(EAST ST. LOUIS) The federal government files suit against East St. Louis yesterday, alleging the city’s practice of repeatedly dumping untreated sewage in the local community violates federal environmental protections. The Justice Department, on behalf of the EPA and the state of Illinois, filed the complaint mostly because investigators say the sewer systems in East St. Louis and nearby Caholia Heights, are “chronic failures” with multiply violations.
(SPRINGFIELD) There’s a new Secretary for the Illinois Department of Transportation as Governor J.B. Pritzker has appointed Gia Biagi to replace Omer Osman, who’s retiring after 35 years at the agency. Biagi takes over IDOT, pending approval by the State Senate, after four years at the Chicago Department of Transportation. Biagi’s salary at $200,000 a year.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois municipalities and counties are looking for state tax funds to complete energy efficiency building audits or upgrades can now apply with the Illinois EPA. The fourth notice of funding from the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant will award projects ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Applications are due by February 3rd, 2025.
(SPRINGFIELD) A reminder that the Muzzleloader-Only Deer Hunting Season is this weekend throughout Illinois, running tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday. More firearm deer hunting opportunities are coming up as well, but only for limited counties around the state. The seven day Late-Winter Deer Season is December 26th thru 29th and then January 17th thru 19th. This season involves only 27 of Illinois’ 102 counties, including nine in our region : Clay, Marion, Effingham, Shelby, Coles, Crawford, Hamilton, Jefferson, and Saline.