ILLINOIS
Illinois National Guard Commemorates 300 Years of Service
By David Slavik, The Chicago Times April 28, 2023 SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois National Guard will commemorate its 300th birthday in Springfield Illinois in May. The Illinois National Guard officially turns 300 years old on May 9, but will celebrate on May 6 by commemorating significant dates in its…
DeKalb Man Jailed for Robbery of a Bank and Fast Food Establishment
By David Slavik, The Chicago Times April 8, 2023 ROCKFORD, IL – A DeKalb man was handed nearly eight years in prison Thursday for his part in a robbery of a DeKalb area restaurant and a Sycamore area bank. A US District judge sentenced Kevin Hagemeier, 26, to nearly eight…
DeWitt County Convenience Store Owner Charged with Sales Tax Fraud
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times March 25, 2023 CLINTON, IL – An owner and operator of four DeWitt County convenience stores has been charged with sales tax fraud by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. According to Raoul’s office, 38-year-old Surjit Singh, of Clinton, Illinois, allegedly defrauded the state out…
Chicago Area Red-Light Camera Company Rep Sentenced to Five Years
By James R. Scott, The Chicago Times March 4, 2023 CHICAGO – A salesman for an unnamed Chicago-area red-light camera company has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for conspiring to pay bribes to a public official and for filing a false tax return. United States…
Three Plead Guilty to $6.5 Million Healthcare Fraud
By Janice Cameron, The Chicago Times March 3, 2023 CHICAGO – A Chicago-area physical therapist, health care professional, and a personal trainer have pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud schemes that totaled $6.5 million dollars in fraudulent claims. United States Attorney for the Northern District John R. Lausch, Jr. said Inessa…
ISP Firearm Enforcement Grant Sees More Than 1,000 Compliance Checks
By David Slavik, The Chicago Times February 25, 2023 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois State Police announced that their firearm enforcement grants awarded to law enforcement agencies across Illinois saw 1,115 firearm enforcement checks and placed 472 individuals into compliance with the Firearm Owner Identification Card Act (FOID) in 2022. According…
Approximately 190 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers Mobilize for Overseas Mission
Illinois National Guard February 08, 2023 PEORIA, IL – Approximately 190 Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, based in Peoria, and Company B, 935th Aviation Support Battalion, based in Kankakee, mobilized for an overseas mission to the U.S. Central Command area of…
Two Illinois Paramedics Charged in Death of Patient
By Janice Cameron, The Chicago Times January 21, 2023 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Two Illinois paramedics have been charged in the death of a patient they strapped faced down on a stretcher. According to prosecutors, Peggy Finley, 44, and Peter Cadigan, 50, have been charged with first-degree murder in the death…
Republican House Leader Durkin to Retire
By David Slavik, The Chicago Times January 09, 2023 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Republican House Leader State Representative Jim Durkin announced he will retire on Tuesday. In November, Durkin had announced that he would resign his leadership position within the Republican caucus. Durkin blamed former President Donald Trump for Republican defeats…
Prepare to Pay: Nicor Proposes Massive Rate Hike
By Grant McCormick, The Chicago Times January 06, 2023 NAPERVILLE, IL – Nicor Gas has filed for a hefty rate increase that will further empty consumer’s pockets in northern Illinois. According to a Nicor filing, the company is requesting to increase rates by $321 million, which if approved, would force…
Peoria: John Kelly Running For Reelection In Peoria
By The Chicago Times Staff November 28, 2022 PEORIA, IL — A Peoria Council member has announced plans for reelection. John Kelly announced his campaign to run for a second term as an at-large council member. Kelly promoted the passage of a real estate tax abatement on new residential construction,…
Lincoln Home National Historic Site Offers Free Trick-Or-Treat Event
By The Chicago Times Staff October 6, 2022 SPRINGFIELD – The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield has announced a free trick-or-treat event. According to a press release, the free event will be held on October 29 between 5-7 pm at the Visitor Center located at 426 South 7th…
Sangamon County: Man Indicted On 8 Counts Of First Degree Murder
By David Slavik, The Chicago Times September 29, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – A man suspected of committing a double homicide in Sangamon County was indicted Wednesday on eight counts of first-degree murder. A Sangamon County Grand Jury indicted 23-year-old Mark N. Crites on 13 counts, including 8 counts of first-degree…
Disgraced Former Illinois House Speaker Madigan Granted Extension In Up Coming Trial
By Gary Parker, The Chicago Times August 3, 2022 CHICAGO – Disgraced former Democrat Illinois House Speaker Michael “Apples” Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain were granted an extension in their racketeering trail until next year to allow defense attorneys to review evidence disclosed by prosecutors. US District Judge Robert Blakey…
