Newly-elected Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia began his term on Saturday with executive actions directed at education and the COVID-19 pandemic, which notably included a ban on critical race theory in public schools and a lifting of school mask requirements. Youngkin also issued executive ...Read more
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding snowmobile operators and riders to focus on safety this winter when snowfall allows for snowmobile riding. International Snowmobile Safety Week is Jan. 15-23 this year. “It’s important that snowmobile operators ...Read more
SPRINGFIELD – As part of the ongoing commitment to public highway-rail safety, the rail crossing at 39th Road in Triumph is due to get gates along with new lights and bells. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund has been funding projects to improve existing public crossings, warning systems ...Read more
STREATOR – Former Streator Mayor Jimmie D. Lansford passed away Saturday in Ottawa. The 82-year-old held the position until the end of 2021. Lansford was first elected mayor in 2010 after previously serving on the city council for five years. A public memorial service will be held at ...Read more
OGLESBY – Child care will soon be coming to Illinois Valley Community College. A short-term watch center will open for use by IVCC students as early as February. IVCC President Jerry Corcoran announced the partnership at the Dec. 9 meeting and said he was optimistic the center could ...Read more
Dozens of homes were destroyed Sunday morning when severe weather tore through southwest Florida. At least 28 homes in Lee County were destroyed, with an additional 62 homes damaged. More than 7,000 were without power and as many as 200 people were displaced, while at least four people were ...Read more
All hostages were released safely from a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas (about 30 miles northwest of Dallas) following a 10+ hour standoff. According to local and federal law enforcement officials, the man responsible is dead. The group of four hostages, which included the rabbi of the ...Read more
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the two new COVID-19 oral antivirals, Paxlovid (Pfizer) and Molnupiravir (Merck), will be available in Illinois soon. The antivirals are for those with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for becoming severely ill, ...Read more
STREATOR – Illinois American Water announced they are to construct Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection at the Streator water treatment plant. According to the water utility, the new treatment technology will support safe drinking water to residents and businesses. As part of the ...Read more
UNDATED – Winter weather and the COVID-19 omicron variant are the likely culprits behind a dip in demand for oil, according to the American Automobile Association. Continued growth in the price of crude oil has helped to elevate pump prices. Statewide, gas is almost a dollar more ...Read more
