Illinois lawmakers react to Madigan corruption verdict
Longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history found guilty on 10 charges By BEN SZALINSKI and PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers voiced a wide range of reactions Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, following former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s conviction on multiple federal corruption charges. Republicans, who have long complained about his style of…
Read MoreAlyssa McMillen, FNP-C, welcomed at Prairie Cardiovascular
Prairie Cardiovascular recently welcomed Alyssa McMillen, FNP-C, to its Carbondale team. McMillen was drawn to cardiology early in her nursing career after encountering patients with heart conditions, sparking her eagerness to learn more about the field. She enjoys working with patients at various stages of their health journey, helping them improve their quality of life,…
Read MoreHabitat incentive programs aid landowners, wildlife
By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek The Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever organizations are assisting landowners in establishing pollinator or wildlife habitats that benefit upland birds, grassland birds and farmer profitability. “When I meet with a landowner, the first thing I want to do is understand their goals, what resources they have and if they have…
Read MoreAlliance for Automotive Innovation reports Q3 2024 Illinois electric vehicle market analysis
Illinois ranks No. 21 in EV market share; EVs 7.54 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales in the state. Illinois ranks No. 48 in ratio of EVs to public chargers. Alliance for Automotive Innovation recently released its exclusive state-by-state analysis of the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market for Q3 2024. The Get Connected Electric Vehicle…
Read More‘Illinois Forward 2026’ can balance state budget permanently, save taxpayers nearly $26.7B by 2030
A spending cap, school district efficiency, pension reform and right-sizing government health care costs could permanently balance Illinois’ budget. The alternative is big deficits. Even after receiving $35 billion in unexpected revenue during the pandemic, Illinois’ state government faces budget challenges with a projected $3 billion deficit in 2026 and a $5 billion shortfall by…
Read More‘Is farming worth it?’ Ag groups testify on ag economy
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek For fourth generation rice, corn and soybean farmer Jennifer James, last year was her family’s most financially difficult year. And the Arkansas farmer is even more worried about what’s going to come. “Just last week, we had one of the most difficult business conversations my family has had. Is farming…
Read MoreSenator Belt secures $400K to expand doula services in Metro East
State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure a $400,000 grant for Doula Lab, a Belleville-based organization that provides doula services and training for the Metro East community. “The path to parenthood looks different for everyone, so it’s important we invest in pregnancy services that help individuals feel respected, supported and safe,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I have…
Read MoreAs Chicago strengthens immigrant protections, downstate officials split on sanctuary laws
Illinois counties, cities leverage local laws to guide immigration policy By LILY CAREY and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – As the Trump administration has begun enacting mass deportations in recent weeks, activists and public officials in Chicago have been scaling up protections for immigrants. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov.…
Read MoreSIUC accounting students to provide free income tax preparation for public
Free income tax preparation services will soon be available to community members and students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, courtesy of a group of specially trained volunteers. Beta Alpha Psi, a College of Business and Analytics honors accounting student organization, is again offering the popular, free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to low- and moderate-income…
Read MoreMadison County Recorder’s Office earns award
The Madison County Recorder’s Office earned a 2024 award for their work promoting and signing up over 23,000 property owners in the Property Fraud Alert (PFA) program offered through that office. That number was reached by mailing out over 58,000 promotion letters to Madison County property owners in November. “The response was incredible,” an…
Read More