Area Breaking News
Illinois winter disconnection rule in effect through March 31
By Tribune Staff • CHICAGO – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) reminds customers that the state’s winter weather rule is in effect from Dec. 1 – March 31. The winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating. “Illinois winters are known for…
Read MoreApplications now open for IDNR Volunteer Fire Assistance grants
By Tribune Staff • SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants now through Feb. 16, 2026. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service VFA federal grant program provides matching funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training.…
Read MorePayroll jobs up, stable in majority of IL metro areas in September
By Tribune Staff • SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, was unchanged in one and decreased in six, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth: Chicago (15 consecutive months); Lake (4 consecutive months); Springfield (23 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 10 metro areas and decreased in 2…
Read MoreFCI-Greenville inmate sentenced to additional prison time for possessing contraband
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge added 24 additional months to an FCI-Greenville inmate’s sentence for possessing a makeshift weapon. Raekwon M. Patton, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of contraband in prison. “For the inmates who didn’t learn the first time, let us be clear—additional crime means additional time,” said…
Read MoreMore seniors now eligible for property tax relief under new Illinois law
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding senior homeowners of the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program, which has been expanded thanks to legislation signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. Pritzker emphasized the importance of this legislation stating, “Our seniors have spent their lives building our communities and strengthening our state, and…
Read MoreCollinsville Planning Commission approves 12-month moratorium on data centers
By Ray Popkess • During their monthly meeting that occurred last Thursday, Dec. 11, the Collinsville Planning Commission discussed options related to researching potential preparations for a data center. Ultimately, it was decided that a 12-month moratorium will be proposed to the city council to allow staff an appropriate amount of time to research and…
Read MoreTriad School Board anticipates estimated decreased tax rate in 2026
By Bruce Darnell During its Dec. 15 meeting, Triad School District Superintendent Dr. Jason Henderson said residents inside the school district can expect the tax rate to decrease by either 1.5 cents or 4 cents going into 2026. Henderson said this is because the estimated equalized assessed value — the total value of all property…
Read MoreAmeren Illinois’ data center rules differ from Ameren Missouri’s
By Charles Bolinger Editor • As Troy awaits a potential data center customer, how does its arrival affect other entities, like Ameren Illinois? During an interview Dec. 9 with two Ameren Illinois officials, a reporter learned more about the role Ameren plays with data centers in the Land of Lincoln. The most salient point, Ameren…
Read MoreBudzinski, Bost introduce bill to modernize USDA Loan Programs
By Tribune Staff WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Mike Bost (IL-12) introduced legislation to remove outdated eligibility barriers that prevent modern family farms from accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture loan programs. The USDA Loan Modernization Act updates eligibility standards to better reflect the structure of today’s multi-generational, family-run farms. This…
Read MoreTriad High School announces 2026-2027 Illinois State Scholars
By Tribune Staff • Triad High School Principal Kelli Barbour is pleased to announce that 65 students from the Triad High School graduating class of 2026 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, presents this annual recognition of academic achievement to…
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