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 […]
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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,
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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
SPRINGFIELD – Short-term rentals booked through platforms like Airbab and Vrbo could soon cost a little more under legislation advancing in Springfield that would create a new statewide tax on stays shorter than 30 days. House Bill 5776, filed this week by a Chicago Democrat, would impose a 4% excise tax on short-term rentals across Illinois,
Rep. David Friess criticizes proposal to tax short-term rentals Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in April, unchanged from March, and up +0.6 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised March unemployment rate was 5.1 percent.
Payroll jobs up, unemployment rate stable in April Read More »
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) has announced the winners of the inaugural Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition during a special awards luncheon held at the Governor’s Mansion and attended by Gov. JB Pritzker. The event brought together student finalists, retail industry leaders, and elected officials to recognize the next generation of retail
