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Continued Coverage
Voter security: Public confidence in Heartland’s elections
Election security is top of mind, across the country and here in Illinois.
Missouri Senate pitches yet another redistricting plan
Missouri's Republican-led state Senate is pressing forward with a plan to revamp key parts of a ballot initiative on redistricting that was approved by voters just two years ago.
Nell Holcomb School District asking for support for Proposition Hawks
If you live in the Nell Holcomb School District, officials hope you’ll be ready to pay a little more.
Ill. State Board of Elections and Department of Corrections work to correct data error
Some Heartland counties were impacted.
MOST RECENT
Political expert anticipates graduated income tax to be focus of Ill. State of the State on Wednesday
The address will take place on January 29
Sen. Hawley requests federal agencies outline decisions on possible travel restrictions for coronavirus
In the letter, Sen. Hawley expressed concerns about the spread of a new strain of coronavirus in China.
Gov. Pritzker signs law capping insulin costs at $100 per month
According to Governor JB Pritzker’s office, diabetes affects approximately 1,300,000 adults in Illinois.
Gov. Pritzker meets with early childhood, education experts in Marion
They will meet to discuss investments in early childhood.
Hunter Biden facing contempt charge in Arkansas child custody case
An Arkansas circuit judge Tuesday ordered Hunter Biden to explain why he failed to submit his financial records in a contentious paternity case or face a charge of contempt.
Heartland history teacher says impeachment trial a big topic in class
The impeachment trial is history in the making, and one history teacher at Cairo High School is making sure his students keep up with it.
Legislation filed in Mo. to fight call ‘spoofing’
House Bill 2175 would add call spoofing to Missouri’s existing no-call list statute.
Ill. bill lowers retirement age to 60 for DHS security employees
The legislation would benefit security employees at DHS facilities, like Chester Mental Health Center.
Local lawmaker reacts to the State of State address
Governor parson said he has four main priorities this year building stronger communities ,workforce and education , infrastructure and government reform.
Mo. Governor delivers 2020 State of the State address
Missouri Governor Mike Parson delivered the 2020 State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
US border arrests drop as focus turns to Mexicans
U.S. authorities said they made 40,620 arrests or detentions of people on the Mexico border in December
Ky. bill would ban plastic bags, containers, straws; release of plastic balloons
Bill Request 999 aims to reduce plastic waste in the state.
$5M for rural EMS funding added to year-end funding bill
The SIREN Act was signed into law in 2018 as part of the Farm Bill.
Bill to raise tobacco purchase age to 21 now goes to Pres. Trump for signature
The products include e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader McConnell delivers remarks on impeachment
McConnell spoke on the Senate floor on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Tax relief extended for Ky. distillers, brewers
Once approved, the government-funding agreement will be sent to President Donald Trump to sign.
U.S. Senate passes bill to end rape kit backlog
The Debbie Smith Act of 2019 now heads to the President's desk.
Mo. lawmaker wants to add fees, gather more signatures for initiative petitions
Missourians are filing dozens of initiative petitions for the upcoming 2020 general election, but a state senator wants to add upfront costs and raise the standards for each proposal to get on the ballot.
Gov. Pritzker writes letter to Pompeo, welcomes refugees to Ill.
The governor’s letter followed an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at turning refugees away.
Cameron becomes Kentucky’s first African American AG
The 34-year-old becomes the first Republican in 70 years to serve as the state’s top prosecutor.
POW/MIA flag to fly permanently at Kentucky state capitol
No protocols where in place for the flag.
Mo. lawmakers file 2 HIV modernization bills
The two bills, HB 1691 and 1692, were filed by State Representatives Holly Rehder and Tracy McCeery.
Gov. signs ‘Illinois Works’ legislation to increase workforce diversity
The law makes a $25 million investment and works through community-based organizations.
Andy Beshear publicly sworn in as governor of Ky.
A public swearing-in ceremony was held on Tuesday afternoon, December 10.
Senate leaders ask for input on ways to address climate change
The letters where sent to environmental justice leaders.
U.S. Supreme Court denies Ky. abortion clinic’s petition in ultrasound informed consent law
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Governor Matt Bevin on Monday, December 9, denying a Louisville abortion clinic's petition of certiorari in the House Bill 2 ultrasound case.
Sen. Duckworth introduces bill for body armor, equipment to fit female service members
According to reports, poorly-fitting PPE is a leading cause of injury for all service members, whether deployed or in training.
Gov. Bevin, Gov.-elect Beshear both attend to light Capitol Tree in Frankfort
Governor Matt Bevin and Governor-Elect Andy Beshear came together to light the Capitol’s Christmas tree Saturday night.
