(SPRINGFIELD) With the last unofficial holiday weekend of summer coming up, the Illinois State Police & the Illinois Department of Transportation are sending out a clear message that driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or any other impairing substance is not a game. The state agencies are teaming up with more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to enforce the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” safety campaign. There’ll be roadside safety checks, saturation patrols, and more tomorrow thru next Monday night, looking for impaired drivers and those speeding, not buckled up, or texting while driving.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has announced that the Illinois Flag Commission will begin accepting public submissions for a new state flag design beginning next Tuesday, September 3rd. The design ideas will be accepted on the ilsos.gov website or by mail through October 18th. The commission also plans to work with statewide schools & local libraries to inform Illinois residents about the process and encourage folks to submit design ideas. After the mid-October deadline, the commission will select ten (10) designs and will host an online public survey for statewide residents to vote on their favorites or to keep the current state flag. The voting will begin January 1st and last around two months.
(CAHOKIA) The Mayor of Cahokia Heights is being hailed as a hero after saving the life of a 7 year old girl yesterday. Kennedi Dukes suffered an asthma attack and left her inhaler at home. After she blacked out, her Father realized the closest stop was the Caholia Heights City Hall, where after taking the girl inside, Mayor Curtis McCall, a former police chief, administered CPR until the child coughed and started breathing again. At last check this morning, Kennedi is doing fine at home and getting ready for a day at school today.
(DU QUOIN) The 2024 Du Quoin State Fair is continuing. With free admission for all ages, there is a charge for parking. Today is Sponsor Appreciation Day and Kids Day with various activities for children, more livestock shows, and the classic rock band Kansas on stage at 7:30 tonight. Tomorrow is Illinois Tourism Day with the Made in Illinois Products Show, more livestock shows, and on stage that night Ashley McBryde. Saturday 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 that night is Chris Lane with Breland. Sunday is First Responder Day with a Car Show, pedal pull competition, more livestock shows, & the ARCA Auto Racing 100 that night. The Du Quoin State Fair runs thru next Labor Day night with carnival rides, fair food, & more. Learn more at dsf.illinoios.gov.