The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in August, down -0.2 percentage point from July, and up +0.4 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised July unemployment rate was 4.9 percent. Total nonfarm payrolls decreased over-the-month in August, down -4,400 (-0.1%) to 6,175,600. The July monthly change in payrolls was revised from the ...

As Illinois borrowers prepare for a new school year and as student loan payments and tuition bills come due, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is taking action to protect consumers and remind the public to be cautious of companies that offer to consolidate, pay off or reduce student loans, or enroll borrowers in lower-cost repayment plans. IDFPR has taken enforcement action against two companies allegedly providing unlicensed student loan debt relief ser...

The Sandoval Village Board is the latest to ban Kratom both in its natural and synthetic form. The ordinance also bans several other synthetic and novel substances from sale and distribution for recreational use in the community. The action comes a month after two village residents came before the board to explain how items sold at a local business had harmed their son, leaving him with disabilities. Mayor Mike Gelsinger says there will be exceptions for prescriptions for the use of the natur...

Wamac Fest is set for Saturday in the Wamac park, featuring food, refreshments, music and games for the kids. The event is scheduled from three to eleven Saturday evening. This year's music lineup includes Joel Young, One and Only Band, and Jamie Nattier. Food will include Wamac's famous BBQ pork steak, brats, hot dogs and funnel cakes. The kids' train will be in operation. There will also be inflatables and other games for the kids. All proceeds will fund Wamac Park improvements.

A 57-year-old Centralia man was brought to the Marion County Jail from court on Thursday after receiving a 14-day jail term as part of a plea under the sex offender registration law. Randy Westenhaver of South Maple admitted to failing to register a change in employers. He was also placed on two years' probation, fined $500, and ordered to pay a $600 probation service fee. A 20-year-old Salem man has been ordered to serve 20 days in the Marion County Jail after his probation was revoked in ...

Four of the individuals who objected to Anthony Decker's nomination as the Republican candidate for Marion County Sheriff have filed for judicial review following those objections being overturned by an electoral board last Friday. The four objectors are Christopher Duncan, Gavin Cass, Tracie Fisk, and Angela Wyatt. The electoral board decided against each of the objectors for similar reasons, due to the objectors bringing similar objections following the same template. Grounds 1, 2, and 4 of...

The Salem Community Theatre and Cultural Center will present its final weekend of performances of the musical "The Spitfire Grill" this weekend. Directed by director and choreographer Matt Helton, "The Spitfire Grill" tells the story of Percy Talbott, played by Lauren Berry, who arrives in the struggling town of Gilead, Wisconsin, after being released from prison and searching for a fresh start. When Percy begins working at the Spitfire Grill, her presence slowly brings bu...

The Sandoval Village Board is the latest to ban Kratom both in its natural and synthetic form. The ordinance also bans several other synthetic and novel substances from sale and distribution for recreational use in the community. The action comes a month after two village residents came before the board to explain how items sold at a local business had harmed their son, leaving him with disabilities. Mayor Mike Gelsinger says there will be exceptions for prescriptions for the use of the natu...