Winner of “I Voted” sticker contest in Cape Girardeau County announced
The winning design was chosen.
Former Mo. Director of Public Safety announces run for Cape Girardeau County Sheriff
Charles A. “Drew” Juden, III announces his run for Cape Girardeau County Sheriff on the Republican ticket.
Gov. Bevin signs executive order prohibiting pension spiking
Pension spiking is when former legislators appointed to executive or judicial branch positions can potentially double or triple their pension payout.
Illinois governor signs bill to create ethic reform
Governor JB Pritzker signed an ethic reform into law.
Resolution to name November as National Runaway Prevention Month passes Senate
A bipartisan resolution, introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tim Scott (R-SC), that recognizes Nov. as National Runaway Prevention Month, passed the U.S. Senate this week.
Celebrate the season with Mitch McConnell wrapping paper
A small donation to Senator Mitch McConnell’s reelection campaign can gain someone a unique gift for the holidays.
Turkey, doughnuts and more delivered to families in Cairo, Ill.
Cairo families received turkey meals and doughnuts.
Ill. lieutenant governor visits Cairo Jr./Sr. High schools
High students at Cairo Junior and Senior High aren’t just getting a lesson about the government in class. Instead, they are getting visits from Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton.
Missouri to widen access to online and in-person voter registration
Courts ruled Missouri must streamline existing voter registration services offered in-person at state Motor Vehicle offices.
Beshear makes initial appointments for governor’s office
Gov.-elect Andy Beshear has made his first round of appointments for high-level jobs once he takes office, and all four appointees will be moving with him from the attorney general’s office to the governor’s office
Kentucky bill aims to curb violence toward sports officials
Three Republican lawmakers in Kentucky say they plan to introduce a bill that would make intimidating sports officials a misdemeanor offense
Beshear praises Bevin administration’s help in transition
Gov.-elect Andy Beshear says Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration is giving its “best efforts” to assist his transition team as he prepares to become Kentucky’s governor next month
Audit reviews Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement Systems
A report by Kentucky Auditor Mike Harmon shows the pension system for teachers is on more solid ground
Gov. Parson launches youth vaping awareness campaign
Gov. Parson has launched "Clear the Air" public awareness campaign to deter the use of vaping devices among Missouri's youth.
Gov. Bevin concedes gubernatorial election
Governor Matt Bevin concedes the gubernatorial election.
Beshear announces transition website, Bevin awaits recanvass
As a recanvass requested by Republican Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin approaches, Democrat Andy Beshear continues to move forward with his plans to take over the governor's office
Anna, Ill. company approved to grow recreational marijuana
Wellness Group Pahrms, LLC in Anna, Ill. was issued an early license to grow marijuana for recreational adult-use.
Dealing with GOP legislature next challenge for Beshear
Preparing to assume the Kentucky governor's post, Democrat Andy Beshear faces the new challenge of dealing with a Republican-dominated legislature determined to set its own agenda
Hemp Summit hosted by Ill. Department of Agriculture
Tickets for the Summit are $25 and include lunch.
Potential McConnell opponent goes off air after complaint
A Kentucky radio host who is considering a run against U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is off the air after Republicans accused him of campaign violations
Senator Hawley calls for sanctions on Mexico
He said sanctions need to be imposed on officials in Mexico who will not confront cartels
Gov. Bevin discussed election results, recanvassing request in news conference on Wednesday
Matt Bevin officially requested a recanvass of the governor’s race results.
Check Results: November 2019 General Election
A general election for parts of Missouri and the state of Kentucky was on Tuesday, November 5.
Close race, few public polls lead to heightened speculation on outcome of gubernatorial election
The Commonwealth’s 2019 gubernatorial election appears to be heading down to the wire with no clear front-runner.
No internal audit yet under Missouri attorney general
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt's office has not audited his compliance with conflict-of-interest rules, despite a policy calling for that
Trump to stump for Bevin in Lexington
President Donald Trump will visit Lexington to stump for Gov. Matt Bevin.
Bevin promotes school-choice efforts during Louisville stop
Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has promoted school-choice efforts as a way to uplift urban neighborhoods as he campaigned in Kentucky's largest city.
“Hemp’s course into the future” USDA implements new hemp initiative
the initiative allows hemp to be cultivated nationwide.
Bevin, Beshear continue combative exchanges in final debate
Republican Gov. Matt Bevin and Democratic challenger Andy Beshear are sticking to their main campaign themes in a televised debate coming a week before their election showdown in Kentucky
Bevin, Beshear square off in combative televised debate
Republican Gov. Matt Bevin and Democratic challenger Andy Beshear have wrangled over casino gambling, education funding and pensions in a combative debate