State News

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Governor Signs Charlie’s Law

Thursday, July 20 by Jc Tinsley

Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed Charlie’s Law, a-first-in-the-nation bill that enables all children in Illinois to receive treatment under their insurance plans for the debilitating behavioral disease PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). “Today is an important day. This shows...

Kansas City BBQ Society State BBQ Championship to be held in Downtown Effingham Illinois July 28th and 29th, 2017

Wednesday, July 19 by Jc Tinsley

Come out and enjoy some award winning barbeque, drinks, live music, local vendors, and help support the Chamber Foundation Community Scholarship Program. This event will take place rain or shine in Downtown Effingham, IL.Festivities begin Friday, July 28th with a Hometown Throw-Down Local BBQ...