State News

BELL SMITH SPRINGS TRAILHEAD TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Tuesday, June 7 by Jc Tinsley

HARRISBURG, Ill. (JUNE 6, 2016) – Beginning Monday June 13, 2016 through Monday June 27th the Bell Smith Springs Trailhead and parking lot will be closed to allow for trail maintenance. This temporary closure includes the portion of Bell Smith Springs Road just past... Read More.

USDA Unveils New Improvement to Streamline Crop Reporting

Friday, June 3 by Jc Tinsley

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, June 2, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that farmers and ranchers filing crop acreage reports with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and participating insurance providers approved by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) now can provide the common information... Read More.

Coal Mine Safety and Rescue Skills Put to the Test at SIC June 7-8

Wednesday, June 1 by Jc Tinsley

More than 100 coal miners from around the region will assemble to compete in a variety of safety and rescue exercises at Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, Illinois, on June 7 and 8 during the fifth annual Mine Rescue Skills Competition. Rescue teams at... Read More.

Sen. Righter on lack of state budget sent to Governor

Wednesday, June 1 by Jc Tinsley

“Democrats allowing the spring legislative session to end without a balanced state budget is beyond irresponsible. They appear completely content with taking our state into a financial black hole.“Social service providers, students, schools, the vulnerable, countless organizations, and taxpayers are continuing to be held... Read More.

Rep. Brandon Phelps to Host Free Community Shred Day

Tuesday, May 31 by Jc Tinsley

n an effort to help residents safeguard themselves against fraud, state Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, is hosting a free Community Shred Day with the Harrisburg Township Park District on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the park’s district... Read More.

Righter: Legislation ensures schools will open in fall despite state budget impasse

Tuesday, May 31 by Jc Tinsley

Despite the state’s ongoing budget impasse, schools would open next fall and receive at least the same amount of funding they are receiving now under legislation co-sponsored by State Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon).Senate Bill 3434 would fully fund K-12 education for the first time... Read More.

State Troopers to Strictly Enforce Speeding, DUI, Seatbelt, and Distracted Driving

Friday, May 27 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 Commander, Captain Kelly Hodge, is reminding motorists to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent senseless tragedies during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest periods for travelers and millions of... Read More.

Reis thinks General Assembly should stay in Springfield over weekend

Friday, May 27 by Jc Tinsley

With the end of the legislative session less than a week away, members of the Illinois House of Representatives were given a schedule Thursday afternoon setting up the weekend.Legislators will be in session beginning at 9 Friday morning, but then will be given time... Read More.

IDES Unemployment Rates Increase in All Metro Areas

Thursday, May 26 by Jc Tinsley

Unemployment Rates Increase in All Metro Areas First time in six years unemployment rate up in every county Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment RatesMetropolitan AreaApril 2016April 2015Over-the-Year ChangeBloomington5.4%3.9%1.5Carbondale-Marion6.3%5.0%1.3Champaign-Urbana5.3%4.2%1.1Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights6.3%5.7%0.6Danville7.5%6.0%1.5Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL5.8%5.0%0.8Decatur7.1%5.9%1.2Elgin5.8%4.9%0.9Kankakee6.8%5.9%0.9Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI5.4%4.7%0.7Peoria6.9%5.3%1.6Rockford6.9%6.0%0.9Springfield5.1%4.4%0.7St. Louis (IL-Section)6.1%5.1%1.0Illinois Statewide6.2%5.4%0.8* Data subject to revision. CHICAGO–All metropolitan areas in Illinois experienced over- the-year unemployment rate increases... Read More.

Shimkus Tapped to Negotiate with Senate on Energy Bill

Thursday, May 26 by Jc Tinsley

Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has been selected to take part in a conference committee to reconcile differences between House and Senate energy legislation.“We’ve seen major changes to the way America produces and uses... Read More.