logo
New DMV+ in Champaign making visits faster

New DMV+ in Champaign making visits faster

Yahoo2 days ago
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — DMV's haven't always been known for their speed. However, one in Central Illinois just got an upgrade to make visits faster.
Champaign's DMV+ opened Monday, and all employees have been cross-trained. This means that people can now access all driver and vehicle services at a single counter through one appointment.
'It's not right for people to have to take up their valuable time, so we are really excited,' Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, said.
Gas prices rise nine cents in Champaign, GasBuddy finds
This is the first DMV+ outside of Springfield and Chicago to open, and it's a decision that's been in the works since 2023.
'It essentially started as soon as we took office and we knew that we wanted to create some more efficiencies, we knew we wanted to bring more services,' Giannoulias said.
Customers at the DMV can now get certified copies of business records, can file items for LLCs, and get documents needed for things like adoption or international business. Before Monday, that could only be accomplished in Springfield or Chicago.
'When we found out that people were traveling very far just to access Secretary of State services… we thought, 'it's not efficient, and it's not right for people to take up their valuable time to do this,'' Giannoulias said.
Champaign's mayor knows first hand the frustrations of a long visit at the DMV.
Champaign Police Dept. announces results of speed awareness campaign
'I was an intern for the Secretary of State, and so, I would see the lines of people out the door,' Mayor Deborah Feinen said.
She remembered why that was the case.
'Back in the day, where everybody did one or two pieces of a job, you would get passed from station to station,' Feinen added.
Now, the DMV+ is a One-Stop-Shop.
'So, when you come in for your appointment, you have one point of contact, you're not going to different desks to try to get things done… it's a pretty easy in and out,' Feinen said.
That should save valuable time.
'It's home:' Diving into 72 years of family history at Sloan Furniture in Our Town Morrisonville
'But most importantly, it significantly cuts down on the time they have to wait in line moving from station to station,' Giannoulias added.
You can make appointments online for all services to help speed up your visit even more, and walk-ins are still welcome.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Solve the daily Crossword
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Stagflation is a Lot Closer Than You Think
Stagflation is a Lot Closer Than You Think

Bloomberg

time21 minutes ago

  • Bloomberg

Stagflation is a Lot Closer Than You Think

The Federal Reserve is in a bind. After shockingly weak jobs data on Friday — and with inflation stubbornly above trend — it's becoming clear that the central bank's dual mandates of maximum employment and price stability are both offsides and pulling in opposite directions. What should the Fed do? The inflationary impact of Donald Trump's tariffs is starting to seep in. Data released last week showed the Fed's preferred core inflation number from personal consumption expenditures (PCE) rose 2.8% in June from a year earlier. Next week, the government's consumer price report is expected to show core inflation rose 3% in July in the year through July. Both numbers are above target and projected to rise further.

Claire's files for bankruptcy - again. See which stores are closing.
Claire's files for bankruptcy - again. See which stores are closing.

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Claire's files for bankruptcy - again. See which stores are closing.

Mall jewelry chain Claire's has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in seven years. The majority of Claire's locations in the U.S. and the rest of North America will remain open as the company "continues to explore all strategic alternatives," according to a news release issued Wednesday, Aug. 6, by parent company Claire's Holdings LLC and Claire's U.S., which operates Claire's and Icing stores in the U.S. Claire's, which is based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, near Chicago, has continued to struggle since a March 2018 bankruptcy filing. The rise of ultra-popular fast fashion websites Shein and Temu had cut into sales for the jewelry store chain, which has 1,326 company-operated stores in the U.S. Other detrimental factors: rising interest rates, inflation and tariffs on goods from China. Known for its ear piercings and teen fashion accessories, the chain joins other companies facing bankruptcies and store closings such as At Home, Big Lots, Joann Fabrics, Kohl's, JCPenney, Macy's and Party City. Here's what to know, including which stores are closing. Kroger: Supermarket chain closing two more stores, adding to list of closures Why is Claire's filing for backtuptcy? Ahead of the Aug. 6 bankruptcy filing, the company had sought to find a buyer for all or part of the business, and identified 18 stores it would close, according to filings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. "This decision is difficult, but a necessary one. Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire's and its stakeholders," said Claire's CEO Chris Cramer in the news release. "We remain in active discussions with potential strategic and financial partners and are committed to completing our review of strategic alternatives." Earlier this year, Claire's deferred payments on debt interest as a way to conserve cash, Bloomberg reported. U.S. tariff policy uncertainties has led to concerns about Claire's ability to pay a $475 million loan due in December 2026, according to Bloomberg. Another sign of financial pressure and cash flow problems at Claire's: the company had increasingly fallen behind on its bills over the past year, according to Ragini Bhalla, spokesperson for business credit report provider Creditsafe. "These patterns once again reveal that the retailer has been struggling to handle its financial obligations and delaying paying more of its outstanding bills," he said in July 30 report shared with USA TODAY. Which Claire's and Icing stores are closing? A total of 18 Claire's and Icing stores will be closing, with clearance sales concluding no later than Sept. 7, according to the company's court filings. Additional stores could close, the company said in the filing. Here's the current list: Claire's Stores closing (13) Eastdale Mall, Montgomery, Alabama Newpark Mall, Newark, California Ford City Mall, Chicago Market Street, Lynnfield, Massachusetts Bay City Town Center, Bay City, Michigan Northtown Mall, Blaine, Minnesota Livingston Mall, Livingston, New Jersey Uniontown Mall, Uniontown, Pennsylvania Shops at Highland Village, Highland Village, Texas Pinnacle at Turkey Creek, Knoxville, Tennessee Junction Commons, Park City, Utah Provo Town Center, Provo, Utah Woodinville Plaza, Woodinville, Washington Icing stores closing (5) Galleria at Tyler, Riverside, California Woodland Mall, Grand Rapids, Michigan Greece Ridge, Rochester, New York Mall of Abilene, Abilene, Texas University Orem, Orem, Utah Contributing: Greta Cross and Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@ What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Claire's files for bankruptcy. See closing list. Sign in to access your portfolio

