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Bringing Back Kids Political Radio!

Here’s our first episode back with Sunshine Strategies Radio - featuring Kids Political Radio!





We've got coverage of downstate Illinois, including local, state, and national headlines from January 20 – February 2, 2025.



📰 Downstate Illinois Headlines

🔹 Severe Weather Hits Southern and Central Illinois A powerful storm system swept through Southern Illinois and the Metro East area on January 25, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Towns like Marion, Belleville, and Carbondale saw flooding and power outages, while Peoria and Springfield experienced high winds up to 50 mph. Cleanup efforts are underway, and families are encouraged to report damage to local emergency management offices.

🔹 New Manufacturing Jobs Coming to Decatur A major food processing company has announced plans to build a new $250 million facility in Decatur, bringing over 400 new jobs to the region. Governor Pritzker praised the project as a win for downstate economic growth, with hiring expected to begin by late 2025.

🔹 Illinois’ Rural Schools Facing Funding Challenges Small school districts in western and southern Illinois are struggling with budget shortages due to declining enrollment. Superintendents in towns like Effingham, Quincy, and Mt. Vernon are calling for more state funding to maintain staff and programs. Lawmakers are set to discuss potential funding solutions in the upcoming legislative session.

🔹 SIU Carbondale Expands Nursing Program Good news for healthcare students in Southern Illinois! Southern Illinois University Carbondale has received $10 million in state funding to expand its nursing program and address the ongoing shortage of nurses in rural communities. The program will now accept 100 more students per year, with new scholarships available for students who commit to working in downstate hospitals after graduation.

🔹 Route 66 Tourism Grows in Central Illinois Officials in Springfield and Bloomington-Normal are reporting a surge in tourism along the historic Route 66 corridor, with visitors flocking to attractions like the Lincoln Presidential Library and the Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac. Tourism revenue is expected to hit a record high in 2025, bringing a boost to local businesses.

🏛️ State & Local Government Updates

✅ Illinois River Bridge Project Moves Forward The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has finalized plans for a new bridge over the Illinois River near Peoria. The $150 million project will improve traffic flow and safety, with construction set to begin this spring.

✅ Downstate Police Departments Receive Safety Grants Law enforcement agencies in Champaign, Belleville, and Alton will receive state grants to upgrade equipment and hire additional officers. This comes amid concerns over rising property crimes in some downstate communities.

✅ Farmers Rally for Agricultural Tax Relief Downstate farmers are pushing for property tax relief, arguing that higher farmland assessments are making it harder to maintain family farms. Legislators in Springfield are considering new exemptions to ease the tax burden for small farms.

🌍 National News Impacting Illinois Families

📢 IRS Warns of Tax Refund Delays Illinois taxpayers should file early to avoid refund delays, as the IRS reports a backlog from 2024 cases. Families with children may see larger refunds thanks to expanded tax credits.

🏥 Flu and COVID Cases Increase in Illinois Hospitals in Springfield, Peoria, and Southern Illinois are seeing a rise in flu and COVID cases. Health officials urge families to get vaccinated and stay home if sick.

🏈 Super Bowl LIX Hype Grows in IllinoisWith the Super Bowl just days away, bars and restaurants in Chicago, Peoria, and St. Louis metro areas are expecting record crowds. Illinois sportsbooks are also reporting a surge in bets on the big game.

🎭 Entertainment & Family Fun in Downstate Illinois

🎡 Illinois State Fair Announces 2025 Headliners! The Illinois State Fair in Springfield has revealed its summer concert lineup, featuring Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, and Fall Out Boy. Tickets go on sale next month!

❄️ Winter Fun for Families Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out:✅ Eagle Watching at Starved Rock State Park – A must-see winter tradition!✅ Champaign’s Winter Fest – Live music, ice skating, and food trucks in downtown Champaign.✅ St. Louis Auto Show (Jan 30–Feb 2) – A great event for families near the Metro East area.

🍽️ Quick Family Recipe of the Week

Classic Illinois Cornbread – A Midwest favorite!🥄 Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, butter, and a touch of honey.🔥 Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes for golden, fluffy cornbread – perfect with chili or BBQ!

📌 Final Thought: Family Tip of the Week

Plan a Spring Break Road Trip! 🚗 With gas prices stabilizing, now is a great time to start planning a spring road trip. Consider exploring Shawnee National Forest, historic Galena, or the Great River Road along the Mississippi!

🎙️ That’s a wrap for this week’s Illinois Family News Update!Stay warm, stay informed, and enjoy time with your loved ones. Be sure to subscribe for more updates!


Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/XF_wivP4K4I


 
 
 

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