State News

State report: Budget out of balance by $1.7 billion

Friday, October 13 by Jc Tinsley

The state’s fiscal year 2018 budget is out of balance by $1.7 billion, according to a fiscal policy report released today by the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. The imbalance might have been avoided if the General Assembly had enacted $2 billion...

Shawnee National Forest conducting visitor surveys

Thursday, October 12 by Jc Tinsley

When visiting Shawnee National Forest, you may notice Forest Service employees wearing bright orange vests near signs that say “Survey Site – Please stop.”“We kicked off visitor surveys this month. These surveys are a way...

ISP District 19 announces September enforcement activity

Thursday, October 12 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois State Police District 19 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announced today activity and enforcement figures for the month of September. Troopers in District 19, which includes Wabash, Edwards, Wayne, White, Hamilton, Saline, and Gallatin Counties, recorded 1,270 incidents during the month.Enforcement activity consisted of...

IDOT Seeks Feedback on Illinois Rest Areas

Thursday, October 12 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking for the public’s help in developing a plan that will determine the best use of the state’s rest areas. An online survey, accessible at

Gov. Rauner highlights importance of tourism to Illinois economy

Thursday, October 12 by Jc Tinsley

Gov. Rauner today emphasized the role tourism plays in the economic health of Illinois communities at the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau annual meeting and awards luncheon. This year’s theme was The Power of Tourism.“As the third largest employer in...

State Fire Marshal Recognizes National Fire Prevention Week

Monday, October 9 by Jc Tinsley

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) today kicks off National Fire Prevention Week 2017. Governor Rauner proclaimed October 8 through October 14 as Fire Prevention Week in Illinois to encourage residents to learn and prepare for emergency situations.This year the theme is...

Two Trail Advocacy Groups help on River to River Trail improvements

Thursday, October 5 by Jc Tinsley

Members from two trail advocacy groups recently joined forces to improve one of the most popular trails in southern Illinois: the River to River Trail. Sharing their passion for trails and love of the outdoors, members from Shawnee Trail Conservancy and Back Country Horsemen...

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Thursday, October 5 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is announcing the launch of its new website (

Illinois Republican Congressional Delegation Releases Statement on H.R. 36 In Response to the Signing of Illinois H.B. 40

Wednesday, October 4 by Jc Tinsley

In the wake of legislation signed by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner that would allow for the use of taxpayer money to cover an unlimited number of abortions anytime for any reason, members of the Illinois Republican Congressional Delegation voted to advance bipartisan legislation...

Lincoln Presidential Library releases oral history of high school sports in Illinois

Tuesday, October 3 by Jc Tinsley

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library’s Oral History Program is proud to release a new collection of interviews telling the story of high school sports in Illinois through the words of students, coaches, referees, broadcasters and administrators.The project, “Sports Stories: IHSA,” features...