State News

Fitzjerrells promoted to Director of Court Services

Wednesday, August 2 by Jc Tinsley

Chief Judge Thomas Tedeschi is pleased to announce that Darla F. Fitzjerrells has been promoted to Director of Court Services of the Second Judicial Circuit of Illinois effective August 1, 2017. Director Fitzjerrells will be responsible for overseeing the operations of all probation departments... Read More.

Parents Encouraged to Include Emergency Preparedness in Back-to-School Plans

Wednesday, August 2 by Jc Tinsley

Students from pre-kindergarten through college soon will head back to school. As families prepare for the new academic year, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies across the state are encouraging parents to include emergency preparedness in their back-to-school plans.“Emergencies... Read More.

Gov. Rauner issues amendatory veto to ensure school funding bill is fair, equitable for all students

Tuesday, August 1 by Jc Tinsley

Today, Gov. Bruce Rauner issued an amendatory veto to Senate Bill 1, the school funding bill. The matter now heads to the Illinois General Assembly, where the governor has respectfully requested that lawmakers uphold his changes. If these changes are upheld, Illinois will achieve... Read More.

Health And Safety Tips For The Eclipse

Monday, July 31 by Jc Tinsley

On Monday, August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse will be visible across the entire U.S. The last total solar eclipse seen coast to coast in the U.S. was in 1918. Starting shortly before noon and lasting until 2:45 p.m. central time, people in Illinois... Read More.

Randolph County to Host Start of the 100 Day Countdown to the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration

Friday, July 28 by Jc Tinsley

The Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial announced today that Kaskaskia Island has been selected as the site to begin the 100 Day Countdown to the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration. Events are being planned for Constitution Day ‒ Aug. 26, 2017 ‒ in front of the Liberty Bell of... Read More.

Illinois Department of Labor responds to Ohio State Fair incident

Friday, July 28 by Jc Tinsley

In light of yesterday's tragic incident at the Ohio State Fair, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is suspending the operation of all rides similar to KMG’s Fire Ball until further notice. “With many festivals and county fairs occurring across the State, including the upcoming... Read More.

Job Growth Increases in Most Metro Areas But Still Below National Growth Rate

Friday, July 28 by Jc Tinsley

Unemployment rate drops in all metro areas Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates Metropolitan AreaJune 2017June 2016Over-the-Year ChangeBloomington4.4%5.3%-0.9Carbondale-Marion5.2%5.8%-0.6Champaign-Urbana4.8%5.3%-0.5Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights5.1%6.2%-1.1Danville6.8%7.0%-0.2Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL4.5%5.4%-0.9Decatur5.9%6.6%-0.7Elgin4.8%5.2%-0.4Kankakee5.4%6.0%-0.6Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI4.3%4.9%-0.6Peoria5.5%6.2%-0.7Rockford5.8%6.3%-0.5Springfield4.3%4.6%-0.3St. Louis (IL-Section)5.0%5.7%-0.7Illinois Statewide5.0%6.0%-1.0* Data subject to revision. CHICAGO–Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in June in all of Illinois’s metropolitan areas and all but two counties, according to data released... Read More.

Gov. Rauner signs HB 643, freezing legislative per diems

Friday, July 28 by Jc Tinsley

Gov. Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 643, which freezes legislative per diems at their existing levels. The bill, which was overwhelmingly approved by lawmakers of both parties, protects taxpayers and is fiscally responsible for Illinois.Gov. Rauner said at the signing, “I want to thank... Read More.

First Lady launches Illinois Family Connects

Friday, July 28 by Jc Tinsley

First Lady Diana Rauner today celebrated the launch of the Illinois Family Connects pilot program, a universal newborn support system. It is a home visiting program administered by the Children’s Home Association of Illinois in cooperation with OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in... Read More.

Know Where to Go with the Illinois Official Highway Map

Wednesday, July 26 by Jc Tinsley

The new Illinois Official Highway Map, featuring Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site in Petersburg on the cover, is now available. The 2017-2018 maps have QR (quick response) codes for numerous transportation and travel websites, updated route information and useful links.“It’s time to update... Read More.