Related: Quinn vows to veto 'half-baked' budget Jul 1, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Senate rejected a $2 ... House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said lawmakers should be prepared to return to Springfield to resume work on the budget. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Ill. begins new budget year without new budget Jul 1, 2009
begins new budget year without new budget. TODAY'S HEADLINES SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE POLL. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Related: Judge orders state to maintain services for children Jul 1, 2009
CHICAGO - A federal judge directed state officials Tuesday to maintain court-ordered child-welfare standards he said would be seriously threatened by the so-called doomsday budget under consideration in Springfield ... In Springfield, Gov. Pat Quinn cited Grady's order in threatening to veto any budget that fails to provide for key government services. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Minorities awarded for academic achievement Jun 30, 2009
"I'm tickled pink," said Carol Walls, who drove from Springfield to see four grandchildren honored, including Mikaila, Jacob, Damaris and Willam Walls, all middle school students. "It touches my heart to see them get awards and know they're good kids," the proud grandmother said. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Ill. officials face budget decision Jun 30, 2009
officials face budget decision. TODAY'S HEADLINES SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE POLL. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Fiscal year deadline looms, does Illinois shut down? Jun 30, 2009
Fiscal year deadline looms, does Illinois shut down. Fiscal year deadline looms, does Illinois shut down. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
House approves borrowing plan Jun 30, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House voted to borrow more than $2. 2 billion from its own pension funds Tuesday in a last-ditch attempt to avoid a budget meltdown. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Illinois' republican lawmakers using new clout to influence budget Jun 29, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- After watching from the sidelines for months, Republican lawmakers now enjoy new power over the state's budget mess and they're using it to push doggedly for major changes in government spending. They want controls on fast-rising health care and retirement costs, two politically sensitive and financially complex issues that can't be resolved quickly. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Illinois Lotto jackpot now $10 million Jun 28, 2009
TODAY'S HEADLINES SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE POLL. What is your favorite summer treat. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Don't borrow from our pension funds Jun 28, 2009
A warning to legislators whose jobs will soon be on the line: Listen carefully to the 5,000 people who gathered recently in Springfield to protest proposed budget cuts for essential services. The probability is that there are hundreds of thousands more with the same concerns. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
See you at the fair! Jun 27, 2009
Miss Bureau County Fair will win a $1,000 college scholarship and a chance to compete at the State Queen Pageant in January in Springfield. In addition, if you have an exhibit for the fair;s historical museum, would like to volunteer, or for more information about upcoming events at the fairgrounds, call the office at (815) 875-2905, or visit the Web site at. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Tazewell Co. man dies in motorcycle accident near Springfield Jun 27, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- A rural Tazewell County man has died after an accident early Friday in Springfield. Shawn Sheets, 32, was riding his motorcycle on Ill. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Group approves plan for student aid cuts Jun 27, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Student Assistance Commission on Friday adopted its plan to reduce financial aid for college students if the state's budget mess doesn't get sorted out ... The state's fiscal year will end Tuesday, and lawmakers are scheduled to return to Springfield on Monday for a last-ditch effort at working on the budget. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
State Senate yet to confirm state police director Jun 27, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Senate still hasn't approved Gov. Pat Quinn's selection of a 29-year-old with no police experience to head the Illinois State Police. Jonathon Monken, a West Point graduate and former mortgage banker, has been acting director since he was named to the post in March. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Feeling the pinch of budget cuts Jun 27, 2009
PRINCETON ; People with disabilities and victims of domestic violence, those needing addiction treatment and all of those who care for them are focused on Springfield this week, as legislators returned Tuesday to try and work out a path out of the budget morass. Illinois faces the largest budget deficit in its history, about $9. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
State plans to offer less tuition help Jun 27, 2009
By MIKE RIOPELL, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau ... The state s fiscal year ends Tuesday, and lawmakers are scheduled to return to Springfield Monday. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Letters to the Editor Jun 26, 2009
Instead of featuring headlines "Social services face cuts," why not demand that Springfield and all other governments fire the political hacks that are always hired af. Jun 24, 2009 | 12:00 am. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Urge lawmakers to maintain vital services Jun 26, 2009
If you are a lawmaker, I implore you to consider the plight of these individuals as you head back to Springfield. Martha E. Dean. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Republicans want a temporary budget soon Jun 26, 2009
