IL State News
9 months ago
April marks Alcohol Awareness Month: Advocating for education, prevention, and recovery

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a national initiative established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol misuse and to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.

IL State News
9 months ago
AARP Illinois effort helps preserve phone access for Social Security beneficiaries

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has reversed course on a proposed plan to eliminate phone-based applications for Social Security benefits—thanks in large part to pressure from AARP and tens of thousands of Illinois residents.

Lanz Inc.
9 months ago
Champaign plumber shares essential tips on sump pump safety and backup systems

Sump pumps are essential for protecting homes from water damage, particularly in basements and crawl spaces prone to flooding. They work by automatically removing excess groundwater that collects in a sump basin, typically during heavy rain or snowmelt, and redirecting it safely away from the home’s foundation. This helps prevent structural issues, mold growth, and costly water damage. For homes in areas with high water tables or frequent storms, a sump pump provides critical protection and peace of mind.

News
9 months ago
Champaign to host Community Development Week kickoff celebration April 21

The City of Champaign will launch Community Development Week with a Kickoff Celebration on Monday, April 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place in the parking lot of the Neighborhood Services Department, located at 205 W Park Ave.

News
9 months ago
AVERAGE JOE: Wait a minute! Why am I just now learning about the NBA Play-In Tournament and why is it awesome?!!

As an “Average Joe” sports fan, I will not be performing a deep dive research effort into past NBA Play-In Tournament participants and results, but I’ll guess that the Bulls and Pacers have not been a part of prior play-in tournaments.

News
9 months ago
Brush fire spread to abandoned house in Rantoul, no injuries reported

An abandoned home on County Road 1900 E was destroyed in a fire Friday night after a brush fire got out of control, according to the Rantoul Fire Department.

IL State News
9 months ago
Illinois hits record-high employment in March as payrolls climb by 14,800 jobs

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced Thursday that nonfarm payrolls in the state reached a new record high in March, with 6,172,300 jobs — an increase of 14,800 (+0.2%) from the previous month. This surpasses the state’s prior record set in December 2024.

College
9 months ago
Chick-fil-A lets Illinois students kick for free season tickets

The kicks will take place toward the south goal post on the field at Memorial Stadium. Check-in for students will be in the northwest tunnel of Memorial Stadium beginning at 3:30 p.m. Students are required to fill out the RSVP here and be a 2025 season ticket holder to participate. University of Illinois i-cards will be required for check-in.

IL State News
9 months ago
Illinois wheat producers approve check-off program to boost industry growth

Illinois wheat producers have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a voluntary wheat check-off program aimed at boosting research, market development, and production. The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced Thursday that the referendum passed by a margin of 207 to 69.

Community
9 months ago
Illinois Marathon just days away — 100 volunteers still needed

The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, Champaign-Urbana’s biggest annual event, is fast approaching—set for April 24 through 26. But with just days to go, organizers say they still need about 100 volunteers to help make the weekend a success.