Ill State News

Delta Regional Authority awards nearly $500,000 in funding to address infrastructure needs

CLARKSDALE, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is awarding nearly $500,000 to five communities across Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri in its third round of funding through the Strategic Planning Program. Funding for this program was made available by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden — a key part of his Investing in […]

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Voters narrow field to Top 8 Coolest Products Made in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – The field of contenders for the 2024 title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois has been narrowed further, with voters choosing the Top 8 products to move ahead in the fifth annual “Makers Madness” contest. Hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, “Makers Madness” is a bracket-style tournament in which voters across the state

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Survey: Teacher shortages persist in Illinois with disparities, many solutions showing progress

(Part two of two parts)     The seventh-annual Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools survey on teacher shortages across Illinois for the 2023-2024 school year reveals a continuing dilemma for school leaders: they make encouraging progress in filling classrooms and ensuring students have the educational opportunities they need today to be successful, yet they need

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Survey: Teacher shortages persist in Illinois with disparities, many solutions showing progress

(Part one of two parts)     SPRINGFIELD — Seven years after its debut, Illinois’ popular and comprehensive study shows persistent teacher shortages statewide with concerning disparities across the state. Schools also are showing a variety of solutions at the local and state levels are helping them ease the strain on classroom instruction.   The

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Governor Pritzker announces resignation of Prisoner Review Board Chair Donald Shelton; second resignation in a week

CHICAGO, Ill. — Governor JB Pritzker has announced the resignation of Prisoner Review Board (PRB) chair Donald Shelton. Shelton had served on the PRB since September of 2012, joining the board after a lengthy career with the Champaign Police Department.   “Donald Shelton served the state of Illinois in his role with the PRB for

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Gov. Pritzker appoints Robert Vickery as next director of Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice

CHICAGO — On Tuesday, Governor JB Pritzker announced his appointment of Robert Vickery, a leader in juvenile justice reform for nearly two decades, as the next director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) pending senate approval. Vickery currently serves as Interim Director of IDJJ, following the selection of previous Director Heidi Mueller to lead

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Rep. Friess comments during recent Capitol press conference

SPRINGFIELD – At a recent Capitol press conference, House Republican State Representatives laid out a bold legislative package aimed at improving public safety, recruiting and retaining police officers and other law enforcement officials, and providing assistance to victims of violent crime.   Those in attendance said there is a concerning trend we see here in

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Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers planned informational  picket during Postmaster General DeJoy’s visit to Downers Grove

DOWNER’S GROVE – The Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers announced Monday morning it would hold an informational picket to voice their objections to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s “Delivering for America” plan during his visit to Downers Grove yesterday afternoon.   According to an official with the association: “The ongoing implementation of DeJoy’s “Delivering for

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Illinois Manufacturers’ Association to announce winner of 2024 Makers Madness Contest to name The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Following eight weeks of rigorous competition, the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) will announce the winner of the fifth annual “Makers Madness” contest, a bracket-style tournament in which the public voted on which product deserves the 2024 title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.   Presented by Comcast Business, the competition celebrates the

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IL OSHA releases updated fact sheet for fire departments

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor’s (IDOL) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (IL OSHA) has released an updated fact sheet detailing the top 20 fire department safety violations.   The standards cited by IL OSHA occurred during fire department inspections between 2022-2023.   IL OSHA inspects municipal fire departments and fire protection districts across

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