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New Laws Impacting Public Health To Take Effect In 2026

1 week 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that several new laws designed to strengthen public health initiatives will take effect with the start of the New Year, January 1, 2026. “The New Year offers a critical opportunity to advance public health and protect Illinois families through new laws and innovative strategies,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We thank Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly for their leadership

New Year, New Laws: Giannoulias Rolls Out New Measures to Improve Government Efficiency, Increase Road Safety and Protect Libraries

1 week 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – Several initiatives spearheaded by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will take effect in the new year. “This past legislative session delivered some big wins for Illinoisans that will make a real difference in their everyday lives,” Giannoulias said. “These laws move us closer to our goals of making our roads safer, ensuring our libraries have the tools they need to serve their communities and creating a more efficient and responsive government.”

Ring In The New Year On Safe, Sober Note If You Are Getting Behind The Wheel

1 week 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are joining forces to increase patrols focused on impaired drivers, seat belt violations, distracted driving and speeding as 2025 comes to a close. Whether you’re traveling a short or long distance the goal is for everyone to arrive to their destination and kick off 2026 safely. “Don’t ever drive if you’ve been drinking alcohol, using

Comptroller Susana Mendoza Urges Illinoisans To Consider Making Financial Resolutions For The New Year

1 week 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – Many of us pledge to exercise more and eat healthier as January 1st rolls around, but setting up a budget and tackling debt is also a great New Year’s resolution. “What better way to kick off 2026 than to take a hard look at your finances, make a plan to pay off bills and consider investing to provide for your future,” said Comptroller Mendoza. According to Fidelity Investments’ 2026 Financial Resolutions Study , 64% of respondents are considering

Warning Phase Begins for Granite City Red-Light Violations

1 week 5 days ago
GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Council has approved and activated red-light enforcement cameras at the intersection of Maryville Road and Pontoon Road to enhance traffic safety. The cameras, which monitor all four directions of the intersection, became operational recently and will issue warnings for violations until Jan. 19, 2026. Starting Jan. 20, 2026, citations will be issued to registered vehicle owners for any red-light violations captured by the system. The initiative reflect

Andreas Announces Upcoming Notary Fraud Alert Program

1 week 5 days ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County Clerk & Recorder, Linda Andreas, announced today that they will begin implementing a notary fraud alert program in the Recorder’s office in the new year. The program, developed by Fidlar Technologies, is a powerful new tool designed to protect the notary community from fraud. This service allows notaries to sign up for free and receive daily, weekly, or monthly reports summarizing recorded documents bearing their name through our land records office. Wi

Nonprofit Provides Free Legal and Accounting Aid to Artists, Celebrates Retirement of Long-Time Executive Director

1 week 5 days ago
SAINT LOUIS - Sue Greenberg didn’t necessarily set out to transform the art scene in St. Louis, but she has had quite the impact. As she wraps up her 39-year career with St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts , Greenberg reflected on the years she spent as the executive director of St. Louis VLAA. She has helped countless Greater St. Louis artists connect with legal and accounting aid, and she is excited to see what comes next for the nonprofit. “Everything

Giannoulias Warns of Holiday Text Scams

1 week 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is calling on Illinoisans to remain vigilant for fraudulent text messages claiming they owe money for traffic violations or tolls. Scam texts, which have surfaced recently, typically claim that the recipient’s vehicle registration or driving privileges are at risk of suspension and prompt immediate action through a link. These messages are phishing attempts designed to instill fear as a means of stealing money or personal information.

North Mac High School To Host Community Blood Drive With Impactlife Wednesday, January 14

1 week 5 days ago
VIRDEN - North Mac High School will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 8:45 am to 1:30 pm on Wednesday, January 14 at 231 West Fortune Street, inside Donor Bus. What: North Mac High School Community Blood Drive When: Wednesday, January 14, 8:45 am - 1:30 pm Where: Donor Bus, 231 West Fortune Street, Virden, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Tina Leonard at (217) 965-4127 or visit www.bloodcenter.org

This Day in History: New Year, New Era: How the Global Climate Accord of 2026 Revolutionized Our Planet's Future

1 week 5 days ago
January 1st, 2026, marks a day of profound significance in global history, a day when the world collectively took a bold step toward securing its environmental future. The implementation of the Global Climate Accord, a landmark agreement reached after years of intense negotiations, came into effect, promising to reshape the way nations address climate change and environmental sustainability. This day not only symbolizes hope and renewal — a fitting theme for the start of a new year —