(MT. VERNON) If you are not willing to stick around and help make Illinois better, State Governor J.B. Pritzker says you can “get up and move.” Pritzker made the comments last week while in Southern Illinois when asked about the movement to split the state into two parts. The group New Illinois, a movement for downstate counties to separate themselves from the Chicago area counties, said that so far, 70 of the 102 counties in Illinois have a state split movement growing. While the Governor says it’s simply a partisan idea and will never happen, those in favor of the move say the issue is not partisan and the Governor is getting it wrong. Illinois has one of the nation’s largest domestic outmigration movements.
(SPRINGFIELD) As college football is underway and the professional football season is just around the corner, the Sports Betting Alliance of Illinois is warning that the risks of illegal online gaming will rise as companies pass the state’s sports-betting tax onto customers. The group says the per-wager tax will have the most impact on recreational bettors, who place small-dollar wagers, with more than half the bets placed in Illinois at $5.00 or less.
(BENTON) A former Franklin County mine manager has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration in relation to an underground fire that occurred in August four years ago in 2021. Prosecutors say the 38 year old man from Kentucky and his co-conspirators, agreed not to evacuate miners over the course of three shifts, or to notify the MSH Administration, even though gas detectors alarmed for the presence of thick carbon monoxide. Sentencing is scheduled for December 18th this year.
(DU QUOIN) The 2025 Du Quoin State Fair will finish up today on the fairgrounds down in Perry County, Illinois. Today is Labor Day at the fair as all Labor Unions are welcome to the Expo Hall, also the final livestock shows, a Washer Tournament, Pro Wrestling, a Cornhole Tournament, the Illinois Products Show, and musician Gabby Barrett on stage tonight at 7:30. Plus all the great food concessions, other live entertainment, various shows, carnival rides, games, and much more. Check it out on the Fair’s website online, at dsf.illinois.gov.