Ill State News

IMUA has four $1,000 scholarships for local high school seniors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Municipal Utilities Association (IMUA) and its  member municipalities in the area —Highland, Breese, Carlyle, Mascoutah, Freeburg, Waterloo and Red Bud— are excited to announce the 2026 IMUA Scholarship for local high school seniors.   What’s Available? Four scholarships worth $1,000 each Eligibility: High school seniors in communities served by IMUA member […]

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School, fire officials gather in Springfield to support deaf & hard of hearing students

SPRINGFIELD, IL – In a collaborative effort between the nonprofit Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, Springfield Fire Department, and Springfield School District 186, specialized smoke alarm devices are being distributed to families with young deaf or hard of hearing children.    This initiative addresses a

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Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice to host job screenings

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) will host employment screening events for its Juvenile Justice Specialist Intern positions.    The positions are full-time, year-round, shift-work positions and there are job openings at the following Illinois youth centers: Chicago, Warrenville, St. Charles, Grafton, Harrisburg, and Lincoln. The position has a starting salary of $65,004; and interested

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IBHE approves Fiscal Year 2027 budget recommendations

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approved a fiscal year 2027 recommended budget that increases funding to continue to support the implementation of the higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois, meant to remove barriers and advance equity across the state’s higher education system. The approved budget recommends an overall 4.5% increase, which represents

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Illinois House Republicans filed legislation to amend SAFE-T Act

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law in February 2021. Since then, three trailer bills have been added to the law, yet criminals are still not held accountable for crimes they commit due to the elimination of cash bail.   State Representative Mike Coffey of Springfield, who represents the House 95th

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Illinois calls for federal action for year-round E15 fuel

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The State of Illinois is again calling on the United States Congress and the Trump administration to require year-round sales of E15 fuel. Earlier this year, Governor JB Pritzker sent a letter to Congressional leadership on November 4, 2025, urging nationwide, year-round E15.   “Agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois. Our

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Department on Aging seeks nominations for Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is seeking nominations for the 2026 induction class of the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame, which honors the accomplishments of Illinois residents aged 65 and older.    “Senior Illinoisans across the state carry unique histories, perspectives, and accomplishments that deserve to be celebrated,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I highly

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Krista Phillips of Effingham County selected to reign over 2026 State Fairs during weekend pageant

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Krista Phillips of Effingham County was selected from a field of 75 contestants Sunday evening as the 68th Miss Illinois County Fair Queen and will reign over the 2026 Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair. Phillips was chosen during the final day of the 115th Annual Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF) convention at

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Unemployment rate up in majority of Illinois metro areas for November, Chicago sees continued job growth

SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs decreased in 8 metropolitan areas and increased in 4, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth in Chicago (17 consecutive months) and Lake (6 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 10 metro areas and decreased in 2 for the year ending November 2025, according to data released today

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Illinoisans invited to unite in service to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday throughout 2026

SPRINGFIELD – In celebration of the founding of the United States 250 years ago, Governor JB Pritzker is inviting Illinoisans to unite in service by volunteering with organizations of their choice to foster community connection and build a legacy of giving back throughout 2026.   “Illinoisans throughout history have always come together to help their

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