Edward Maloney, D-Chicago, center, while on the Senate floor during a special legislative session at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill ... SPRINGFIELD -- With a state budget that's stymied once again, some Illinois Republicans are suggesting Democrats take baby steps until a full solution can be found ... Democrats largely control the process of budget making in Springfield. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Hynes: Quinn has 'confused' the public Jun 25, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- After weeks of virtual silence on the subject, the man who pays the state's bills says Gov. Pat Quinn has "confused" the public about the state's budget problems with an inconsistent message ... Devil's Advocate wrote on Jun 24, 2009 3:14 PM:" Eliminate the state's air fleet? How dare you Hynes!!! How will the crooks (err... I mean politicians) get from Chicago to Springfield? How are we to defend ourselves against an invasion by Wisconsinites? Shame on you. " ... san1 wrote on... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
'I never support that': Quinn backtracks on drastic budget cuts Jun 25, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- After spending the past three weeks saying he would cut programs serving Illinois' neediest citizens on July 1, Gov. Pat Quinn appeared to blink Wednesday ... Gov. Pat Quinn acknowledges support for his proposed income tax increase as Campaign for Illinois Future and other groups rally to urge legislators to pass an income tax increase at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Tuesday ... I know it sounds simple-all we need now is someone to stand up and say "I've had... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Ill. lawmakers go home amid budget confusion Jun 25, 2009
lawmakers go home amid budget confusion. TODAY'S HEADLINES SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE POLL. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Colorful wood ducks making a comeback in Illinois Jun 25, 2009
SPRINGFIELD (AP) They look as if a wood carver with an unexpired creative license created them in a fit of imagination ... And they seem to have adapted to living in town, particularly in Washington Park in the heart of Springfield. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Traffic resumes on Highway 87 South in under a week Jun 25, 2009
Although the contractor, Illinois Valley Paving Company, Springfield, Ill. had 21 days which they could have had the road closed, MoDOT offered an incentive for reopening the highway south of town in less than five calendar days. (California Democrat, MO)
Vans with cameras back in work zones to catch speeders Jun 25, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Just because you dont see a state trooper as you speed through an interstate work zone doesnt mean you wont get a ticket ... RVB wrote on Jun 24, 2009 9:13 PM:" Miss Chilly: I might be wrong, but I think the reduced limit is still in effect even if no workers are present (someone correct me if i am wrong though). A few years ago I had to drive from Decatur to Springfield every day on I-72 and there was a "construction zone" a few miles outside of Decatur that literally... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Thousands pack Statehouse to protest cuts Jun 25, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- They began arriving at the Statehouse early Tuesday, by wheelchair, walker and baby stroller ... Campaign for Illinois' Future activists and others hold a rally inside the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Tuesday to urge legislators to protest possible budget cuts and instead demand higher taxes ... buckeye wrote on Jun 24, 2009 8:41 AM:" These people in the photo gallery ,carrying signs that demand I keep sending my tax money are SOL , no more , we are taxed out . If you... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
U of I raises tuition for incoming class Jun 25, 2009
Tuition at the Chicago campus will increase to $8,342 a year and at the Springfield campus incoming freshmen will pay $7,402. 50 a year. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Tewksbury students graduate from American International Jun 24, 2009
The ceremony was held May 17 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield ... Springfield native Taj Mahal, one of the most prominent and influential figures in late 20th century blues and roots music, received an honorary doctoral degree during the ceremony ... American International College in Springfield, Mass. (Tewksbury Advocate, MA)
Police chief: 'These people are aiming for each other' Jun 24, 2009
Vehicles were involved in at least three of the shootings, including the first near Springfield Road and Morris Avenue around 6:10 p.m. Witnesses told police shots were fired from a white pickup truck toward a black sport utility vehicle. The case is a joint investigation because Greenwood Avenue is a city street, but the residence is in county jurisdiction. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
CHS football team takes second at EIU Jun 24, 2009
They aren t likely to face a deeper field than they did at EIU, where they knocked off Olney, Pana, St. Louis Normandy, Springfield Lanphier and Decatur Eisenhower en route to their runnerup finish. DuQuoin played for a state championship (in Class 3A) and has some excellent skills kids, Halsey said. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
OUR VIEW: We expect meaningful budget reforms Jun 24, 2009
That was our view a few weeks ago when the Illinois General Assembly left Springfield without addressing the state s troubled budget. The Illinois House and Senate returned to Springfield on Tuesday and are expected to take another stab at improving the state s budget situation ... As we said earlier, the people of Illinois deserve better than what we have been getting from elected officials in Springfield. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Will state lawmakers change their minds on tax increase? Jun 23, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- As lawmakers return to Springfield Tuesday facing about a week to deal with the state's budget deficit, it's unclear if much has changed since they were last in session in May ... MRS. wrote on Jun 23, 2009 12:52 AM:" As long as the tax increase doesn't go for salery increases for those in Springfield (Chicago for Quinn) " ... n595 wrote on Jun 23, 2009 12:23 AM:" I think it is cleaver how Quinn pushes out the kids to front the massive spending going north of I-80. There is lots... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Thompson releases another in series about post office art Jun 23, 2009
