State News

Federal Grant Awarded to Widen I-57 Near Carbondale

Thursday, March 8 by Jc Tinsley

The state of Illinois is receiving a $7.6 million grant to add lanes and help ease the flow of traffic in an often-congested, 5-mile stretch of Interstate 57 between Johnston City and Pond Creek. The Illinois Department of Transportation and U.S. Rep. Mike Bost... Read More.

What tax reform means for Illinois

Thursday, March 8 by Jc Tinsley

VIEW ONLINE | Small business owners passing out bonuses.Parents saving for their kids’ education.Relief for families struggling to get by.These are just a handful of the stories shared by members of the Illinois delegation on the House floor. With the Tax... Read More.

Illinois voters unhappy with state’s direction; barely influenced by tax cuts: Simon Poll

Wednesday, March 7 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois voters are not very sanguine about the overall direction of the state and nation, but they are much happier about the direction of their own town or city. Voters are also not impressed with the recent federal tax cuts and do not plan... Read More.

Governor Rauner appoints Brig. Gen. William P. Robertson as IEMA Acting Director

Tuesday, March 6 by Jc Tinsley

Gov. Bruce Rauner today announced he has appointed Brig. Gen. William P. Robertson as Acting Director for the state’s Emergency Management Agency.“I’m confident Gen. Robertson’s decades of leadership experience in both wartime and domestic operations will ensure IEMA continues to fulfill its critical public... Read More.

‘Blues Brothers’ named top Illinois movie in project to choose state’s top people, places and things

Tuesday, March 6 by Jc Tinsley

Illinoisans have chosen “The Blues Brothers” as the top movie in state history, embracing a film that celebrates car crashes, classic songs, Chicago landmarks and two shady characters trying desperately to do the right thing.“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “A League of Their Own”... Read More.

Spring Snake Road Closure at Shawnee National Forest

Monday, March 5 by Jc Tinsley

Shawnee National Forest’s Snake Road is closing March 15 so that snakes and amphibians – some of them considered threatened and endangered in Illinois and the United States – can migrate from limestone bluffs to nearby LaRue Swamp. Closing the 2.5-mile-long road, also known... Read More.

Carmi native named Illinois State Fair Manager

Monday, March 5 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe has appointed Luke Sailer the new Division Manager of Fair and Promotional Services. The Division of Fairs & Promotional Services oversees the bureaus of Illinois State Fair, Du Quoin State Fair, Business Services and County Fairs &... Read More.

Pro 2nd Amendment Reis Votes No on Chicago-led Gun Grabs

Thursday, March 1 by Jc Tinsley

State Representative David Reis spent the final two days of February in Springfield, battling Chicago Democrat-led attempts to implement a wide-ranging gun control agenda. Within 48 hours, legislation that creates new restrictions on age, ammunition limits, and new costs and licensing requirements on small... Read More.

IL House Democrats Pass Sweeping Gun Safety Measures

Thursday, March 1 by Jc Tinsley

Responding to a nationwide call from students and parents for immediate action on gun safety in the wake of another tragic mass shooting, Illinois House Democrats passed critical legislation reducing access to assault rifles, banning the sale of ‘bump stock’ modifications, and licensing gun... Read More.

Prairie Farmer Names 2018 Master Farmers

Thursday, March 1 by Jc Tinsley

MARIETTA, Ill. (March 1, 2018) – Four Illinois farmers have been selected as 2018 Master Farmers by Prairie Farmer magazine. The group will be honored for their exceptional agricultural production skills and community service at a ceremony in Springfield, Ill., on Wednesday, March 14. Award... Read More.