(The Center Square) - According to a new website that breaks down tariff costs by state, executive tariffs have cost Illinois an estimated $17 billion since January 2025, the fifth highest total in the country. On Wednesday, National Taxpayers Union Foundation announced the launch of tariffs dot org. Each state page on the new site features a graph with the total cost of tariffs imposed by executive order, as well as tariffs imposed by statute.

 

(The Center Square) — According to the latest data from the U-S Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the unemployment rate decreased in 11 of the state’s metro areas and increased in one for the year ending July 2026. The statewide unemployment rate for July 2026 was 4.6 percent down from 4.7 percent in July 2025.

 

(Paxton-jc)  The city of Paxton continues to look at its aging infrastructure. This process did not begin with the floods of this month. City workers have been checking for breaks, leaks and more with the wastewater and storm sewers. The city has applied for grant money to help with a 7 million dollar project on the south side of town, but the grants were denied. The city is moving again to seek state dollars. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says the process continues with the hopes of correcting some age-old issues…

Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold

 

(Crescent City-jm) – Students at Crescent City grade school will be doing a walk a thon to raise money for new playground equipment. The goal is $30,000. A $10,000 donation has already been given. Those interested in donating can call the school at 815-683-2141. The walk a thon will take place on September 4th.

 

(Rantoul-jm) – The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail and the Experience Champaign Urbana Foundation will unveil a new mural honoring the Tuskegee Airmen on Monday, August 31st at 2pm at 707 Veterans Parkway in Rantoul. Created by artist Dwight White the second, the mural pays tribute to the service, courage, excellence and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen while recognizing Rantoul’s meaningful place in their story through the former Chanute Field.

 

(Washington–dm)-What should you know from a food safety perspective if you are in charge of packing a school lunch for a child or children?  USDA’s Rod Bain has the story.

 

 

(Roberts–jc)  Leaders in the Ford County town of Roberts are pursuing some grant dollars to assist the village with the  demolition and removal of the buildings at 107 and109 East Green Street. Village officials say they need a minimum of 15 letters written by Roberts residents, businesses and churches detailing what a burden these dilapidated buildings are for the village and that those writing the letters support their removal. Roberts village officials say the town does not have the funds to accomplish this on their own As of this morning the village has received 17 such letters, but they are looking for more. The letters must be received at the village hall by  September 1st. During this process, the village of Roberts will conduct a public hearing. That date will be announced in early September.

 

(OSF–dm)-High school is a time where a kid is becoming more independent. So that can bring some mental health challenges. Tim Ditman of OSF HealthCare spoke to an expert.

 

(The Center Square) — Illinois House Speaker Emanual “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, has appointed state Representative Amy “Murri” Briel, D–Ottawa, to the Illinois Veterans Advisory Council. Welch made the appointment on Tuesday, just days after Briel’s former chief of staff went public with allegations that Briel acted inappropriately in office.

 

(The Center Square) - Early polling for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary indicates that Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker is far behind the 2024 nominee, former Vice President Kamala Harris. According to The Center Square Voters Voice Poll, Harris topped the field with 28 percent of registered Democrats and left leaning independent respondents choosing the former VP from a list of eight prominent Democratic politicians. The second choice was not sure at 15 percent. Pritzker and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear were tied for 8th at 3 percent.

 

(Illinois–jc)  The latest unemployment rate numbers are out and they are lower from one year ago. WPXN’s Joel Cluver has the story…

 

 

(Urbana–jm) – Governor J-B Pritzker made a stop in Urbana Thursday along with his running mate Christian Mitchell ahead of the November election. Pritzker focused on hot button issues impacting the state including the Chicago Bears. The Governor is continuing his 5 day bus tour with stops in Springfield, Rockford and the Quad Cities.

 

(McLean County-jm) – State and federal emergency management officials are scheduled to be in McLean County Tuesday assessing damage caused by recent severe storms and flooding. Officials from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, FEMA and the U-S Small Business Administration will conduct a preliminary damage assessment in several counties in Central Illinois through Thursday. All assessment team members will have identification.

 

(Rantoul–jc)  –The Rantoul Sports Complex brings in around 1 point 2 million visitors to the village of Rantoul for baseball, soccer, football, softball and more. The village and area have lots of other things to do for those coming to Rantoul, says Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandon Denton…

 

 

Rantoul Sports Complex Director of Operations Brandon Denton

It's the United States Adult Baseball tournament this weekend in Rantoul.

 

(Champaign–jc)  52nd District State Senator Paul Faraci is sharing disaster assistance for those affected by the summer storms. Taxpayers in Champaign and Vermilion counties may be eligible for waived tax penalties and interest through the Illinois Department of Revenue. Senator Faraci says residents seeking a waiver of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation to the department of revenue regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. 

 

(Paxton–dm)-Lindsey Muchmore is the new Athletic Director for PBL schools. Lindsey tells us besides keeping activities scheduled, she also has to keep an eye on the weather.

 

 

PBL Athletic Director Lindsey Muchmore

 

WPXN News notes…

 

The Elliott Amvets will hold their pork chop sandwich supper on Friday, August 28th from 5–7 pm. Cost is $8. 

 

The 2026 Watseka Family Fest will take place on Friday, August 28th and Saturday, August 29th. Performing Friday night is Kentucky Headhunters with Confederate Railroad. Performing Saturday night is Rodney Atkins with Montgomery Gentry.

 

The Gathering in Gilman will hold their Junk in the Trunk outdoor flea market on Saturday, August 29th from 9-2.

The Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County will hold a special food distribution sponsored by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Gifford on Saturday, August 29th from 9-10:30 am.

 

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Paxton Church of Christ on Thursday, September 3rd from 12:30-5:30 pm.

 

Middlefork Forest Preserve in Penfield will host their 3rd annual Cardboard Boat regatta on Saturday, September 5th registration and inspections begin at 2:30 pm with races beginning at 3:30 pm.