(CHAMPAIGN) With a rare, double emergence of cidada broods in Illinois now completed, researchers are now looking at the damage caused by the phenomenon. Researchers at the University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences in Champaign are requesting that fruit growers report any sustained damage done to trees, bushes, and/or vines. The most visible damage would be slits on small branches. Researchers say the slits could weaken fruit tree branches to the point that it would snap off during windy conditions.
(JOLIET) Parts of northern Illinois shook yesterday as a 3.4 magnitude earthquake struck in the early morning hours on Monday. The earthquake was centered northwest of the DeKalb County village of Somonauk. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake had an estimated depth of about 6 miles and it was felt at least 45 miles to the west, near Joliet. Authorities report there were no injuries and no damage as a result of the quake.
(ALTON) A massive sinkhole that swallowed part of a soccer field in Alton continued to grow, according to officials. The field at Gordon Moore Park was partially swallowed up two weeks ago, but since the sports complex has been closed, the problem appears to be getting worse. The City of Alton received approval from the Mine Health & Safety Administration to drill under the park access road to help determine what actions need to be taken and to what degree of ground stabilization the rest of the park and surrounding area has.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has been appointed to serve as co-chair of the National Association of Secretaries of State’s (NASS) Securities Committee. Giannoulias will serve alongside New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan as the pair will serve for the next year until the conclusion of the NASS 2025 Summer Conference. The Illinois Secretary of State’s Securities Department regulates the securities and investment advisory industries in Illinois, and pursues an enforcement program designed to protect Illinois investors from those engaged in unlawful investment-related activities.