Comedian Trevor Noah Will To Headline Illinois State Fair Lottery Grandstand
By The Chicago Times Staff June 20, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Trevor Noah, Emmy Award-winning host of the “The Daily Show”, will bring his stand-up comedy to the Illinois Lottery Grandstand stage on Friday, August 19. Noah has written, produced, and starred in 11 comedy specials, including his most recent…
Pritzker To Place Grocery Sales Tax On A Diet
by Horace Douglas, The Chicago Times April 8, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker announced plans to suspend grocery taxes and freeze the state’s fuel tax. According to Pritzker’s office, $1.8 billion have been earmarked in the new budget for taxpayer relief. “Over the last few weeks,…
Killer Nurse Convicted
By Janice Cameron, The Chicago Times March 24, 2022 EDWARDSVILLE, IL – A licensed practical nurse has been convicted on charges of reckless conduct for failing to administer life-saving measures to a Collinsville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center patient. According to Madison County prosecutors, Christy McCall, 45, of Belleville was convicted…
FORMER ILLINOIS HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE ‘APPLES’ MADIGAN INDICTED
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times March 2, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan was indicted Wednesday on 22 criminal counts including racketeering and bribery. According to federal prosecutors, for decades Madigan, 79, used the power of his elected offices and professional position to further…
Springfield To Address Teacher Shortage
By Janice Cameron, The Chicago Times March 2, 2022 SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers presented legislation last Thursday that proposes to solve the alarming teacher shortage that is plaguing Illinois. The proposed legislation will extend the number of days retired teachers would be able to teach within a given school year, lower…
Illinois Judge Dismisses Pritzker’s School Mask Mandate
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times February 18, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Governor J. B. Pritzker’s appeal of a Sangamon County’s ruling over school mask mandates has been dismissed by an appellate court early on Friday. In earlier February, a Sangamon County judge ruled that Pritzker’s mask mandate was invalid. …
Pritzker Touts Reelection Year Tax Relief
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times January 31, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Governor J.B. Pritzker plans to present on Wednesday a reelection year budget proposal with $1 billion in one-time tax relief. Many critics see this proposal as a reelection gimmick to buy votes. Pritzker was set to present his…
Plainfield Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase In Indiana
By David Slavik, The Chicago Times January 21, 2022 LAPORTE COUNTY, IN – A Plainfield man was arrested Thursday after leading Indiana State Police in high pursuit chase in LaPorte County, Indiana. According to Indiana State Police, state troopers were following a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with stolen plates southbound…
Pritzker Announces Next Phase Of Houbolt Road Project In Joliet
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times January 20, 2022 JOLIET, IL — Gov. J. B. Pritzker announced Thursday the next phase of construction on the new Houbolt Road bridge and interchange which is part of Pritzker’s $1.2 billion commitment to improve and modernize Interstate 80 through the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois…
Decatur: Man Arrested In Connection Of Carjacking A Good Samaritan
By Janice Cameron, The Chicago Times January 20, 2022 DECATUR, IL — A man wanted for the carjacking of a good Samaritan in Indiana was arrested in Decatur, Illinois. Decatur police reported that Randy Terrell Brown-Watkins was arrested on January 13 in Decatur on separate charges and is awaiting extradition…
DURKIN TO COMBAT ‘SMASH AND GRAB’ ROBBERIES
By Horace Douglas, The Chicago Times January 4, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois State Representative Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, has proposed a bill to target the rise of “smash-and-grab” robberies. Durkin, Minority Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, proposed House Bill 4275 which will make organized retail theft a…
Four Suspects Arrested In Bradley Hotel Shooting That Killed Police Officer
By The Chicago Times Staff December 31, 2021 BRADLEY, IL – Four suspects in connection with the murder and wounding of police officers at a hotel in Bradley Illinois have been arrested. According to Bradley police, Darius D Sullivan, 25, wanted in connection to the shooting, was taken into on…
Secretary Of State To Close Driver Services Facilities For 2 Weeks
By The Chicago Times Staff December 30, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Secretary of State Jesse White ordered all driver services facilities to close for two weeks in January due to COVID-19. According to a press release on Wednesday, the closure will be from Jan 3 through Jan 17. White’s office…
Alleged Murderer of Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Captured
By The Chicago Times Staff December 30, 2021 FAIRFIELD, IL — The suspect in the murder of a Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy has been captured. Ray Tate, 40, of Kentucky, allegedly hijacked a semi-truck after the murder of Deputy Sean Riley. Tate held the driver of the semi-truck at gunpoint…
