https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/budget-package-in-jeopardy-as-democrats-roll-back-republicans-economic/article_d93685ee-5c31-11e7-9994-8f9176f7b0eb.html

SPRINGFIELD, IL –  (Dan McCaleb and Greg Bishop, Illinois News Newtork.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Chances of a budget deal that would include at least $5 billion in tax increases took a hit Wednesday when House Democrats pushed for votes on reform measures that Republicans say are too watered down to do any good.

In order to sign off on a budget package that includes such a significant tax hike, Gov. Bruce Rauner said he wants a property tax freeze and meaningful reforms to state pensions, workers compensation and other items that would provide some relief to taxpayers and job creators.

With just two days to go until the end of the fiscal year, Republicans criticized Democrats’ tactics, saying that the measures as written don’t provide meaningful benefits and further meetings to work on them are scheduled.

Press Release from the Illinois Department of Transportation

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois has been recognized as the top state in the country for road safety, according to The State of Safety report released by the National Safety Council. The report uses a grading system to rank states based on policy and laws pertaining to key safety issues.

“While it’s an honor to see our efforts recognized at a national level, the high ranking comes with responsibility,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Now, more than ever, we have to continue developing new strategies to make zero fatalities a reality and improve safety for all who travel on Illinois roads.”

The report analyzes best practices, policies and laws throughout the nation as they pertain to safety across roadways, home and communities and workplaces. The road safety section is based on eight subcategories: impaired driving, child passenger safety, distracted driving, issues for older drivers, seat belts, speeding, teen drivers and vulnerable road users.

For more information, visit the National Safety Council website or click here for the full state-by-state report.

http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/35769166/search-underway-for-il-man-missing-since-sunday

GRAND CHAIN, IL – (Krystle Callais, WPSD -TV  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man who has been missing since Sunday.

Deputies are looking for Michael Shawn Neal of Karnak, Illinois.

He was last heard from Sunday evening. His family says he was camping at Grand Chain Lodge located in Grand Chain, Illinois.

Some of his items were found at his tent, which was at a campsite about a half mile away from the lodge. Other items were found near the Ohio River.