Illinois quick hits: Metro unemployment rates updated; Senate passes bills for veterans

Metro unemployment rates updated The unemployment rate decreased in eleven metro areas and increased in one for the year ending February, according to data released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The statewide unemployment rate …

Measure threatens to dissolve Illinois' rural townships, sparking opposition

(The Center Square) – Opponents say Senate Bill 2217 will be detrimental to rural Illinoisans by dissolving townships that have population sizes less than 5,000.  Illinois state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, D-Western Springs, has introduced Senate Bill 2217 …

Illinois iLottery player wins $1,432,831

CHICAGO, IL (Chambana Today) – An Illinois iLottery player has won $1,432,831 with Cash Castle, the newest Illinois Lottery FastPlay game. This has been the highest Cash Castle jackpot to-date, since its launch on February 27. Since its launch five weeks …

Illinois AND Iowa Drivers Are The Worst In The World

It's my last day and my last article, so I figured I'd leave you with something all of you need to read. Everyone In The Quad Cities Is Awful At Driving I've thought this the entire time I've been in the Quad Cities. If you have a driver…

Is Lead-Laced Cinnamon in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin?

Cinnamon is a favorite spice in my household. It enhances everything from morning oatmeal to holiday treats and even coffee. However, recent investigations have raised some concerns about lead contamination in ground cinnamon products. Not only has it …

Unemployment falls across South Central Illinois

Unemployment was down across South Central Illinois in February. In Marion County the rate fell seven-tenths of a percent from January to 4.5-percent.  That translated into 725 on the unemployment rolls, down 123 from the prior month.  The rate was down …

Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend returns to Champaign-Urbana

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend is set for the end of the month. The event will take place from April 24 to 26, 2025, across Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy. This annual event offers a variety of races for all ages and skill …

Illinois quick hits: Flash Index increases; Chicago Teachers Union to vote on contract

Flash Index increases The University of Illinois Flash Index for March increased slightly to 102.4 from 102.2 in February. The Flash Index is the weighted average of Illinois growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income as …

What the 'Homeschool Act' would mean for Illinois families

Views: Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit is the right call for the state

In high-pressure moments, when everything is on the line, leaders must be able to make the right call. As March Madness takes hold this spring, Illinois lawmakers are encouraged to make the tough call regarding affordable housing. Growing up in a family of …