* The Statehouse press room is no more. The room is being eliminated to make way for a new stairwell so the capitol building can be brought up to modern fire codes. For the next year or so, the media will be stationed at the Stratton Building. Supposedly, we’ll be back at the Statehouse when the construction ends, but some have their doubts.

I never really got too attached to the press room because I work out of my house when the Legislature isn’t in session. And when the GA is in session, I’m usually out and about around the capitol complex. But, I will miss that ratty, old place. I had a pretty sweet office, too. It used to belong to United Press International, back when they were a big deal in Illinois. The UPI staff dwindled down to one, so I moved in with Greg Tejeda. UPI eventually closed up shop and the Daily Herald moved out of its tiny closet-sized space and in with me. I’ll share space with a Downstate TV station and BlueRoomStream.com at the new digs across the way.

Anyway, Chris Wills at the AP has posted a few pics of the press room’s finale. Check ‘em out.

* I’ve been listening to a lot of Joe Walsh tunes in my spare time this week, for obvious reasons. And I don’t think there’s a greater beginning to any rock song than this one…