State News

Application Deadline Approaching for the Governor’s Hometown Awards

Wednesday, July 24 by Jc Tinsley

The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Hometown Awards (GHTA) program. GHTA gives formal recognition to those who contributed to projects that improved their community’s quality of life. These projects, sponsored by local...

Speed Awareness Day; Slow Down or Get Pulled Over

Wednesday, July 24 by Jc Tinsley

Today is Speed Awareness Day. Illinois State Police and other law enforcement agencies will be on Illinois roads aggressively enforcing speed limits. The goal is to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities police say is caused by speeding. ISP says in 2017, 42...

Illinois Joblessness Down and Payrolls Up for June

Friday, July 19 by Jc Tinsley

The state jobless rate for June came in at 4.3%. That’s down from 4.4% in May. Illinois Department of Employment Security spokesperson Sam Salustro says payrolls increased by more than 11 thousand.“In June, we saw job growth remain pretty strong here in Illinois. We’ve...

Audit finds IDOT Didn’t Inspect Bridges, Follow Reporting Requirements

Friday, July 19 by Jc Tinsley

A state lawmaker who supported doubling the state’s gas tax to pay for infrastructure projects said a new audit could mean some planned projects won't get funded.

Illinois Senate could Vote on Fingerprinting for FOID this Fall

Friday, July 19 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Senate could take action on a measure to require Illinois residents to submit fingerprints to get a Firearm Owners Identification card when lawmakers return this October.

Extreme Heat Could Cause Pavement Blowouts; Motorists Asked to Be Cautious

Thursday, July 18 by Jc Tinsley

With extreme heat the lead story in most area newscasts, IDOT says motorists should be on the lookout for buckling pavement on roadways. Blowouts occur when prolonged high temperatures cause the road to expand and buckle resulting in uneven driving surfaces. Precipitation and humidity...

Regional Men Face/Sentenced for Meth Crimes

Thursday, July 18 by Jc Tinsley

One Williamson County man has been charged, another sentenced and a Mt. Vernon, Illinois man has been sentenced with federal drug offenses.34 year old Adam Walker of Herrin has been charged by indictment with unlawfully possessing more than 50 grams of meth with the...

Group Looking to Secede from Chicago to Hold Meeting in Mt. Vernon this Saturday

Monday, July 15 by Jc Tinsley

Coming up Saturday, July 20th, a group interested in splitting the Land of Lincoln into two states will hold an informational meeting in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. From 1 – 3pm, folks are invited to join New Illinois, Inc. at the Fairfield Inn at 217...

Governor in Southern Illinois Today Hailing Gambling Expansion and Infrastructure Improvements

Tuesday, July 2 by Jc Tinsley

A gambling critic said the state could lose a bet on how many jobs will be created by expanding Illinois’ gambling industry. While state officials expect to see more gambling revenue, that revenue could come with additional problems. Along with the infrastructure bill...