For example, the narrative for a Decatur Post Office mural depicting famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright notes that Wright designed three houses in Decatur as well as the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield. Thompson said she is particularly fond of the Loading the Packet mural at the Chester Post Office that depicts a Mississippi riverboat being loaded with bags of flour milled in the Chester area. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
The National Weather Service has issued an alert Jun 23, 2009
Click here for full text of the alert. TODAY'S HEADLINES SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE EXTRAS FRONT PAGE PDF. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Quinn, businessmen settle suit on health care Jun 23, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- A lawsuit that challenged the former Illinois governors unilateral expansion of state-subsidized health care ended Monday when Gov. Pat Quinn gave up his predecessors fight. Court documents indicate Blagojevichs successor, Quinn, settled the lawsuit, and the Illinois Supreme Court dismissed it. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Illinois stimulus money at $2 billion and counting Jun 23, 2009
SPRINGFIELD Although it wont pull Illinois out of its financial quagmire, the state has received nearly $2 billion in federal stimulus money through mid-June. That amount is about on pace with earlier projections, but represents less than half of what the state is expected to receive in the coming months. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Quinn honors spelling bee champs Jun 23, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Pat Quinn Monday honored Illinois students who qualified for the Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. Students across the state visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum a month after the bee was held in Washington, D.C.. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Bloomington residents lament violence, call community safe Jun 23, 2009
Shots also were reported near Morris Avenue and Springfield Road, at 1622 Indiana Ave. and at 816 W. MacArthur Ave. ... Bloomington Ward 1 Alderman Bernard Anderson, who represents some of the Springfield-Morris area, attended a news conference Monday afternoon at Bloomington Police Department ... Ward 2, represented by David Sage, includes the Indiana and Greenwood sites and some of the Morris-Springfield area. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Police: Four shootings in Bloomington, county are connected Jun 23, 2009
About 6:10 p.m. Sunday, police were called to a gas station near the intersection of Morris Avenue and Springfield Road. Witnesses told police shots were fired from a white pickup truck toward a black sport utility vehicle. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
It's "Kosh"-ible Jun 22, 2009
"I heard her speak, with tears in my eyes," said Jasmon's Springfield (IL) Sacred Heart Griffin coach Mike Schwartz ... From her speaking, Jasmon has started the "Attacking MG" fundraiser in her hometown of Springfield to raise money for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois. (FOX59, IN)
Evening of gunfire, crime unsettle Bloomington's Sunday Jun 22, 2009
The violence began at the intersection of Morris Avenue and Springfield Road where shots were fired at about 6 p.m., said Bloomington police Sgt. Tim McCoy. No injuries were reported, McCoy said. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Illinois minimum wage climbing to $8 Jun 22, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Starting July 1, the Illinois minimum wage will reach the $8 mark for the first time. The automatic increase is a legacy of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who in 2006 approved incremental increases every year until the states minimum wage hits $8. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Two Illinois soldiers killed in action June 19 Jun 22, 2009
SPRINGFIELD - Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton, 26, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry based in Marion, and Sgt. Paul Smith, 43, with Troop C, 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry based in Aurora, were killed in action June 19 in Afghanistan. . (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Cookie dough recalled Jun 22, 2009
SPRINGFIELD ; Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health is warning consumers not to eat recalled Nestle Toll House Prepackaged Refrigerated Cookie Dough due to the risk of possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a bacterium that causes food borne illness. In Illinois , there have been five Illinois residents with illnesses matching the pattern reported in a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Harper earns Leadership Award in IBCA All-Star game Jun 22, 2009
Harper knew four of the players including Salem s Amanda Olrey (eight points), Taylorville s Jay Stewart, Edwardsville s Megan Sharpe (6 points) and Springfield s Allison Anderson (6 points). The South was led in scoring by Morton s Brooke Bisping, who earned the MVP award, with 10 points. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Central Illinois girl wins Girl Scout Global Citizens essay contest Jun 21, 2009
Springfield Sarah Yockey, 15, of Shelbyville has won a trip to Europe for her essay about how Girl Scouts are taking action on some of the most compelling issues of our time. Yockey will travel with five other Girl Scouts from around the country on a tour of London, Paris and Switzerland this summer. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
2 Ill. soldiers killed in Afghanistan Jun 21, 2009
soldiers killed in Afghanistan. TODAY'S HEADLINES SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE POLL. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Ag officials watching budget fight Jun 21, 2009
By KURT ERICKSON, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau. SPRINGFIELD A year after weathering a similar budget-slashing threat, officials at a number of state-funded agricultural programs are again waiting for the governor and Illinois lawmakers to resolve their financial differences. (Agri-View, WI)
Illinois Lotto jackpot now $8.75 million Jun 21, 2009
