With just days remaining in the legislative session, Illinois lawmakers are scrambling to finalize a state budget under mounting financial pressures. The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget has reduced revenue projections by more than half a billion dollars for the upcoming fiscal year, adding to a complex mix of fiscal uncertainty and political tension. Lawmakers must approve a budget by May 31 with a simple majority; after that, a three-fifths vote is required.
Urbana residents will soon see a shift in their electricity billing as the city’s municipal electric aggregation contract with Constellation comes to an end. The expiration of the contract means that eligible accounts will revert to Ameren’s Basic Generation Service unless residents choose a different electricity provider.
lllinoisans are bracing for a significant hike in electric bills this summer as grid stress, rising demand, and legislative uncertainty converge. Beginning in June, the average residential customer in northern Illinois served by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) will see an increase of about $10.60 per month, while downstate Ameren Illinois customers face steeper hikes of 18% to 22%.
“As a graduate of the University of Illinois and a longtime Champaign resident, I’m proud to see the future of our campus taking shape,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “The new Illini Hall will be a hub for innovation in data science and a great resource for students and faculty across disciplines. Investing in projects like this – and the renovation of Altgeld Hall – shows a strong commitment to the university’s growth and its long-term impact.”
“We are delighted to host our fifth ‘Around the Block’ exhibition,” gallery director Lisa Costello said. “It is always a pleasure to be able to host such a community-oriented event where regional artists can exhibit their work and family, friends, and neighbors can visit the gallery and view the artwork in person. The exhibition includes works by artists from our community and some alumni. It is a survey of artists living in our area and I was pleased Josh agreed to be our juror.”
“Children are easily attracted to water, and even turning your attention away from a child near water for a moment to answer a phone call or tend to a child in the next room can result in dire consequences,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. “Drownings happen quickly and silently in as little as one inch of water. We ask all caregivers to be responsible for watching their children no matter how well that child can swim as not all drownings involve waving, yelling and splashing. Please remember to be water wise and supervise your children if you are near water this summer.”
The Danville Police Department is investigating two separate reports of shots fired that occurred just hours apart at the same intersection overnight.
Carle Health has announced it will discontinue its Medicare Advantage plans under Health Alliance by December 31, 2025, marking a significant shift in its insurance operations and affecting over 33,000 members. This comes just months after the health system revealed it would also be phasing out its broader Health Alliance insurance plans by the end of this year.
Champaign-Urbana continues to ride a wave of economic strength as the area posted one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state for April 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Holly is a zoomie queen who loves to dart around and play to her heart’s content. She might start off a little shy, but don’t let that fool you—she’s got a sassy streak that keeps the other cats on their toes! Holly loves to be around people and would probably prefer to be the only cat in the house–so she can get all the attention. Apply for Holly here: Holly – Moore’s Rescue Ranch