Illinois Loses 122,000 Residents In 2021
By Horace Douglas, The Chicago Times December 29, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL – According to the latest census figures for Illinois, nearly 122,000 residents have left the state. According to the data, the net loss of 122,000 inhabitants has not been seen since the year 2000. Population loss is due to…
University Of Illinois To Go Remote For Spring
By Horace Douglas, The Chicago Times December 22, 2021 CHICAGO – University officials at University of Illinois Chicago and Northwestern University announced they will be joining other colleges that return to remote learning when students return from holiday break. According to a press release, the remote session will last the…
Illinois: Minimum Wage To Increase On New Year’s Day
By John McPhaul, The Chicago Times December 21, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois’ minimum wage will be raised to $12 per hour on January 1, 2022. The $1 raise will be applied to every hour worked in the New Year and is part of legislation passed into law by Gov.…
Pritzker Officially Repeals Parental Notice Of Abortion Act
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times December 17, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Just before heading off for the weekend this Friday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation repealing a law that required parental notification before a minor receives an abortion. The repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act also…
Edwardsville: Workers Killed In Amazon Warehouse Collapse
by The Chicago Times Staff December 11, 2021 EDWARDSVILLE, IL – It has been confirmed that several Amazon workers have died after an Amazon warehouse roof collapsed as a result of severe weather in the Edwardsville area on Friday night. There are also several workers trapped in the collapsed building.…
Illinois General Assembly To Vote On Banning Ghost Guns
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times December 10, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois General Assembly is expected to vote on new legislation prohibiting so-called “ghost guns” in the state next year. “If we don’t get ahead of this, there will be a significant increase in the already severe violence,”…
Schakowsky Supports Bill That Would Force Online Sellers To Identify Themselves
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times December 8, 2021 CHICAGO – Rep. Jan Schakowsky is sponsoring a new bill to help protect consumers from purchasing stolen goods from “organized retail crime.” Large-scale smash and grabs have been on the rise across the country, in which a large group of people…
Illinois To Crackdown On Disability Parking Abuse
by The Chicago Times Staff November 27, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White aims to crack down on the misuse of disabled parking placards at shopping malls over the holiday season. Parking lot stings will target drivers who abuse placard use, as well as those who…
Pritzker Signs New U.S. House District Map
by Frank Conklin November 25, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL – On Monday, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the new U.S. House district map that reflects Illinois’ diversity and preserves minority representation in Illinois’ delegation in accordance with the federal Voting Rights Act after reviewing the General Assembly’s congressional maps drawn with 2020…
IDES Moving To Direct Deposit
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times November 22, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Monday that debit cards will no longer be accepted as a payment method for unemployment insurance benefits. IDES is encouraging claimants who receive benefit payments by debit card to switch to…
ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS BAN “DARK MONEY” IN JUDICIAL RACES
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times November 16, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — A new Illinois law requires all candidates to disclose the sources of their contributions, with the goal of prohibiting out-of-state contributions and so-called “dark money” in judicial campaigns. Gov. J. B. Pritzker singed into law Monday Senate Bill…
Gov. Pritzker Unveils New Electric Vehicle Skills Training Program
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times October 21, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Governor J. B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined college officials and automaker Rivian today for a first look at Heartland Community College’s new Electric Vehicle Energy Storage (EVES) training program. The…
GOV. PRITZKER DOUBLES HIS PERSONAL INCOME – REPORTS $5.1M INCOME FOR 2020
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times October 16, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL – While many individuals and small businesses are still struggling to survive due to COVID-19 policies in Illinois, billionaire Democrat Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker reported an adjusted gross income of roughly $5.1 million in 2020. This is nearly double…
PREPARE TO PAY: NATURAL GAS PRICES PREDICTED TO SKYROCKET BY HUNDREDS
