State News

Secretary of State Offices Closed for Memorial Day

Friday, May 25 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all Monday through Friday offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2018, in observance of Memorial Day. In addition, all Tuesday through Saturday Driver Services facilities will be closed on Saturday, May 26th.All... Read More.

Red Cross Shares 20 Ways to Be Safe This Summer

Friday, May 25 by Jc Tinsley

The upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend is the unofficial start of summer when all of us will begin enjoying the outdoors and sunshine. The American Red Cross wants everyone to have fun and offers 20 things you can do to be safe all summer... Read More.

Unemployment Rate Falls in All Metros for Second Consecutive Month

Friday, May 25 by Jc Tinsley

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment RatesMetropolitan AreaApr. 2018Apr. 2017Over-the-Year ChangeBloomington3.1%3.6%-0.5Carbondale-Marion3.8%4.1%-0.3Champaign-Urbana3.2%3.6%-0.4Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights3.6%4.6%-1.0Danville4.8%5.6%-0.8Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL3.5%4.1%-0.6Decatur4.4%4.8%-0.4Elgin3.7%4.2%-0.5Kankakee4.2%4.7%-0.5Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI3.4%3.9%-0.5Peoria4.1%5.0%-0.9Rockford4.2%6.5%-2.3Springfield3.2%3.8%-0.6St. Louis (IL-Section)3.4%4.1%-0.7Illinois Statewide3.6%4.5%-0.9 * Data subject to revision.CHICAGO–Unemployment rates decreased over-the-year in April in all of Illinois’s metropolitan areas, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor... Read More.

Lanes Reopened for Memorial Day Holiday Weekend

Friday, May 25 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today the reopening of lanes where possible for the busy Memorial Day weekend to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency roadwork will be suspended from 3 p.m. Friday, May 25, through 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 29.Work zone speed limits will... Read More.

D19 Memorial Day Holiday Release

Thursday, May 24 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, 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 motorists are expected... Read More.

Jesse White Reminds Drivers to Be Safe Over Memorial Day Weekend — Don’t Drink & Drive and Don’t Drive Distracted

Wednesday, May 23 by Jc Tinsley

Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding people to travel safely during this Memorial Day holiday weekend and to not drink and drive and to not drive while distracted.“Memorial Day is a day in which we as a nation come together to remember and... Read More.

ISP District 19 announces results from May special patrols

Wednesday, May 23 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announces the results of an Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrol (OREP) held in White and Hamilton Counties during May. This OREP provided extra patrol coverage for the ISP so officers could focus on saving lives... Read More.

May 21-27, 2018 is Healthy and Safe Swimming Week

Wednesday, May 23 by Jc Tinsley

Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, May 21-27, 2018, is being observed the week before Memorial Day, a day when many pools open for the summer. This year’s national theme is “Swim Healthy. Stay Healthy.” The week is dedicated to educating people on how they... Read More.

Rep. Severin Works to Allow for “Act of God” Category on Missed Days from Rend Lake Water Crisis

Wednesday, May 23 by Jc Tinsley

State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) announced today that he has been working with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) concerning the missed days of school by students in the nine counties declared a disaster area by the governor from the water main break... Read More.

IDNR Urges Safe Boating as Busy Summer Season Begins Memorial Day Weekend

Wednesday, May 23 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois Conservation Police officers are reminding boaters to wear life jackets, and for boat operators to stay sober, as Illinois’ busiest boating season begins with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The reminders come as part of National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25.“Wearing a life... Read More.