Ill State News

CHICAGO— During today’s regularly scheduled Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) meeting, the IGB Administrator reminded Illinoisans that March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, noting that the agency is working with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and others in bringing awareness to gambling addiction and recovery.   “Problem gambling awareness and responsible gambling education demand our […]

CHICAGO – On Thursday, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) Director Jim Bennett and the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) issued a letter to remind public officials and local units of government of their obligations under the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003, and the Bill

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were almost unchanged, down -1,100 (0.0%), while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9 percent in January, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The December monthly change in payrolls was revised

SPRINGFIELD – Visitors are invited to experience two new exhibits at the Illinois State Museum’s Lockport Gallery that reflect on the enduring cultural traditions of Native Americans with homelands in Illinois and the Midwest. “Minohsayaki ‘Painted Robes’” presents the story of collaborative efforts by the Peewaaliaki (Peoria Tribe) and Myaamiaki (Miami Tribe), along with non-Native scholars,

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement remind you to plan ahead for a sober ride home before partaking in any St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. When you know how you’ll get home after the revelry ends, you – and those around you – are more likely to end the

SPRINGFIELD – Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site welcomes the public to a special program about pioneer women of New Salem at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15.   This program is a guided walk through the historic village with a site interpreter. Visitors will learn about the women who lived in and around New Salem,

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which provides students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Students ages 8 to 18 may submit contest entries until the deadline of June 13, 2025.    Bright

SPRINGFIELD – The 2025 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 5 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state.   An early opportunity at select trout sites – the spring catch-and-release fishing season – will open Saturday, March 22. No trout may be kept during the catch-and-release period, but anglers can keep

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Director Jerry Costello II, along with key stakeholders representing farmers, research institutions, and food banks, appeared before the General Assembly’s House Agriculture & Conservation Committee hearing to discuss federal funding cuts and tariffs – which amount to taxes on working farmers.   Costello’s testimony in Springfield focused on

SPRINGFIELD – New results from two statewide surveys show Illinois’ educator shortage crisis is easing. The Illinois State Board of Education attributes the progress to comprehensive statewide efforts to address teacher shortages, which include the largest-ever state investment in addressing teacher vacancies. The state’s Teacher Vacancy Grants provided $45 million per year in FY 2024 and