Pritzker Budget Draws GOP Criticism
Governor J.B. Pritzker’s 56 billion dollar budget proposal remains under scrutiny a week after its rollout in Springfield. The plan is the largest in state history, calling for more than 700 million dollars in new revenue, including 589 million from tax increases, and projects a narrow 24 million dollar surplus. State Representative Patrick Windhorst said […]
Read MoreUtility Transparency Act Gains Push From Consumer Groups
Illinois consumer advocates are urging lawmakers to pass House Bill 4781 and Senate Bill 3497, known as the Utility Transparency Act. Citizens Utility Board, 350 Chicago and AARP Illinois say customers are being charged for hidden expenses buried in monthly utility bills. Executive Director Larry Coble says consumers he speaks to are surprised at what […]
Read MoreEast St Louis Records Lowest Homicide Total In 45 Years
Illinois State Police report East St. Louis recorded its lowest homicide total in at least 45 years in 2025. Since launching the Public Safety Enforcement Group in 2020, homicides have dropped 56 percent and non-fatal shootings are down 61 percent. State police say all 15 homicides last year were cleared, marking the first time agents […]
Read MoreSalem Township Hospital ER To Relocate During Renovation
The emergency room at Salem Township Hospital will temporarily move in April as expansion work continues. Hospital officials say the ER will shift about 100 feet to a same-day surgery area for roughly a year while demolition and renovation take place. They say the project remains on schedule and on budget, with patient satisfaction running […]
Read MoreJefferson County Board Approves Bluford Area Solar Farm
The Jefferson County Board has approved a special-use permit for the McKinney Solar project near Bluford. The roughly 35-acre, 5-megawatt solar farm cleared a formal vote, but only after a public hearing drew about a dozen residents. County leaders say the developer must still secure building permits, road use agreements and insurance before construction. The […]
Read MoreSalem Officials Review Budget Gap Amid Revenue Decline
The Salem City Council is reviewing a projected $282,000 General Fund deficit as work begins on the fiscal year 2027 budget. City leaders say declining state revenue, rising health insurance costs and police pension contributions are driving the shortfall. City leaders say reserves can cover the gap for now, but officials want to reduce reliance […]
Read MoreReward Increased In Disappearance Of Brittany Moeser
Nearly two years after Brittany Moeser disappeared from the Clarmin and Tilden area, the search continues. She vanished April 13, 2024, after leaving a note saying she was going for a walk and has not been heard from since. A $20,000 reward is now offered for information. Anyone with tips is urged to contact authorities.
Read MoreBonnie Home Destroyed In Overnight Fire
Firefighters with the Jefferson Fire Protection District responded Monday night to a house fire in the 400 block of West Campground Road in Bonnie. The home is a total loss, but the family escaped without injury. The fire was reported around 8:18 p.m., and the American Red Cross was contacted to assist. Donations for the […]
Read MoreMount Vernon Outland Airport Sets Records In 2025 Operations
Mount Vernon Outland Airport posted a strong year in 2025, logging 27,857 total operations, up from 27,393 the year before. The airport also set a new record with 556 turbo jet operations, breaking the previous high of 404 set in 2024. Authorities say the increase reflects the airport’s affordable fuel, on-site restaurant and uncongested airspace, […]
Read MoreMount Vernon Firefighters Team With National Guard For Vehicle Fire Training
The Mount Vernon Fire Department recently joined forces with the Illinois Army National Guard for hands-on vehicle fire training outside Fire Station 4 on South 42nd Street. Crews set two junk cars ablaze behind the station, giving firefighters a live-fire scenario to sharpen response tactics. They all said that the joint session benefits both sides, […]
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