How and when to add another driver to your car insurance
How and when to add another driver to your car insurance

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

How and when to add another driver to your car insurance

As a driver and vehicle owner, car insurance is a non-negotiable. Carrying enough coverage can do more than satisfy your state's insurance requirements; you can protect your vehicle, your finances, and anyone else who drives your car regularly if you're ever involved in an accident. If you live with another licensed driver who uses your car, your insurer will likely require you to add them to your policy. The same goes for other people who drive your car regularly. Here's what you need to know about when and how to add a driver to your car insurance. Learn more: How does car insurance work? The basics explained. When should you add someone to your car insurance policy? Depending on your state and insurer, you may be required to include all licensed drivers who live with you on your car insurance policy. Beyond that, anyone who drives your vehicle on a regular basis may have to be added as well — regardless of whether you share an address or not. If a frequent driver causes an accident while behind the wheel of your car, and they aren't listed as a driver on your policy, your insurer may not cover them. In some cases, your insurance company might go as far as canceling your policy. Who needs to be added to a car insurance policy? Adding a driver to your car insurance policy can ensure that you're adequately covered if someone is at fault in an accident while driving your car. That could significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs if there's damage to your car or another driver's vehicle, or if someone is injured in the accident. It can also help cover your legal fees if someone brings a lawsuit against you. Below are some people who may need to be added to your car insurance policy: A new teenage driver. If your teen has recently obtained their driver's license, you'll likely be required to add them to your car insurance policy. You may have to do the same for teen drivers who obtain a learner's permit, depending on your state laws and insurance company. A child who's away at college. If your college student gets their driver's license and lives away at school, you might add them to your insurance policy if they drive your car when they're home. A roommate who has a driver's license. That may be a friend, family member, or significant other who moves in with you. If they're a licensed driver who lives at the same address, you'll likely need to add them to your auto insurance policy if they use your car. You might also have the option to share a joint policy, which could make your car insurance more affordable. Someone who begins driving your car regularly. This applies to anyone who frequently borrows your vehicle, whether that's a friend, relative, caregiver, or household worker. They don't need to live with you to be added to your policy. Up Next Up Next How to add someone to your auto insurance The exact process can vary depending on the insurer, but here's a general idea of what to do when adding a new driver to your car insurance. Reach out to your car insurance company. Most allow policyholders to make the addition online or within a mobile app. You might also be able to do it over the phone. Have the driver's information ready. Your insurance company will likely request the new driver's name, date of birth, driver's license number, and driving record. Does adding someone to your car insurance increase the cost? Adding anyone to your policy should increase the cost of your insurance. But the specific change in your costs will depend on the new driver's age, experience, and driving record. If they've filed previous insurance claims or received traffic tickets in the past, that could increase your premium going forward. But in some cases, adding a new driver to your policy could make you eligible for certain car insurance discounts. That might include price breaks for the following types of drivers: Veterans, active military service members, or federal employees Students who maintain at least a B average Those with a history of safe driving Drivers who take a defensive driving course Drivers who keep their mileage low Homeowners Certain alumni or professional organization members Learn more: How to bundle home and auto insurance When to change coverage when you add a driver Adding a new driver may be a good time to adjust your coverage. That may involve adding optional coverage, such as comprehensive or collision insurance, or modifying your policy limits. That might make sense if: You're adding an inexperienced driver and want stronger protection. You're buying a new car and need to change your coverage to meet your lender's insurance requirements. You've recently moved and need to comply with your new state's minimum insurance laws. Learn more: How much car insurance do I need? When should I remove someone from a policy? Your car insurance policy isn't set in stone. Just as you can add a new driver, you can remove one as needed. You might do this if the person: No longer lives with you or has passed away Has stopped driving your car regularly When removing a driver from your policy, your insurance company may request proof that the person no longer shares your address. Every insurer has its own process. It may be possible to remove a driver over the phone, online, or via a mobile app. You can get in touch with your insurance company to clarify the details. Adding a new driver to a car insurance policy is usually a straightforward process, and in some cases, it could allow you to qualify for certain discounts. Start by contacting your insurance company to see when it might be required. Tim Manni edited this article.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store