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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend truly wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredible support from our local community,” said Jan Seeley, race director of Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. “Our race team is so thankful for all they do for us, and we continue to do all we can to return the favor. These expanded programs will help us all grow together and create opportunities for everyone to succeed on and off the race course.”
In one of Central Illinois’ closest mayoral races, Sam Hall unseated three-term incumbent Chuck Smith by just 34 votes — 684 to 650 — becoming Rantoul’s first African American mayor. Hall now joins Terrence Stuber in Tolono and DeShawn Williams in Urbana as part of a historic wave of new leadership breaking barriers across the region.
According to the Council of State Community Development Agencies, National Community Development Week was created in 1986 by the National Community Development Association and other organizations to bring attention to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) when the program was facing scrutiny by Congress. It also provides the opportunity to support the HOME Investment Partnerships program. The point of week is to raise awareness of the impact and need for CDBG and HOME funding.
Tony is a handsome and curious young tabby who is getting used to the good life indoors. He loves playing with his siblings, chasing after toys, and finding the perfect sunny spot for a nap. While he’s still learning to fully trust people, he’s already showing his sweet and affectionate side. With a little patience and plenty of playtime, Tony will make a wonderful companion who will bring joy to his forever home.
Illinois State Police have charged a Champaign County Sheriff’s deputy with felony theft following an investigation into financial misconduct involving a police support nonprofit.