News Progress

•March 16, 2016• The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that Illinois’ unemployment rate in January rose 0.2 percentage points to 6.3 percent and nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +1,500, based on data released by IDES and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Illinois’ average job growth since employment recovery began in January 2010 remains significantly below the national average, and employment will not recover from the 2007-2009 recession until May 2016, according to IDES labor market analysts. The nation is currently 3.5 percent above its prior peak level of employment. “When you compare job growth to … Read More

•March 16, 2016• Millikin University’s student-run radio station 89.5 WJMU The Quad received its first Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Award at the 76th annual IBS Conference held March 4-6 in New York. Millikin graduate Mallory Wiedenkeller, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in December 2015, won the IBS Award for Best Radio Documentary for her “Online Friendship” production. Senior Eric Shafer, a communication major from Springfield, Ill., was an IBS Awards finalist in the Best Show Promo category for his “90s on Tap” promotional segment piece. IBS Awards finalists represent the top three to five percent of work … Read More

•March 16, 2016• A Leah Dolan benefit is Saturday, April 23, at New Life Church in Sullivan. Dolan has been diagnosed with stage four cancer and is receiving treatment. The benefit begins at noon and concludes at 7:30 p.m. Included in the activities that day are inflatables, Andrews Family Magic show, bake sale, cake walk, silent auction, regular auction by auctioneer Frank Ellison, food stand, DJ & music by local singers from area churches, face painting, hairchalk and more. A concert by David and the Giants will be 6-7:30 p.m. Donations may be made payable to Faith Lutheran Church, PO … Read More

•March 16, 2016• Nearly 32,000 residents are owed an estimated $2.7 million after they purchased a product or service from telecom giant Sprint but did not receive the rebate that incentivized the sale, treasurer Michael Frerichs charged in a lawsuit announced today. Frerichs pursued the lawsuit after the telecommunications giant and its clearinghouse partner, Young America Corp. of Minnesota, kept the rebate money. The treasurer’s office has the ability to sue because rebates are considered unclaimed property if not paid within five years and must be surrendered to the state treasury. These purchases were made between 2003 and 2005. “It … Read More