(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced that payrolls are up and the unemployment rate in April remained unchanged from March. In a press release Thursday, the IDES said the unemployment rate was 5.1% in April, unchanged from March, and up +0.6% from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The revised March unemployment rate was 5.1%.
(Springfield-jm) – Construction-related lane closures across the state will be temporarily lifted ahead of Memorial Day weekend in an effort to minimize travel disruption. It’s a common occurrence — IDOT opening lanes where able ahead of heavy travel weekends. This weekend, non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. today to 11:59 p.m. on Monday. There will be a few exceptions including I-72 at the I-57 interchange and I-57 north and southbound near Buckley.
(Springfield–jc) The majority of Democrats in Springfield and Governor J B Pritzker want to see the state streamline costs in the “Build Illinois” plan for the state. But in doing so, they will take control away from local towns and communities during that process. 52nd District State Representative Martin McLaughlin, Republican from Barrington Hills says control over housing needs to be done at the local level and urges for more dialogue and debate, before the state just takes over…
52nd District State Representative Martin McLaughlin, Republican from Barrington Hills.
(Springfield-jm) – State senators passed a bill to ban companies from manufacturing or selling cosmetic products containing forever chemicals. The ban would apply to PFAS found in makeup, hair and nail products, soaps, lotion, tanning products, perfume and cologne.
(Urbana–jc) Prices for houses are going up in Champaign County. WPXN’s Joel
Cluver has the numbers…
URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois Board of Trustees, on Thursday, approved a strategic expansion of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, establishing four new departments that will sharpen its focus on specific areas of medicine and enhance the college’s interdisciplinary collaboration.
The new departments — obstetrics and gynecology; psychiatry; family medicine; and internal medicine — will reside within Carles’ department of clinical sciences. Each department will comprise faculty members who facilitate specialized education, clinical care and research initiatives.
(Ford County–dm)-If you are a home owner, you should have received a Senior Exemption Form for your property tax bill. Ford County Supervisor of Assessments Pam Bruens explains.
Ford County Supervisor of Assessments Pam Bruens. Forms need to be returned to the Supervisor of Assessments office by August 5th.
RANTOUL, IL — The Village of Rantoul invites residents, families, and visitors to attend its annual Memorial Day Ceremony honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. This ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial located at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex on Memorial Day at 11:00am. This solemn event provides an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance and gratitude for those who gave their lives defending our nation’s freedoms. The program will include the presentation of colors, and remarks from Todd Wilson. Attendees will also observe a moment of silence to reflect on the sacrifices of fallen service members. The Veterans Memorial at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex serves as a lasting tribute to local service members and stands as a place of remembrance, respect, and unity.
(Springfield–jc) –Following reports that New York Governor Kathy Hochul will opt New York into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, 88th District State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur renewed her call for Governor JB Pritzker to do the same for Illinois families…
88th district State Representative Regan Deering, Republican from Decatur
Deering said even Democrat governors are recognizing this is a commonsense opportunity to help students and working families.
(Springfield-jm) – The Illinois Senate unanimously passed a bill to help sexual assault survivors when they first interact with police. This plan requires law enforcement to tell survivors they can request to be interviewed by an officer of their sex or gender. The legislation also states police should inform survivors they can have a support person present during the interview.
(Springfield–jc) –The Citizens Utility Board says Ameren and ComEd customers can expect higher electricity bills after summer supply rates kick in next month.
CUB said Ameren’s summer rate is more than 29% higher than its current price, and ComEd’s summer price represents a roughly 50% increase over two years ago.
ComEd said customers could pay an average of 12% more on their monthly bills.
(Danville–jc) A Danville man was found guilty of murder stemming from a fatal shooting in 20-24. WCIA reports that 26-year-old Quartez Jackson was found guilty by a jury on Thursday of first degree murder Jackson fatally shot Joseph Jones in December of 2024.
(Springfield-jm) – State senators passed a bill to ban junk fees and create price transparency for consumers. The measure makes it unlawful for any business to advertise, display, or offer a price for products or services that does not include all mandatory fees or surcharges before taxes. Sponsors said junk fees cost an average family of four $3,200 each year. Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) said the price you see should be the price you pay.
(Paxton–jc) The city of Paxton continues to work with developers on potential projects concerning properties in the south west side of the city. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says they continue to look at southward expansion of Elm Street in town…
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Springfield-jm) – A bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could help tackle growing frustration over digital coupons for grocery stores. State lawmakers originally wanted to require grocery stores with digital coupons to have a paper option easily accessible for customers. However, this plan requires retailers to honor digital promotions through automatic or point-of-sale discounts, barcodes, or quick response codes. Grocery stores violating this requirement could face lawsuits and fines under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act.
(Springfield)- There is just over a week left in the Spring session of legislature, and 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose Republican from Mahomet talks about what he is working on during the final week of the Budget Session here in Illinois.
51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet
(Champaign-jm) – The case against the Champaign man accused of stabbing three first responders is nearing its conclusion, but he may not be present to see his case end because he refuses to be transported from jail to the courthouse. Champaign County court records show Trevor Lewis has not been to any hearing in the case against him since October. Lewis faces six counts: 3 of attempted murder and 3 of aggravated battery. The three first responders were treated and released from an area hospital at the time of the incident last September.
(Rantoul–jc) The village of Rantoul was recently awarded a 250 thousand dollar grant to help with safe passages to its schools by the state of Illinois. With the school year ending this month, Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third says the money will be used for sidewalks and more leading to J W Eater School in the village…
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall the Third
(Springfield-jm) – A proposal heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could help address high-risk speeders across the state. Sponsors and advocates hope to create an intelligent speed assistance program within the Secretary of State's office as an alternative to license suspension for dangerous drivers. The bill requires drivers who commit two offenses within a year to install the speed limiting device in their vehicle. This comes as 75% of people with suspended licenses continue to drive.
(Undated–jc) State, county and local police agencies say to Buckle Up this Memorial day Holiday. WPXN “s Joel Cluver has the story…
WPXNNews notes…
The Elliott Amvets will hold their pork chop sandwich supper today from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. They will also host their Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday, from noon–2 pm. Cost is $15.
The Onarga American Legion Auxiliary will hold their poppy 5k on Saturday, May 23rd starting at 9 am.
The Champaign County Forest Preserve will hold Fishing for Beginners on Saturday, May 23rd from 9-11 am at Middlefork Forest Preserve.
Living Word Church of Roberts will hold a craft and vendor show on Monday, May 25th from 9-3 at the Paxton Civic Center.
Paxton Main Street will hold their First Friday concert series on Friday, June 5th from 7-9 pm at Veterans Square in downtown Paxton. Back In Time will perform.
The 2026 Roberts Fun Day will take place on Saturday, June 6th. Activities include breakfast from 8-11, vendors from 8-3, bounce houses and silent auction 9-3, kids cart rides 11-1, bingo 11-2, food trucks 11-3, bags tournament at 4 and live music from 7-10.
Champaign Firefighters Local 1260 will hold a 5k on Sunday, June 7th from 8-10:30 at Carle at the Fields.
