SPRINGFIELD, IL – The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 3.0 points in March to 95.8, leaving it below its 52-year average of 98.0. The last time the Optimism Index fell below its historical average was April 2025. The Uncertainty Index rose 4 points from February to 92, well above its historical average of 68. “The […]
Illinois Small Business Optimism Index fell in March survey Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has announced the unemployment rate was 5.0 percent in February, up +0.1 percentage point from January, and up +0.3 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised January unemployment rate was 4.9
Small decrease in payroll jobs, slight increase in unemployment rate in February Read More »
SPRINGFIELD, IL –The Illinois State Fair is set to deliver high-energy entertainment in the Arena with a full slate of can’t-miss events during the 2026 Fair. From rodeo action to roaring engines and crashing metal, this year’s lineup offers something for every fairgoer. Tickets for all of these fan-favorite events will go on sale Tuesday,
Illinois State Fair arena tickets go on sale tomorrow Read More »
RIVERSIDE, IL — EveryLibrary, the national political action organization dedicated to defending and advancing public, school, and academic libraries, is calling on Congress and the public to reject the Administration’s FY2027 budget proposal, which includes plans to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation’s only source of federal funding and support dedicated
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, released a new report outlining the economic benefits and massive tax savings the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction will bring to the 1.4 million small businesses in Illinois now that it has been made permanent. The report also details several other federal
SPRINGFIELD – Chosen by voters from an initial field of more than 100 entries, the NASA Standard Initiator made by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove has been crowned the winner of the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. Hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and sponsored
NASA Standard Initiator named ‘Coolest Thing Made in Illinois’ Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) held its first annual Telecommunicators Graduation and Promotion Ceremony today, administering the ISP Telecommunicators (TC) Oath to 30 graduates and recognizing the recent promotions of an additional nine Tcs. “Telecommunicators are the calming voice on the line when people need emergency help the most,” said ISP Director
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) released the following statement after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a notice that the agency plans to file an order to preempt Illinois’ Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, which would prohibit banks and credit card companies from charging swipe fees
SPRINGFIELD – Tax Day may be Democrats’ favorite day, but Republicans say for Illinois families, it is another reminder of how much they are being squeezed. In a news release, House Republicans point out that while working families are tightening their belts and trying to make ends meet, Governor Pritzker and House Democrats are piling
Illinois House Republicans say families continue to ‘feel the squeeze’ Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued its annual update of advisories related to the consumption of sport fish caught in Illinois waterways. Fish are tested statewide by the Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and methylmercury. Results are used to issue advisories which
IDPH issues updated sport fish consumption advisories Read More »
