(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that the state's unemployment rate increased to 5.2%, while nonfarm payrolls increased nearly 13,000 in July. The national unemployment rate was 4.3% in July, up from the previous month. Based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included Manufacturing, Leisure and Hospitality, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities.

(Springfield-jm) – Among the over one hundred bills signed by Governor Pritzker last week was one sponsored by local State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City. Senator Bennett shares why that legislation is so important...

53rd District State Senator Tom Bennett of Gibson City.

(Urbana-jm) – Illinois State Police responded to a car crash on eastbound Interstate 74 in Urbana. The crash happened between a 2016 Yellow Dodge Ram and a 2012 Black Honda Civic Thursday near exit 185 to State Route 130 and University Avenue in Urbana. All parties refused medical treatment at the scene, according to officials.

(Cissna Park–dm)- Today is the second day of the Old Settlers Celebration at Cissna Park. SpokesPerson Richard Swing tells us about this evening's activities.

Old Settler's Spokesperson Richard Swing.  The old Settler's Celebration runs through Saturday.

(Bloomington-jm) – The road directly in front of the Central Illinois Regional Airport on the east side of Bloomington will be under construction starting Monday. CIRA said roadway rehab will have four phases and is expected to last around 12 weeks. Many of the current roads and curbs are original to the terminal building, constructed in 2001. There will be continually changing traffic patterns on the road entering and exiting the airport as work progresses. Flaggers and devices will be in place to help guide traffic. CIRA said there will be only partial access to the front curb for partial pick-up and drop-off which could increase traffic in front of the terminal. The airport recommends using the short-term parking lot for passenger pick-up and drop-off. The road refurbishment is one of three construction projects in progress at the airport.

(Paxton–jc)  –  More redevelopment agreements are in the works for downtown Paxton. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says more businesses are doing upgrades to their properties...

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

(Springfield-jm) – Lil Wayne brought big numbers to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand Wednesday night. Illinois State Fair officials announced that 15,427 people attended the show, surpassing previous records set in 2011. The top ticket seller was previously Jason Aldean, who filled 15,329 seats in 2011, followed by Florida Georgia Line in 2014.

(Springfield-jm) – Even with a rain delay, hundreds of Republicans from around the state gathered at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the Republican Day rally Thursday. Capitol News  Illinois reports this year the Grand Old Party is focusing on unifying under Donald Trump and electing more Republicans in the state. New polling shows Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign even or slightly ahead of the Trump campaign, but Illinois Republicans are still excited to vote for their candidates up and down the ballot. New Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi says they can turn Illinois red by voting early and fighting voter apathy...

Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi. Illinois House Republican leader Tony McCombie says Republicans must look to the future. She says if they have a great turnout this election, they will get a great candidate for the governor's race in 2026.

(Urbana-jm) – $32.6 million in federal funding is going to the University of Illinois to help advance cancer research. The money comes through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health Precision Surgical Interventions program. It will benefit the invention of new imaging techniques that will allow surgeons to remove all remaining microscopic cancer cells before the end of procedures.

(Gibson City-dm)-If you are planning to attend Gibson Area Hospital's summer bash this Saturday, you might be wondering where are you going to park?  

Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee and Community Events Bill Kirby has these suggestion on where to park

Gibson Area Hospital Director of Employee and Community events Bill Kirby.

(Undated-jm) – The outlook for this year's harvest season is good in some regards but shaping up to be rough in others. The USDA predicts record amounts of corn and soybean yields this season — for corn, a 9% increase from last year to 227 bushels an acre. And for soybeans, a 5%  jump to more than 70 bushels an acre. However, prices have dropped to double-digit losses. The exact numbers come out to a 22% drop for corn prices and a 23% drop in soybean prices compared to last year.

(Gilman–dm)-The Gilman Chamber of Commerce will be having their annual car show on Saturday, September 7th.  Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield tells us more.

Gilman Mayor Rick Theesfield.

WPXN Weekend News Notes...

The 2024 Cissna Park Old Settlers will take place August 15th through the 17th. Tonight, its $25 arm band special from 6-10, the CP-CI hall of fame announcement at 6:30, Bingo from 6-10, Dennis Stroughmatt will perform at 8pm with Ridgeland performing from 8:30-midnight. On Saturday the 17th, its the 5k run walk at 7:30 am, parade at noon, kiddie waterball at 2, kiddie tractor pull at 3, armband special 1-5 and 6-10, bingo 6-10.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-9:30 at the Piper City Community Center, 10-10:30 at Living Word Church in Roberts, 11-11:30 at the Melvin Convenient, 12:15-12:45 at the Gibson City city hall, 1-1:30 at the Elliott village hall and from 2-2:30 at Paxton Hardware and Rental.

A Family Caregiver Support Group will take place today from 1:30-2:30 at the Watseka Public Library.

Accolade on Pells in Paxton will hold their back to school bash today from 4-7 pm. Activities include carnival games, dunk tank, obstacle course, live music and food.

The Gibson City third Friday car cruises will take place today with cruising starting at 5 and live music by In Bloom from 6-9 pm.

The PBL Pork Chop kickoff will take place today starting at 5pm.

A household hazardous waste collection will take place at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Saturday from 8-3.

Paxton IGA will hold a cookout benefiting the PBL Choral Boosters on Saturday from 10-2.

The 4th annual Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services Summer Bash will take place Saturday in downtown Gibson City with Rock and Roll artist Bret Michaels headlining the event. Opening for Michaels is 70's rock band Jefferson Starship.

Buckley St. John's Ladies Aid/LWML will be having an Ice Cream Social on Sunday from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm in the school lunchroom. Menu includes hot beef, ham, open face cheese sandwiches, pie, cake and ice cream.

The Cornbelt Shrine Club Kids Day will take place on Sunday from 12-3 at North Park in Gibson City, Activities include rides, games, food and a parade.