by Sloan T. Wilson October 4, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, natural gas customers in Chicago and the suburbs will be forced to shell out hundreds of dollars more during the upcoming heating season. Natural gas prices are rising across the country and…
Gov. Pritzker Awards First $24 Million in “Back to Business” Grants
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times September 30, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Governor J. B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced today that the first grants under the Back to Business (B2B) recovery program have been awarded. 521 grants totaling more than $24 million…
Pritzker Approves Possible Inequitable Legislative Maps
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times September 24, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed off on new legislative maps for the next decade on Friday, despite concerns from some Black and Latino voters that they would not be able to weigh in and would be unfairly represented. Pritzker…
Woman Handed 75 Years For Killing Boyfriend’s Son
by T. C. Mayfield, The Chicago Times September 18, 2021 PEKIN, IL — An Illinois woman accused of murdering her boyfriend’s 4-year-old son was given 75 years in prison. Lesli Jett was portrayed as a selfish drug addict who disliked being at Tate Thurman’s East Peoria home. When the boy…
HASTERT SETTLES CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PAYMENTS SUIT
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times September 15, 2021 YORKVILLE, IL — Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert and a man who accused him of child sexual abuse reached an out-of-court settlement Wednesday over Hastert’s refusal to pay the $1.8 million in hush money, which the Illinois Hastert agreed to…
TOMB OF UNKNOWN SOLDIER REPLICA COMING TO ILLINOIS
by T. C. Mayfield, The Chicago Times September 13, 2021 LINCOLN, IL — The American Legion Post #263 will host replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on September 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1740 5th Street, Lincoln, IL. This event is open to the public…
PRITZKER TO SIGN ILLINOIS ENERGY LAW THAT WILL RAISE UTILITY BILLS BY UP TO $180 A YEAR
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times September 13, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — A 1,000-page clean energy proposal is now on the desk of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The new law will raise residents’ utility bills by up to $180 per year, in part to fund new nuclear power plant subsidies…
HASTERT ACCUSER’S IDENTITY TO BE RELEASED IN POSSIBLE CIVIL TRIAL
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times September 12, 2021 YORKVILLE, IL — If his case goes to trial this month, a man who accused Dennis Hastert, former U.S. House Speaker, of child sexual assault and then sued him for refusing to pay $1.8 million in exchange for his silence will…
ILLINOIS HOUSE CLOSE TO APPROVING COMPROMISE ENERGY PLAN
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times September 9, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois House was set to approve a broad plan to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050 on Thursday, with a compromise allowing two coal-fired plants to remain open until 2045 while cutting emissions by nearly half over the…
IL SECRETARY OF STATE FACILITIES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
by The Chicago Times Staff September 7, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is hoping that the lengthy wait times will soon end. People who need REAL IDs, driver’s licenses, or ID cards must now make an appointment at one of several suburban facilities beginning Wednesday.…
PERU: BODY FOUND IN ILLINOIS RIVER
by The Chicago Times Staff September 6, 2021 PERU, IL – On Sep 4 several police, fire, and rescue agencies, including the Bloomington Police Department, discovered an unidentified body in the Illinois River. The body was discovered along the south river bank east of the Illinois Route 251 bridge at…
ILLINOIS TO ASSIST LOUISIANA IN HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times August 31, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Gov. JB Pritzker announced today that a 46-member Urban Search and Rescue Team, as well as the necessary mission equipment, will deploy to Louisiana to assist with water rescues caused by Hurricane Ida’s flash flooding and dangerous storm…
ILLINOIS TO BEGIN MONITORING LICENSE PLATES ON EXPRESSWAYS
by The Chicago Times Staff August 20, 2021 CHICAGO — The Illinois State Police began installing license plate reading cameras throughout the Chicago area to assist law enforcement in slowing the tide of expressway shootings. A $12.5 million grant was awarded to the Illinois State Police to purchase and install…
PRITZKER SIGNS LEGISLATION CREATING SAFER LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times August 15, 2021 SPRINGFIELD — Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 219 into law on Friday to foster safe and inclusive classrooms. The bill seeks to end the use of physical restraints to discipline students in public schools. The legislation, which has received widespread bipartisan…
PRITZKER ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION GRANTS PROGRAM TO SUPPORT ACROSS ILLINOIS
