Ill State News

Influenza climbs to ‘very high’ levels in Illinois; COVID-19 also on the rise

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging residents to take precautions against the spread of influenza (flu) and other seasonal respiratory illnesses, as rates continue to climb across the state. Flu activity in the state has climbed to “Very High” in recent days, the most severe of five categories of respiratory illness […]

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Governor Pritzker announces $24 million manufacturing training academy expansion

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have announced $24 million is now available in grant funding to establish six new Manufacturing Training Academies (MTAs) at community colleges in the state’s downstate regions to expand training for high-demand manufacturing jobs in Illinois. Grantees will be selected through a

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New laws in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly 300 new laws took effect in Illinois on January 1, 2026.   These new laws cover a wide variety of topics, including policies that impact students, enhance educational opportunities, improve public health and healthcare access, support veterans, and more. Below is a summary of some of the more interesting new laws impacting

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Reset. Rebalance. Refresh. Dry January Starts with One Choice

SPRINGFIELD, IL – January 1st marks the new year and a new challenge: Dry January. This is the time to reset and renew after an indulgent holiday season. Dry January is a one-month sobriety challenge where participants abstain from drinking alcohol for 31 days. The goal is to cleanse the body, adopt healthy new habits,

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Illinois Department of Labor highlights key worker protections and enforcement actions in 2025

SPRINGFIELD – As 2025 ends, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is proud to share a year of impactful enforcement actions and successful resolutions that protected workers’ rights and ensured fair compensation across the state. From recovering unpaid wages – approximately $2.7 million year-to-date – to enforcing child labor and paid leave laws, IDOL has remained steadfast in

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Illinois awarded $193 million to expand healthcare access in rural areas

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has been awarded $193,418,216 million per year for five years through the $50 billion federal Rural Healthcare Transformation Program (RHTP) fund, which will be utilized to expand equitable access to healthcare and to eliminate barriers to care that many residents of rural communities face. All 50 states applied for the RHTP funding,

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Allen Guelzo is featured speaker at Abraham Lincoln Birthday Banquet on Thursday, February 12

SPRINGFIELD – Noted author and three-time Lincoln Prize winner Allen Guelzo will be the featured speaker at the Abraham Lincoln Association (ALA) Birthday Banquet on Thursday, February 12 at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield. Three additional renowned Lincoln authors and historians will highlight the free Benjamin P. Thomas Symposium the following day, Friday,

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Illinois celebrates economic development milestones in 2025

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have released data highlighting record-breaking economic development milestones from 2025. Guided by Governor Pritzker’s strategic economic growth plan, Illinois reached a record $13 billion in incentivized investments, delivered record tourism accomplishments, and marked major milestones in key sectors, including quantum, while

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New laws impacting public health to take effect in 2026

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that several new laws designed to strengthen public health initiatives will take effect with the start of the New Year, January 1, 2026.   “The New Year offers a critical opportunity to advance public health and protect Illinois families through new laws and innovative strategies,” said

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Ring in the New Year on safe, sober note if you are getting behind the wheel

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are joining forces to increase patrols focused on impaired drivers, seat belt violations, distracted driving and speeding as 2025 comes to a close. Whether you’re traveling a short or long distance the goal is for everyone to arrive to

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