Local Headlines

CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois’ first day of legal recreational marijuana generated over $3 million in sales. State officials announced Thursday that there were over 77,000 transactions on Jan. 1, the first day of legal sales. Crowds began forming early in the morning. State officials say

UNDATED –  Illinois will join 10 other states and the District of Columbia in allowing the purchase and use of recreational cannabis. The new law allows residents ages 21 and older to buy and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis or 5 grams of concentrate from a licensed dispensary. Medical

CHICAGO – Gas prices are experiencing a year-end spike due to road trip travels during the holidays. According to the American Automobile Association, the majority of states saw gas prices increase in the last week, some by as much as a dime. In LaSalle County, gas prices increase by 7

CHICAGO (AP) – Governor J.B. Pritzker has granted more than 11,000 pardons for low-level marijuana convictions, one day before the state’s new law permitting broad use and sale of cannabis takes effect. Gov. JB Pritzker granted the pardons on Tuesday at a church on Chicago’s

LASALLE – The city of LaSalle is gearing up to collect potential marijuana sales tax. Per the recommendation of the Illinois Municipal League, on Monday night the city council updated their sales tax collection date from January 1st to July 1st. Lasalle Attorney James McPhedran says from a

OTTAWA – Dayton Bluffs Preserves in Ottawa will have their new year’s day hike on Wednesday morning. Volunteer Coordinator David Manigold says there will be two guided hikes offered at 9 a.m., a less strenuous route and a challenging one. Both hikes will last between an hour and two

  LASALLE – The legalization of marijuana is approaching fast. Come January 1st, those 21-years and older will be able to purchase and use marijuana, a substance that lingers a negative stigma. Since the proposal of legalization, parents have raised their concern on the impact it could

PERU – Illinois Valley Community Hospital has announced they have placed visitor restrictions until further notice in an effort to combat a statewide flu outbreak. According to Janine Sobin, the Infection Control Coordinator, Illinois now has widespread flu activity. IVCH is asking anyone

OTTAWA – 2020 is a win for mental health reform in Illinois. By next year, several bills geared around mental health will be put into law, including one that targets college campus’. In March, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Illinois Chapter lobbied for an law

CHICAGO – Local unemployment rates made a slight increase during the month of November.  According to the Illinois Department of Employment and Security, LaSalle County is 4.3% unemployed, the highest rates locally. Putnam County made the biggest increase, still the lowest rates locally,