Ill State News

Should the workweek be shortened to four days?

URBANA-CHAMPAIGN – A four-day workweek pilot study in the U.K. was so successful recently that most companies in the experiment decided to keep the shortened week. Robert Bruno is a professor of labor and employment relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the director of the Project for Middle Class Renewal, a research-based initiative tasked with […]

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$60 Million in grants for 118 Illinois park and recreation projects

SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker along with state and local leaders and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have announced nearly $60 million in state grants are being awarded for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land

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Illinois launches coalition to eliminate viral hepatitis in the state

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has launched a new effort to eliminate viral hepatitis in Illinois.   The Illinois Hepatitis Coalition held its inaugural meeting, bringing together key stakeholders – including clinicians, academic researchers, and community partners – with the goal of formulating an equity-driven strategic plan to end the viral

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Leading business, healthcare and technology groups urge reforms to Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act

SPRINGFIELD – Leading business, healthcare and technology groups are calling on the General Assembly to enact reforms to the state’s outdated Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) following recent Illinois Supreme Court decisions that leave companies vulnerable to massive financial damages and have a chilling effect on security, innovation and economic growth.   A coalition led by

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Rep. Ford calls for free exam prep for Illinois public university students to improve access and equity for better opportunities

SPRINGFIELD – State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, Chairman of the Illinois House Appropriations Higher Education Committee, announced his proposal to provide Illinois public university students with free access to classes that prepare them for graduate school tests and professional licensing exams.   Ford, D-Chicago, a former Chicago Public Schools teacher, said he will pursue

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Dieterich Bank appoints Todd Wegman to the Prime Banc Corp and Dieterich Bank boards of directors

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — Dieterich Bank has announced the appointment of Todd Wegman, president, Stevens Industries, Inc., to the board of directors of Prime Banc Corp. and Dieterich Bank, increasing the number of directors to eleven on both boards.   Bob Willenborg, chairman of the board of Prime Banc Corp and Dieterich Bank said, “We are

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IDPH reports 20 Illinois counties are at an elevated community level for COVID-19

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has anounced that the CDC is reporting 20 counties in the state are at a Medium Community Level for COVID-19, compared to 19 last week. Randolph County is at a low community level according to the CDC.   There were no counties listed at High Community

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Municipalities unveil 2023 ‘Moving Cities Forward’ platform

SPRINGFIELD – Representing mayors and municipal officials from across the state, the Illinois Municipal League (IML) announced its annual ‘Moving Cities Forward’ legislative platform, which aims to ensure the long-term success of Illinois’ 1,295 cities, villages and towns.   The 2023 platform is intended to strengthen local governments’ ability to provide critical services to taxpayers and

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Republican senators demand action on improving downstate mental health facility

SPRINGFIELD – Downstate Republican Senators in Illinois are demanding urgent action in light of documented abuses of residents living at the Choate Mental Health Center in Anna, IL. State Senators Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg), Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), and Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) joined together with House Republican colleagues at the Capitol on Thursday calling for immediate hearings.

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