Dunkin’ locations across Central Illinois hosted law enforcement officers as they climbed onto rooftops for the 22nd annual “Cop on a Rooftop” event, raising funds for Special Olympics Illinois.
Illinois’ seat belt law was enacted on July 1, 1985 and strengthened in July 2003 to allow officers to pull over drivers who aren’t buckled up. Seat belt usage has increased from 15.9% in 1985 to 92.4% in 2024. During the campaign, officers will enforce the usage of vehicle restraints. Those found unbuckled will be issued citations and written warnings. Efforts to address seat belt concerns in Champaign will focus on arterial routes.
NFPA data shows that gas grills were involved in an average of 9,287 home fires per year between 2019 and 2023. In about 20% of these fires, the grill had not been cleaned. On average, 21,682 people went to the emergency rooms because of grill-related injuries between 2020 and 2024, according to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 4,100 in April, reaching a record high of 6,172,500 jobs, beating the previous record set in March. This marks three consecutive months of job growth. The state unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.8%. The revised job growth for March was lowered from the initial +14,800 to +10,900 jobs.
Residents in Mansfield are under a boil order due to a water main break affecting the 100 and 200 blocks of East Illinois Street. Until further notice, people in the affected area are advised to boil tap water before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.
The Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners held its organizational meeting Tuesday evening, marking a leadership transition with the swearing-in of two new board members, the election of new officers, and heartfelt farewells to two long-serving public servants.
The findings come from Map the Meal Gap, Feeding America’s annual study tracking hunger at the local level. Map the Meal Gap is currently in its 15th year and provides county-by-county insights into food insecurity and food costs. The report builds on USDA data showing over 47 million Americans including 14 million children have experienced food insecurity in 2023—the highest in over a decade.
“Dr. Mane’s visit to Parkland as a Fulbright Scholar this academic year was made possible thanks to the efforts of Dean Joseph Walwik who submitted the application to the Department of Education,” says Isabel Scarborough, Department Chair of Arts, Media, and Social Sciences. “Both Arts, Media, and Social Sciences, and Humanities are grateful for Dr. Mane’s contributions which added to our student’s academic experiences and enhanced faculty collegiality.”
“Meridian is deeply committed to the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve, and that starts with how we fuel our bodies,” said Rutu Ezhuthachan, MD, Meridian Chief Medical Officer. “At Meridian we believe food is medicine. Providing our members with access to farmers markets with fresh fruits and vegetables will help our members to be healthy and happy. We recognize that access to nutritious food is a fundamental component of good health, and we are proud to partner with these local farmers markets to make fresh, affordable produce more accessible in areas where it is needed most.”
Most facilities will open by Memorial Day weekend, with extended hours and special events scheduled throughout the season.