Ill State News

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have announced that contractors can now apply for the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program. The program is part of the state’s multipronged effort to increase equity and opportunity in capital construction jobs through the Illinois Works (ILW) Jobs Program.   “We’re […]

SPRINGFIELD – April is recognized every year as Healthy Pet Month by Illinois’ veterinarians, certified veterinarian technicians and clinic practice professionals, the majority of which are members of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA).   Veterinarians always encourage pet owners to recognize the importance of proactive, preventive health care for their beloved pet, and this

(Part one of two parts)     SPRINGFIELD — Seven years after its debut, Illinois’ popular and comprehensive study shows persistent teacher shortages statewide with concerning disparities across the state. Schools also are showing a variety of solutions at the local and state levels are helping them ease the strain on classroom instruction.   The

CHICAGO, Ill. — Governor JB Pritzker has announced the resignation of Prisoner Review Board (PRB) chair Donald Shelton. Shelton had served on the PRB since September of 2012, joining the board after a lengthy career with the Champaign Police Department.   “Donald Shelton served the state of Illinois in his role with the PRB for

CHICAGO — On Tuesday, Governor JB Pritzker announced his appointment of Robert Vickery, a leader in juvenile justice reform for nearly two decades, as the next director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) pending senate approval. Vickery currently serves as Interim Director of IDJJ, following the selection of previous Director Heidi Mueller to lead

SPRINGFIELD – The field of contenders for the 2024 title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois has been narrowed further, with voters choosing the Top 8 products to move ahead in the fifth annual “Makers Madness” contest. Hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, “Makers Madness” is a bracket-style tournament in which voters across the state

(Part two of two parts)     The seventh-annual Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools survey on teacher shortages across Illinois for the 2023-2024 school year reveals a continuing dilemma for school leaders: they make encouraging progress in filling classrooms and ensuring students have the educational opportunities they need today to be successful, yet they need

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announces nearly $700,000 in Veterans’ Cash Grant Program awards to Illinois organizations that provide vital services to veterans and their families across our state. Awardees will receive funding to address veteran homelessness, post-traumatic stress treatment, workforce development, education, transportation training, and community development programs. These

SPRINGFIELD – At a recent Capitol press conference, House Republican State Representatives laid out a bold legislative package aimed at improving public safety, recruiting and retaining police officers and other law enforcement officials, and providing assistance to victims of violent crime.   Those in attendance said there is a concerning trend we see here in