Ill State News

SPRINGFIELD – At least 300 waterbirds, primarily snow geese, have died of suspected avian influenza at public hunting areas throughout southern Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has confirmed.   Deceased wild birds have been found at Baldwin Lake in Randolph County, Pyramid State Recreation Area in Perry County, Rend Lake in Franklin […]

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Freedom Caucus is issuing the following statement on the news Stellantis is idling its Jeep Cherokee plant in Belvidere by the end of February.   “This decision impacts about 1,350 workers and will have a devastating impact on the Belvidere community. The plant is being closed for a variety of

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Tis the season for decking the halls to celebrate the holiday season. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than two of every five home decoration fires occur due to decorations being placed too close to a heat source. More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.

SPRINGFIELD – In preparation for the new year, employers should be aware of upcoming changes to the One Day Rest in Seven Act taking effect January 1, 2023. The One Day Rest in Seven Act (ODRISA) gives workers the right to a day of rest every workweek and breaks for meals or rest during daily

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker signed the historic Unemployment Insurance (UI) Agreement last week, finalizing a bipartisan plan to pay down $1.36 billion in UI loan debt remaining from the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement will save taxpayers an estimated $20 million in interest costs that would be due next September and preserves hundreds of millions of

CHICAGO – COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are continuing to rise across Illinois following the Thanksgiving holiday, with 74 counties in Illinois rated at an elevated level for COVID-19 by the CDC. Randolph County is shown at a medium community level.   The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said that the anticipated post-holiday surge

CHICAGO – As the colder months approach, the demand for shelter is growing and many shelter providers are already approaching maximum capacity. The increased demand could create difficulties for shelters, putting some of the most vulnerable Illinois residents at risk. To address this concern, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced today an additional

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Elk Lodge 158 commemorated the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor with a program featuring the symbolic wreath laying ceremony by the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. “We are proud to gather today to mark this important day in our

CHICAGO – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the federal REAL ID deadline an additional two years, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025.   With this extension, current standard Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at