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times August 10, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Governor J. B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced a new $10 million grant program aimed at revitalizing the state’s struggling tourism industry by reintroducing new and returning tourism attractions and…
55-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED FOR BEATING NEIGHBOR TEEN TO DEATH
by J. J. Quincannon, The Chicago Times August 1, 2021 CHAMPAIGN, IL — According to authorities, an Illinois man is facing murder charges after a teen boy who lived around the corner was discovered beaten to death in a roadside ditch on Friday. Steven Butler III, a 14-year-old from Champaign,…
SECRETARY OF STATE HOPES TO LOWER WAIT TIMES AT DMV
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times July 30, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Jesse White, Secretary of State of Illinois, announced new actions Friday aimed at reducing wait times and heavy volume at DMV facilities across the state. The two-pronged strategy will increase the number of appointment-only driver service facilities and…
CHEAPSKATES: FEDS WON’T REIMBURSE ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD FOR PROVIDING SECURITY AT CAPITOL
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times July 20, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday that if the Illinois National Guard is not reimbursed for providing security to the United States Capitol following the Jan. 6 attack, it will have to cut training and take time off. Following…
ILLINOIS: COVID LOCKDOWN COULD RETURN ACCORDING TO DEMOCRAT GOV PRITZKER
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times July 20, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned on Tuesday that stricter mitigations may be reinstated in areas experiencing an increase in COVID cases. This coming after his announced re-election bid. Pritzker urged anyone who has not been immunized to…
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING ON INTERSTATE 94 (DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY)
Illinois State Police Investigations July 16, 2021 CHICAGO, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials are investigating a shooting, which occurred on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at approximately 3:05 a.m. on Interstate 94 southbound at 95th Street. ISP officers responded to the scene of a reported expressway shooting after being…
SKELETAL REMAINS DISCOVERED AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS WILDLIFE REFUGE
by The Chicago Times Staff July 18, 2021 MARION, IL — Authorities are looking into the discovery of skeletal remains at a wildlife refuge in southern Illinois. With the help of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois State Police, and the county coroner, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is…
GOV. PRITZKER ANNOUNCES $8 MILLION EXPANSION OF APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAYS IN ILLINOIS
Office of Governor J. B. Pritzker July 13, 2021 CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced an $8 million expansion of the Apprenticeship Illinois program. Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), DCEO will expand innovative and high-quality apprenticeship programs…
GOV. PRITZKER SIGNS LEGISLATION MAKING HEALTHCARE MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE FOR ILLINOISANS
Office of Governor J. B. Pritzker July 6, 2021 Governor Joins Red Cross to Highlight Urgent Need for Blood Donations DOWNERS GROVE — Joined by healthcare providers and legislative leaders at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, today Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation that will help make healthcare more accessible and affordable…
DOWNSTATE TRANSIT AGENCIES ELIGIBLE FOR NEXT ROUND OF REBUILD ILLINOIS INVESTMENTS
Illinois Department of Transportation July 2, 2021 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that proposals are being accepted through Aug. 31 from downstate transit providers as part of the Rebuild Illinois Transit Capital Grant Program. This second round of three grant cycles seeks applications to distribute $110…
19 PEOPLE INDICTED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY FOR UNLAWFUL DELIVERY OF METHAMPHETAMINE
Illinois State Police June 22, 2021 The Franklin County State’s Attorney announces that 19 people have been Indicted in Franklin County on 30 felony charges of Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine. The Indictments were handed down by a Grand Jury on Friday, June 18, 2021. The undercover investigation spanned 6 months…
PRITZKER ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $3.3 MILLION TO FIRST RESPONDERS ACROSS ILLINOIS
Office of Governor J. B. Pritzker June 18, 2021 Springfield, Ill- The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) today announced the recipients of the 2021 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The OSFM…
ROCKTON CHEMTOOL EXPLOSION EVACUATION ORDERED IN AREA
by The Chicago Times Staff June 14, 2021 ROCKTON, IL — A massive chemical plant fire near the Illinois-Wisconsin border that sent black plumes of smoke into the air is expected to burn for several days as firefighters retreat and residents are ordered to evacuate. Around 7 a.m., a fire…
PRITZKER BREAKS CAMPAIGN PROMISE – WILL SIGN DEM MAP
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times June 6, 2021 SPRINGFIELD — After promising as a candidate that he would reject partisan maps drawn by either party, Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure drawn by Democrats on Friday establishing legislative district boundaries to control elections for the next ten years. …
