Area News
‘I’ve done this my way’: Durbin reflects on decision to retire
Outgoing senator doesn’t plan to endorse in Democratic primary, for now By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Standing on his backyard deck Thursday – the same place where he declared his 1996 candidacy for U.S. Senate – Illinois’ senior Sen. Dick Durbin reflected on his decision to retire after four decades in…
Read MoreHigh court upholds ‘venue shopping’ law; Crimo sentenced to consecutive life sentences
2023 law limits constitutional challenges to Cook, Sangamon County courts By JERRY NOWICKI & PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois [email protected] The man who pleaded guilty to a mass shooting in 2022 in Highland Park that left seven people dead and prompted the passage of a ban on assault-style weapons in Illinois, has been sentenced…
Read More‘They Still Deserve More’ protesters seek support for caretakers of people with disabilities
Funding increase has broad bipartisan support, but budget bandwidth remains uncertain By MAGGIE DOUGHERTY, TOM O’CONNOR and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Protesters flooded the rotunda of the Illinois Statehouse earlier this month, urging legislators to increase wages for caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The ‘They Deserve…
Read MoreIllinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton announces U.S. Senate campaign
Stratton first Democrat to announce intention to fill retiring Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is the first Democrat to step into what is expected to be a crowded race to fill Sen. Dick Durbin’s Senate seat. Stratton launched her campaign Thursday morning…
Read More‘Not in our state:’ Illinois urgently calls on residents to help stop hate
Illinoisans can visit ILStopHate.org or call (877)458-HATE to report acts of hate Illinois has faced an alarming surge in hate and extremism, following national trends. Hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% statewide since 2021, with bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents. Now, the Illinois Department of Human…
Read MoreBudzinski announces winners of 2025 Congressional Art Competition
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) recently announced the winners of her 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Natasha O’Brien, from Springfield High School, was declared the winner of the contest for her piece titled “Oh, Do I?” Her artwork will be displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one year. Second place was awarded to…
Read MoreCompletion of new BHMG headquarters in Collinsville announced
Gray Design Group recently announced the completion of a new headquarters facility for BHMG Engineers in Collinsville. BHMG is a utility-focused engineering and consulting firm. Located at Eastport Plaza Drive and Fairmont Avenue with direct access to I-255 and I-55, the new 25,000-square-foot office is located within a recently developed, 75,000-square-foot office/distribution facility. Contegra Construction…
Read MoreSIUC pioneers mental health response program for emergency calls
Thanks to a new grant-funded program, responders with specialized skills in mental health are available to assist when needed in emergency calls at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, de-escalating situations, improving outcomes and helping students stay in school, officials said. SIU’s Department of Public Safety, Counseling and Psychological Services and others have developed a collaborative response team, funded…
Read MoreBank of Belleville marks 20th anniversary with ’20 Ways to Make a Difference’
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Bank of Belleville is marking 2025 with a year-long campaign—20 Ways to Make a Difference—aimed at giving back to the communities it has served since 2005. With events held each month at their banks in St. Clair, Clinton, Madison and Monroe Counties, the campaign blends service, outreach and local…
Read MoreKick off your First Friday in May in downtown Troy
Are you ready for a party in the street!? The first event for the First Friday in Troy Series will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in downtown Troy, Ill. The event will bring together downtown businesses, artisan market vendors, downtown restaurants, food trucks and entertainment. The event will be…
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