SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has released the following statement after the General Assembly approved SB3070, an initiative led by the IMA that will allow high school students to take Career & Technical Education courses in lieu of foreign language classes currently required for graduation: “Across Illinois, high schools have been scaling back hands-on […]
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair Box Office officially opens today, June 1, giving fairgoers their first opportunity to purchase concert, Arena, and other Grandstand event tickets in person or over the phone for the 2026 Illinois State Fair. The Box Office, located on the first floor of the Grandstand, will be open Monday
CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has released its 2024 & 2025 Biennial Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the agency’s investments and impact throughout Illinois. Titled “Building Together,” the report highlights IHDA’s role as one of the state’s leading drivers of economic and community development during a period marked by rising housing costs and
Illinois Housing Development Authority issues Biennial Report Read More »
By Jason Smith, member of Congress WASHINGTON. D.C. – As high school graduations are taking place in communities throughout Missouri’s 8th District and across America in recent weeks, many graduates face uncertainty as they embark on their next chapter, whether it be college, entering the workforce, joining the military, or learning a trade. These
Giving the Next Generation a Head Start Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 20,821 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring turkey season, surpassing the previous record of 18,189 birds harvested in 2025. The top counties for turkey harvest during the 2026 season were Jefferson and Jo Daviess counties, tied with 646 birds harvested; followed by Marion, 530; Pike,
Illinois spring turkey hunters harvest record number Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has resolved multiple investigations involving alleged violations of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, ensuring employees received access to paid leave benefits required under state law. The investigations involved employers across Illinois in a variety of industries, including food service, hospitality, and home services. In each
Illinois Department of Labor helps workers access paid leave benefits Read More »
CHICAGO – On Tuesday, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $5 million is available in tourism funding through three grant programs: the Route 66 Grant Program ($2 million), the International Tourism Grant Program ($1 million), and the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program ($2 million). Eligible entities can apply
Governor Pritzker announces $5 Million for tourism grant programs Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – State government leaders joined the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the ACLU of Illinois, and community partners at a press conference at the Center for Youth and Family Solutions in Springfield today to highlight significant accomplishments and ongoing progress in implementing the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act, landmark legislation signed into law
CHICAGO – As warm summer days approach and families gear up for backyard pool parties and trips to the beach, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Safe Kids Illinois and Lurie Children’s Hospital are teaming up to promote a simple life-saving strategy everyone can use to keep children safe when they are in
Designate a ‘Water Watcher’ this summer to prevent child drownings Read More »
By Terri Bryant, Illinois State Senator, 58th District Lawmakers Enter Final Two Weeks of Session With just two weeks remaining before the scheduled May 31 adjournment, Illinois lawmakers still have numerous major issues to resolve before the spring legislative session comes to a close. The biggest task ahead will be passing the