TODAY'S HEADLINES SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE POLL. Now that there is a new agreement with the Department of Energy, will FutureGen be built in Mattoon. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Local barbershop group to hold 'preview night' Jun 21, 2009
This is the second consecutive year and fifth time the Sound of Illinois, directed by Terry Ludwig of Springfield, has qualified for international competition. Last year, the chorus placed 21st in Nashville. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
East Peoria man among 2 Ill. soldiers killed in Afghanistan Jun 21, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- Two Illinois soldiers have died in Afghanistan after their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device in Kandahar, according to the Illinois Army National Guard. Twenty-six-year-old Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton of Germantown and 43-year-old Sgt. Paul Smith of East Peoria died Friday, according to the national guard. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Burris wont face perjury charge Jun 20, 2009
Burris wont face perjury charge - More politics- msnbc. Burris wont face perjury charge. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Speaking for the most vulnerable Jun 20, 2009
We can change it by calling those legislators and telling them that what they say, and what they are doing in Springfield, that we are watching, and we will hold them accountable for their actions. And if they do not fix this budget, they won;t be down in Springfield next session," he said. Also speaking was Andrea Anderson of the Zearing Child Enrichment Center. Anderson said Zearing has always extended its services for those who might need additional support and funding and have used the... (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Quinn wants income tax vote Wednesday Jun 20, 2009
(AP) Gov. wants lawmakers to vote Wednesday on an income tax increase while they're in Springfield working on the state budget. Quinn visited a Chicago training center for developmentally disabled adults on Friday to highlight cuts in human services programs he says will happen without more revenue from a tax increase. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Senator Burris Won't Be Charged With Perjury Over Testimony on Blagojevich Jun 20, 2009
The state capital, Springfield, is within Sangamon County. There is insufficient evidence to charge Senator Burris with perjury, according to a statement by Schmidt today. (Bloomberg -- US)
Burris off the hook on perjury accusation Jun 20, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- A Republican prosecutor has found insufficient evidence to proceed with perjury charges against Democratic U.S. Sen. Roland Burris of Illinois. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Sen. Burris Escapes Perjury Rap Jun 20, 2009
Burris Escapes Perjury Rap - CBS News. We've updated CBSNews. (CBS News -- Politics)
Main Street leaves Princeton Jun 20, 2009
There is a lack of support from the Springfield office and costly demands on community members. For instance, the number of required conferences has put a strain on the Chamber;s budget, Robbins said. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Burris won’t face perjury charge Jun 20, 2009
Local Search Site Search. THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING. (Boston Globe)
OUR VIEW: Ambitions of young politicians not all far-fetched Jun 20, 2009
Hacker said his disillusionment with the political atmosphere in Springfield is his motivation for seeking the governor s job. Most people complain about the sad state of politics in Illinois and, often, the nation in general but few ever try to take real action to affect change. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Husbands of deployed National Guard wives take on extra responsibilities at home Jun 20, 2009
SPRINGFIELD Father s Day will be busier than normal for some men taking on single-parent responsibilities while their wives are deployed ... Glenn Bates of Glenarm, near Springfield, also has his hands full while his wife, Chief Warrant Officer (2) Peggy Bates is deployed to Afghanistan with Headquarters, Headquarters Company 634th Brigade Support Battalion based in Sullivan. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Senate ethics committee next up for Roland Burris Jun 20, 2009
Roland Burris, D-Ill, speaks to reporters Springfield, Ill ... The prosecutor's announcement "probably stops the bleeding," but doesn't improve Burris' political stature, said Kent Redfield, a political scientist affiliated with the University of Illinois at Springfield. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Ag programs like 4-H could receive 50 percent cuts from state Jun 20, 2009
SPRINGFIELD -- A year after weathering a similar budget-slashing threat, officials at a number of state-funded agricultural programs are again waiting for the governor and Illinois lawmakers to resolve their financial differences. Just as social service providers are facing massive cuts to their budgets, programs like the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension, 4-H, soil and water conservation districts and the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research are potentially facing a 50... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Funerals for the poor could be casualty of state budget crisis Jun 19, 2009
As in the case of an array of social services facing severe budget cuts, this program also could be restored, at least partially, when lawmakers return to Springfield next week to consider revising the fiscal 2010 budget they approved last month ... san1 wrote on Jun 18, 2009 7:54 PM:" We can't even afford to die. Take all the ones that don't have the money to Springfield I bet they find the money then. How sad is this. Illinois has gone to the dogs. Have no regards for the humans. ". (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Hamilton makes up for state shortfall Jun 19, 2009
Illinois school districts close out the fiscal year June 30 and are owed state funds that have not been released from (the states capital) Springfield, Ill. The Hamilton School Board amended its 2008-2009 budget Wednesday to cover salaries, pay insurance and to reflect 625,000 being added to the budget from bond sales. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
