COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that repairs by the Norfolk Southern Railway Company to a crossing on Illinois 4, between Interstate 64 and Illinois 161 in Mascoutah will require a full closure starting, weather permitting, Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 6 a.m. A posted detour will be in place to safely […]
Illinois 4 in Mascoutah closing at rail crossing Sept. 5 Read More »
CHICAGO – With back-to-school time upon us, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding taxpayers that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2023 Illinois individual income tax returns. “Teachers and parents both invest a great deal in educational costs, so I encourage them to take
Back-to-school tax benefits available for both parents and educators in Illinois Read More »
SPRNGFIELD – Sixty years ago Illinois led the world with the visionary Natural Areas Preservation Act, creating the Illinois Nature Preserves system. This system of protecting land was a model that was followed by many other states and was championed by many passionate and dedicated activists. Today the Illinois Nature Preserves system protects 622 Preserves
Celebrating 60 Years of Saving Illinois Nature Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – Veterans adopting dogs or cats will no longer have to pay a fee, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel. “We have seen the benefits pets can give to our veterans,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone deserves companionship and many have a special bond with their pets.
New law waives pet adoption fees for veterans Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – Samantha McClain has been hired as chief of staff for the Illinois AFL-CIO, working to advance the organization’s strategic vision to support working families across Illinois. “We are excited to have Samantha join our team at the Illinois AFL-CIO,” remarked President Tim Drea. “Samantha is one of the most talented strategists that
Illinois AFL-CIO hires campaign veteran Samantha McClain as chief of staff Read More »
METRO EAST – Governor JB Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 850, which establishes the Illinois Grocery Initiative – a multi-pronged policy designed to address food deserts across the state. It will support existing grocers and encourage new grocery stores to open through incentive opportunities. The legislation also allows grocery stores receiving grants as part of the
Gov. Pritzker signs legislation to address food deserts across Illinois Read More »
CHAMMPAIGN, Ill. – The 2023 drought has been the most extensive and intense in Illinois in the last 10 years. In mid-July, two-thirds of the state was in at least moderate drought, which caused significant impacts to crops, ecology, streams and rivers, and lake levels. Fortunately, most of the state has been considerably wetter since
Drought Eases in Illinois Read More »
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — Several pandemic-era safety net programs will be ending between now and through this Fall of 2023 and moving forward. This is likely going to create a challenge for many of the families St. Vincent de Paul serves. Areas of concern include childcare, Medicaid, food stamps, student loans, and health care
Saint Vincent de Paul’s post pandemic challenges for those experiencing homelessness Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – A new measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Halpin that limits the cost of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPens, to a maximum of $60 per twin-pack was signed into law. “We’re talking about something that is proven to save lives, and people aren’t able to afford it,” said
New law caps the price of EpiPens at $60 Read More »
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has launched a climate action plan to serve as a blueprint for reducing the agency’s carbon footprint and achieving Gov. JB Pritzker’s greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2050. Plans include a pollinator-friendly solar installation, electric charging stations in state parks, greater use of electric vehicles and equipment,
IDNR launches blueprint to help combat climate change Read More »
