State News

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.

Statement from Speaker Madigan on school funding measure

Tuesday, July 25 by Jc Tinsley

Speaker Michael J. Madigan issued the following statement Tuesday:“Throughout three years of the governor’s budget crisis, we saw very clearly that political theater is not a substitute for real leadership. By calling a special session while he refuses to negotiate and even says ‘there’s... Read More.

Illinois State Police Join Forces with Agencies Statewide for 2017 Illinois Speed Awareness Day Campaign

Friday, July 21 by Jc Tinsley

During Illinois Speed Awareness Day this July 26th, Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 is taking a proactive approach to promote safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists through both education and enforcement. In Illinois during 2015, speed was the reason for 34.2% of all... Read More.

Job growth remains below national average

Friday, July 21 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage points to 4.7 percent in June and nonfarm payrolls increased by +8,600 jobs over-the-month, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and... Read More.

Illinois celebrates 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Friday, July 21 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), along with several other state agencies and councils, hosted a celebratory event to honor the 27th anniversary of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the James R. Thompson Center. The interactive and informative event included... Read More.

Competitive Eating Contest Comes to Illinois State Fair

Friday, July 21 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois State Fair is home to many things, giant statues of Abraham Lincoln, thrilling carnival rides, and blockbuster Grandstand concerts, and this year we are adding a Competitive Eating Contest to that diverse list.This year, the Illinois State Fair is teaming up with... Read More.

Gov. Rauner to lawmakers: “Send me the education funding bill now”

Thursday, July 20 by Jc Tinsley

Today, Gov. Bruce Rauner again called on lawmakers to send him Senate Bill 1, the school funding reform bill. If the bill is not sent to Gov. Rauner’s desk soon, public schools throughout the state may not open in time for the new school... Read More.

20th Anniversary Running of the EAA AirVenture Cup Race Starts at Mount Vernon Outland Airport July 21

Thursday, July 20 by Jc Tinsley

Mount Vernon, Ill – July 14, 2017 – Mt. Vernon Outland Airport in Mount Vernon, Ill., will be the site of three days of exciting aviation events starting July 21 and concluding on July 23 when over 90 unique aircraft start the race of... Read More.

SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST PREPARES FOR ECLIPSE 2017

Thursday, July 20 by Jc Tinsley

Shawnee National Forest is a popular destination for people headed to Southern Illinois for this summer’s solar eclipse, which takes place August 21. “We expect many people will watch the solar eclipse at NASA’s marquee event in Carbondale, and some will choose to watch it... Read More.

Governor’s Hometown Awards – Application Deadline August 1

Thursday, July 20 by Jc Tinsley

The Serve Illinois Commission is reminding all interested parties that applications for the Governor’s Hometown Awards are due in less than two weeks. The awards give formal recognition to those who contributed to their community’s quality of life through projects that have strong volunteer... Read More.