Ill State News

State’s talent pipeline and training drive national recognition CHICAGO – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have announced that Site Selection Magazine, the leading economic development publication, has named Illinois #1 for workforce development in the Midwest and #3 in the nation for 2026 – up from #2 […]

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites families, wildlife watchers and nature lovers to experience eagle-watching events across the state this winter.   The best time to see the majestic bald eagle in Illinois is during the winter when the raptors seek open water areas for fishing. Certain Illinois state parks and locations,

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) Office of Supplier Diversity, in collaboration with the IT Procurement Office (ITPO), announces the launch of a new webinar series titled “Mastering the State Contracting Game” as part of the “Leveraging Diversity in Technology Procurement” educational series.    This five-part series is designed to equip current

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in November, unchanged from September, and down -0.5 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised September unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.4

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) announced the recipients of its annual Outdoor Excellence Awards. The awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work has strengthened conservation, outdoor recreation, and public access across Illinois.   2025 Illinois Outdoor Excellence Award winners:   Outdoor Writer/Author of the Year – Steve Sarley Steve Sarley is recognized for more

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites the public to celebrate the reopening of the Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetland Center at Cache River State Natural Area in southern Illinois from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10.    Visitors can enjoy family-friendly environmental crafts; explore nearly 20 interactive community education and conservation

SPRINGFIELD — As Illinois heads into a new year and a new legislative session, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie is calling for a clear change in direction, one focused on affordability, public safety, and job-creating infrastructure.   McCombie says her call for change reflects what Illinois families are experiencing every day: rising costs, safety concerns,

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is reminding employers and employees about a new amendment, Public Act 104-0171, to the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) which clarify that employees may use an employer-provided device to document or record evidence of violence affecting themselves and or their family.   The amendment ensures that workers who use a