At least 17 correctional officers were sent to the hospital after being exposed to narcotics at the federal penitentiary in Thomson. Officials said all were exposed in the mail room.

A spokesman for the union said mail is coming into the prison soaked in narcotics, and they are asking that all mail stop coming into the prison for the time being to keep employees from being exposed.

Last October, employees at 27 state prisons staged a protest demanding the Illinois Department of Corrections switch to digital mail to help reduce the flow of drugs into the lockups.

Government jobs contribute to record high March payroll

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that nonfarm payrolls increased nearly 15,000 over-the-month to a record high of 6,172,300 in March.

The industry sector with the largest over-the-month job increases was government. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.8 percent in March. The national unemployment rate is 4.2%.

Six Flags in Gurnee opens Friday

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee opens for the 2025 season on Friday.

Wrath of Rakshasa, a record-breaking dive coaster, has been added to the park’s thrill-ride roster, but will not be ready for riders on opening weekend.

Additionally, Six Flags officials reminded patrons that no cannabis or derived products are allowed to be possessed, smoked or consumed anywhere on park property.