Ill State News

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced the first human case of 2024 in Illinois of West Nile virus (WNV), the mosquito-borne illness. While commercial testing and clinical symptoms indicate a case of WNV, IDPH routinely sends the first positive case to CDC for confirmatory testing, which is pending. The individual is in […]

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Due to the extreme weather experienced throughout the State of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Agriculture is extending the Junior Livestock Entry Deadline to Thursday, July 18 at 5 p.m.   As a reminder, exhibitor registration moved online this year using ShoWorks. This new system, and the Livestock Premium Book, are available on

HERRIN – A 38-year-old Herrin man has been arrested on a first degree murder charge. Illinois State Police (ISP) reports Tyler Mezo is charged in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found in a Herrin residence. She had been shot several times.   On July 13, 2024, ISP was requested by the Herrin

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The most requested ride at the Illinois State Fair is returning in 2024. The Illinois State Fair is bringing trams back to the State Fairgrounds. Two complimentary trams will operate on a dedicated route during the 11 days of the fair thanks to sponsorship from the IL Corn Growers Association.   “We are

CHAMPAIGN – The Pritzker Administration has announced that SEquity Ventures (LLC dba The Dispensary Champaign) became the 100th social equity cannabis dispensary to open its doors in Illinois.   The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issued a full adult use cannabis dispensary license to The Dispensary Champaign on June 6, 2024, who applied

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to target vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. ​ ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, and another $677,000 grant

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker has announced that Illinois reached $1 billion in cannabis retail sales on July 1, 2024. This includes more than $850 million in adult use cannabis sales and almost $150 million in medical cannabis sales. This milestone was achieved nearly two weeks faster in 2024 compared to 2023, when the $1

JEFFERSON CITY – Tuesday afternoon, during a bill signing at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed five bills into law: House Bill (HB) 1912, Senate Bill (SB) 872, HB 2134/1956, HB 2062, and SB 895.   “We thank Missouri legislators and the bill sponsors for getting each of these quality pieces of legislation to my desk,” Governor

SPRINGFIELD – The Freelance Worker Protection Act, which provides protections for independent contractors who create products or services in Illinois or who work for a hiring entity located in Illinois, took effect on July 1st.   Under the law, freelance workers are entitled to the following when the value of their work is equal to or

SPRINGFIELD – Waterfowl hunters should mark their calendars for upcoming waterfowl blind drawings at several public hunting areas in Illinois.   The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host traditional blind drawings at various sites for this year. Participants are advised to follow any site-specific drawing procedures.   Waterfowl hunters must register in person for