$42 BILLION ILLINOIS BUDGET & ELECTION BILL WAITING FOR PRITZKER’S PEN
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times June 1, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois lawmakers stayed up to the wee hours Tuesday in Springfield, passing a budget proposal and other bills. Legislators did not get around to debating the proposed $42.2 billion budget until after 11:30 p.m. and passed the bill…
ILLINOIS STATE TROOPER’S CRUISER HIT BY DRUNK DRIVER
by The Chicago Times Staff May 31, 2021 MOLINE, IL — According to Illinois State Police, an alleged drunk driver struck an Illinois State Trooper’s vehicle last Monday in Moline. The ISP sergeant had completed a traffic stop and was parked on the shoulder of the road with his emergency…
AIR FORCE FIGHTER JOCKS EJECT SAFELY FROM F-15QA AT ILLINOIS AIRPORT
Consolidated Press News File May 19, 2021 MASCOUTAH, IL — After a successful landing at an Illinois airport on Tuesday, two pilots ejected from a F-15QA. The emergency ejection occurred around 7:30 a.m. when the plane was parked on a runway at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in St. Clair County.…
PRITZKER ANNOUNCES FEDERAL RENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times May 18, 2021 SPRINGFIELD — On Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced expanded housing and rental aid for Illinois residents, offering grants of up to $25,000 in federal aid. Pritzker’s housing assistance announcement included more than just the fresh funds. He also stated that the…
3 KILLED AFTER APPARENTLY IGNITING BLACK POWDER IDENTIFIED
AP News File OTTAWA, Ill. (AP) — The LaSalle County coroner’s office on Monday identified three men killed last week in an explosion near Starved Rock State Park.
GOV. PRITZKER URGES ILLINOIS TO ‘START SEEING MOTORCYCLES’
Office of Governor J. B. Pritzker May 6, 2021 SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois, joining the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and motorcycle safety advocates to remind all users of the road to Start Seeing Motorcycles. “We want all…
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH OFFERS TIPS TO AVOID TICK BITES
Illinois Department of Public Health April 30, 2021 May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month SPRINGFIELD – As Lyme Disease Awareness Month begins, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding people to take precautions against tick bites to prevent contracting diseases they may carry, like Lyme disease. Other tickborne…
ILLINOIS GOES ORANGE FOR WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK
Office of Governor J. B. Pritzker April 26, 2021 SPRINGFIELD – Bridges and buildings throughout the state will be turning orange this week to honor those who have died in work zones and to raise awareness as the Illinois Department of Transportation signals the start of another construction season. To…
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING ON EISENHOWER EXPRESSWAY
Illinois State Police News File April 23, 2021 DES PLAINES, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) Public Integrity Task Force (PITF) Zone 1 was requested by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to investigate a non-fatal officer-involved shooting. The incident occurred on April 22, 2021, at approximately 4:14 p.m. on Interstate…
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ANNOUNCES COLLEGE VACCINATION DAYS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO RECEIVE COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
Office of Governor J. B. Pritzker SPRINGFIELD, April 16, 2021 – With young people driving the increase in COVID-19 cases in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is announcing “College Vaccination Days” to encourage all community college and public and private university students across Illinois to get vaccinated…
STATE OF ILLINOIS, CITY OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCE KIMBERLY-CLARK’S PLANS TO BRING JOBS, NORTH AMERICAN COMMERCIAL CENTER TO CHICAGO’S FULTON MARKET DISTRICT IN 2022
Office of Governor J. B. Pritzker CHICAGO, April 14, 2021—Governor JB Pritzker, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and World Business Chicago today announced that Kimberly-Clark, maker of trusted brands including Huggies®, Cottonelle®, Kleenex® and Depend®, will expand their presence in Chicago with…
SP INVESTIGATES FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH
Illinois State Police News File The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 09 WHAT: Two Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash WHERE: Illinois Route 48, near E 1550 N, Taylorville Township, Christian County WHEN: April 8, 2021 at 11:04 p.m. VEHICLES: Unit 1 – Silver 2018 Jeep…
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ANNOUNCE UPDATE ON A FATAL OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING IN ROCK ISLAND
Rock Island, IL – The Illinois State Police announce an update to the investigation into a fatal officer involved shooting in Rock Island, IL being handled by the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force (RICITF). The fatal officer involved shooting occurred on April 1, 2021 at approximately 6:19 p.m. The…
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