of a local business. After police arrived, the suspects ran away and two officers were hurt during the foot pursuit. They were taken to the hospital for treatment and then released. 18 year old Shyjuan Dorris of Urbana was arrested in the 1100 block of E. Colorado. A few hours later, 18 year old Jayden Jackson of Savoy was arrested. Both are facing Armed Robbery and Unlawful Use of a Weapon charges.

(Springfield-jm) – The state is increasing school safety through the Safe Routes to School program. 53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City talks about the program…

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Champaign County-jm) – One person is hurt after a crash Friday morning involving a farm sprayer tractor and an SUV in Champaign. Champaign County Sheriffs responded to the accident at 2301 Leverett Road.

(Melvin–jc)  –  The 20-24 Ford County Fair Queen Pageant is tonight. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the details…

(Paxton–dm )-If you have a swimming pool, it’s probably had a lot of use lately.  Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen says to make sure to test your pool water and how often….

Paxton Hardware and Rental owner Scott Allen

Scott has a weekly program on Saturday mornings at 7-30 called Scotts Tips for Success

(Springfield-jm) – Illinois residents, who pay the second highest gas tax in the country, will see an increase at the pump starting July 1st. That’s when the automatic annual Motor Fuel Tax increases to account for inflation. Currently, the tax stands at 45 cents a gallon. On July 1st, 2024, it will increase to 47 cents a gallon. Before 2019, the state had a 19 cents per gallon gas tax. It was doubled that year to 38 cents to help fund a $45 billion infrastructure bill. At the same time, lawmakers set the tax to increase each year to adjust for inflation, sparing a public vote on a tax hike.

(Melvin–dm)-The Ford County Fair is going on in Melvin now through Saturday.  Ford County Fair President Steve Meenen tells us what’s going on today at the fair.

Ford County Fair President Steve Meenen.

(Urbana-jm) – University Police have issued a campus safety alert on Friday for a crime. A University of Illinois Student exited the restroom at the Main Library on Gregory Drive, when a person grabbed a private body part over someone’s clothing. University Police say the incident happened around 12:30 p.m. on Friday. The student did not know the person who touched them. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact University Police at 217-333-1216.

(Tolono-jm) – Champaign County firefighters responded to a large field fire in Tolono late Saturday morning. After the fire was called in at 11:11 a.m., firefighters from the Savoy and Tolono Fire Departments were dispatched to 1011 at County Road 1200 E. Pesotum and Bondville Fire Departments also arrived to assist in controlling the fire. Fire officials say the flames started from a controlled fire which got out of control, spreading into the long grass nearby.

(Champaign–dm)- If you drive a vehicle for a living, you’re at a higher risk for back, hip and leg injuries. For example, sudden braking shifts your pelvis and can lead to long-term pain. But there are ways to reduce your risk. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare has more from a local spine doctor.

 Another key is to take a break to stretch every two to three hours. If time is money, try to time your breaks with when you need food or gas.

(Piatt County-jm) – Piatt County Emergency Management has unveiled a new Mobile Command Center vehicle. The new vehicle, dubbed MC-1, will include the following capabilities: Advanced communication systems, Real-time monitoring capabilities, High-speed internet connectivity and Integrated video conferencing

The mobile command center will be able to help in the event of natural disasters, public safety incidents, emergencies, or community events.