Ill State News

Southern Illinois conservation leader warns state cannot afford to ignore longstanding soil and water funding crisis

PULASKI COUNTY — As Illinois lawmakers enter the final weeks of budget negotiations before the May 31 deadline, Southern Illinois conservation leader Dale Shumaker is urging state leaders to reach a bipartisan solution that fully supports Illinois’ Soil and Water Conservation Districts before more local conservation capacity is lost.   Shumaker, President of the Association […]

Southern Illinois conservation leader warns state cannot afford to ignore longstanding soil and water funding crisis Read More »

Put a Lid on Litter! Roadside cleanup operations in full swing

SPRINGFIELD – With the weather getting warmer and litter operations ramping up, the Illinois Department of Transportation is asking the public to be on the alert for maintenance crews picking up trash and other debris across the state. Everyone can do their part to keep Illinois roads clean, take pride in their environment, provide a positive

Put a Lid on Litter! Roadside cleanup operations in full swing Read More »

Illinois Fallen Firefighter Remembered and Firefighters Honored for Distinguished Service to their communities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill- Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele L. Pankow and members from the Illinois Fire Service gathered recently to honor and remember a fallen Chicago Fire Department Captain and recognize those who went above and beyond their duties at the 33rd Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony.   “It is my honor

Illinois Fallen Firefighter Remembered and Firefighters Honored for Distinguished Service to their communities Read More »

Gov. Pritzker urges Trump Administration to approve Illinois Broadband Expansion Plan

CHICAGO – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is urging U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to promptly approve Illinois’ Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal, which would deliver $1.04 billion in federal funding to expand broadband access to more than 383,000 Illinois residents, the vast majority living in rural communities. Illinois and California are the

Gov. Pritzker urges Trump Administration to approve Illinois Broadband Expansion Plan Read More »

New student loan repayment program offered for IDOT engineers

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to address a nationwide shortage of people entering the profession and attract young talent, the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced a hiring initiative that will pay $15,000 of eligible student loan debt annually for up to 50 new civil engineers who graduated from Illinois schools. Payments will be capped at

New student loan repayment program offered for IDOT engineers Read More »

Illinois Department on Aging urges stronger protections against financial exploitation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Mary Killough is joining state lawmakers to call for the passage of legislation that would protect older adults from financial exploitation by giving financial institutions the tools they need to stop suspicious transactions before seniors lose their life savings.    Killough was scheduled to join House Assistant

Illinois Department on Aging urges stronger protections against financial exploitation Read More »

GRAMMY-nominated The Avett Brothers bring folk rock to Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 20

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair is bringing a night of heartfelt lyrics and high-energy folk rock to the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage, as four-time GRAMMY Award nominees The Avett Brothers perform on Thursday, August 20, 2026.   Known for their raw emotion, tight harmonies, and genre-blending sound, The Avett Brothers have built a loyal following across

GRAMMY-nominated The Avett Brothers bring folk rock to Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 20 Read More »

Governor Pritzker announces $2.5 million in grant funding available for Economic Empowerment Centers across Illinois

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced $2.5 million in funding is available for the second round of the Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Grant Program. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.    “As Governor, I’m committed to building a

Governor Pritzker announces $2.5 million in grant funding available for Economic Empowerment Centers across Illinois Read More »

Illinois unveils funding for vacant and abandoned residential properties

CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is now accepting applications from units of local government for grant funding dedicated to supporting local affordable housing needs and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Offered through IHDA’s Strong Communities Program (SCP), this initiative provides financial assistance to allow local governments to address vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated residential

Illinois unveils funding for vacant and abandoned residential properties Read More »

IDFPR launches new online portal to streamline consumer financial complaints

CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) today announced the launch of a new online submission option designed to simplify and modernize the way Illinois consumers file complaints against financial institutions amid a federal step back in enforcement.   For the first time, the portal will accept complaints for both the Division

IDFPR launches new online portal to streamline consumer financial complaints Read More »