ILLINOIS STATE NEWS BRIEF (08/30/2024)

(CHESTER) Staff members at a downstate Illinois correctional facility were taken to a hospital yesterday after experiencing some medical symptoms. ICOC officials say twelve (12) workers at the Menard Correctional Center, along the Mississippi River, just west of Chester, were taken to a nearby medical facility by ambulance. At this time, nearly 24 hours later, it’s still known what caused the illnesses. The Illinois Poison Control Center, along with St. Clair County EMA’s Hazmat Team is assisting authorities with the investigation.

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Transportation announced yesterday that all lanes that have been closed for road construction will reopen, where possible, for the Labor Day holiday weekend to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3:00 this afternoon to midnight next Monday night. Meanwhile, motorists are reminded there will be a heavy police presence on statewide roadways by the State Police and local law enforcement personnel looking for those speeding & driving impaired.

(CHICAGO) The nation’s most expensive places to live have been announced for 2024. According to the U.S. News & World Report, cities around the country were ranked on their median gross rent and annual housing costs for homeowners. While the Windy City came in as the 23rd most expensive city, Hartford, Connecticut and Los Angeles were one & two.

(DU QUOIN) The 2024 Du Quoin State Fair is continuing. Today is Illinois Tourism Day with the Made in Illinois Products Show, more livestock shows, and on stage tonight Ashley McBryde. Tomorrow will be Coal Heritage Day & SIU Day with more livestock shows, heavy horse pulling, afternoon USAC Silver Crown Auto Racing, an evening Demo Derby, and on stage Chris Lane with Breland. Sunday is First Responder Day with a Car Show, pedal pull competition, more livestock shows, and ARCA Auto Racing that night. Then, the final day, next Monday, there will be barrel racing, a washer tournament, a cornhole tournament, a fireworks display that night, and on the grandstand stage is Nelly. The Du Quoin State Fair runs thru next Labor Day with carnival rides, fair food, & more. Go to dsf.illinoios.gov.