Illinois
Illinoisans invited to participate in summer wild turkey survey
By Tribune Staff • The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is asking hunters, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, conservation professionals, and other members of the public to help monitor wild turkey reproduction by reporting wild turkey sightings this summer through the Illinois Wild Turkey Survey. Participants can report wild turkey sightings, including the number of adult…
Read MoreRising protein demand puts more pork on plates
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek As Americans want additional meat-based protein in their diets and diverse culinary experiences, pork is being plated on more tables across the country. Total pork consumption in the US this year is estimated to total 21.9 billion pounds, up about 185 million pounds from 2025, according to USDA. The department is…
Read MoreTick species, tick-borne disease spreading across Illinois
By PHYLLIS COULTER FarmWeek • Social media is abuzz with news about ticks and tick-borne diseases actively spreading across Illinois, with many counties confirming several species. Some of the increased talk comes from more awareness of ticks and their dangers, Jenny Buttaccio, Illinois Lyme Association (ILA) communications director, told FarmWeek. However, Illinois has ticks converging…
Read MoreIllinois rolls out new electric bicycle rules
By Charles Bolinger Editor • Micromobility devices have exploded in popularity in Illinois and Madison County is no exception. These devices run the gamut from low-speed electric bicycles (e-bikes), high-speed e-bikes, to e-motorbikes, e-unicycles, e-skateboards, to low-speed e-scooters, high-speed e-scooters and toy vehicles. Illinois categorizes low-speed e-bikes into three distinct classes. They all must have:…
Read MoreHaine encourages awareness of new Illinois law prohibiting sale of intoxicating hemp products to minors
By Tribune Staff • Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine is encouraging retailers and families to be aware of a new Illinois law that immediately prohibits the sale of intoxicating hemp products to individuals younger than 21. Senate Bill 3222 was recently signed into law in Illinois. The legislation addresses intoxicating hemp products such as…
Read MoreFive new Illinois laws that take effect on July 1
By Tribune Staff • According to Lilly Rossi, a policy analyst with the website IllinoisPolicy.org, the following new laws take effect on or after July 1: UPDATE, June 12: A federal lawsuit filed June 11 challenges the aid-in-dying law, which is slated to take effect in September. PREVIOUSLY: While Illinois families won’t see gas prices…
Read MoreState of Illinois urges residents to take precautions as heat wave engulfs Illinois
Illinois residents can locate cooling centers at keepcool.illinois.gov By Tribune Staff • With prolonged heat and humidity forecast across Illinois this week, state officials are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe and to check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be vulnerable. According to the National Weather Service, heat indices in many…
Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs unveils new investment program to build affordable housing
$10 Million Partnership with IFF Helps Nonprofits, Generates Investment Returns for State By Tribune Staff • Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs today unveiled a new community investment program designed to build affordable housing, help nonprofits, and generate returns for the state. Frerichs invested $10 million with IFF, a Chicago-based Community Development Financial Institution that promotes economic…
Read MoreHFS Awards New HealthChoice Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Contracts
New contracts will make significant long-term improvements to the Medicaid program By Tribune Staff • The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has awarded new HealthChoice Illinois (HCI) contracts to six Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). The new contracts will make significant improvements to the way that the Medicaid program operates by holding…
Read MoreHaremski pleads guilty to 10 years in jail for multiple stolen motor vehicles
By Tribune Staff • Marsha L. Cascio-Hale, Jackson County State’s Attorney, announced on June 18 that Jeffery Haremski, 30, of Murphysboro, Illinois, pled guilty to two counts of Unlawful Possession of a stolen motor vehicle and was sentenced to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. On Dec. 5, 2025, the Carbondale Police Department was…
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