Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Senator Michael Hastings reacts to FY 27 budget proposal SPRINGFIELD — After hearing the governor’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement: “Our state budget faces real challenges, particularly with uncertainty in federal funding that supports Medicaid and essential services, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program….
Illinois Conservation Foundation Announces 2025 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductees The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) has announced nine new inductees into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, recognizing their outstanding contributions to conservation, education, and outdoor recreation. The 2025 class represents decades of dedication to protecting Illinois’ natural resources and inspiring others to enjoy…
Illinois welcomes visitors for April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse Thousands expected to view the eclipse from southern Illinois for the second time since 2017. UPDATE: Video from Friday’s eclipse news conference at Giant City State Park is available for download Preparations are underway to host thousands of visitors in Illinois for the April 8,…
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Anthony Rubino’s Office to Receive $1,075,000.00 In Grant Funds From State of Illinois Highway Department to Receive Grant Funds from State of Illinois Orland Park, IL – The Highway Department of Orland Township is slated to receive $1,075,000.00 in grant funds from the State of Illinois. These grants are for infrastructure and capital improvements. The…
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Hastings pleased to see plan to support people with developmental disabilities, Tinley Park State Senator Michael E. Hastings is pleased to see the Fiscal Year 2024 budget signed into law on Wednesday will prioritize support for direct service providers, Tinley Park remediation efforts and historic levels of funding for area higher education facilities. “Next fiscal…
Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) urges local, eligible businesses to apply for the Blue Collar Jobs Act (BCJA) Tax Credit. The program supports large-scale economic development activities by providing corporate income tax credits to companies that make substantial…
Illinois tackling harmful Lake Michigan shoreline erosion at Illinois Beach State Park Two projects aim to curb erosion of beach and natural habitats Two ground-breaking projects underway at Illinois Beach State Park will help protect precious shoreline from erosion caused by Lake Michigan waves and inform future decisions about how to blunt the effects of…
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IDPH Reports 63 Illinois Counties are at Elevated COVID-19 Community Levels Illinoisans urged to Get Fully Vaccinated for COVID-19 & Flu; Stay Home and Seek Treatment Immediately if you are Sick; State Reports 20,495 New COVID-19 Cases in Last Week With COVID-19 cases and other respiratory viruses on the increase around Illinois, the Illinois Department…
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Hurley Highlights Upcoming IDOT Workshops for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program State Rep. Fran Hurley is encouraging qualifying disadvantaged small businesses to participate in a series of upcoming virtual workshops for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. “The DBE program supports local businesses, and helps in the construction of infrastructure across…
Fatherhood symposium set for Oct. 1 in Joliet The Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood, a state board established in 2004 to promote paternal involvement in the upbringing of their children, will present its 2022 annual symposium on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 1:30 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. The event…
Quincy Veterans home reports increase in COVID-19 cases The Illinois Veterans’ Home at Quincy is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases among its veterans and staff. Based on robust rapid testing and the support of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) laboratories, in quick succession the Department identified 16 residents and 10 staff positive…
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Bridge beam delivery continues for new Southbound Mile Long Bridge on Central Tri-State Tollway project Beam deliveries escorted by State Police will impact travel on I-90, I-294 Transport and delivery of bridge beams are scheduled to continue in November for the Illinois Tollway’s new southbound Mile Long Bridge on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294). Delivery…
Landek announces over $155 million in funding for local school districts Thirteen local school districts are set to receive over $155 million in additional funding, State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview) announced today. The funding comes as part of the latest federal COVID-19 relief packages and is meant to address challenges caused by the pandemic. “Now…
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Building on Efforts to Protect Illinois Families, Gov. Pritzker Delivers Third Balanced Budget Proposal Proposed Budget Does Not Increase Income Taxes, Closes Nearly $1 Billion in Corporate Tax Loopholes; Invests in Human Services to Strengthen Safety Net During Pandemic Crisis With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to hurt families across Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker proposed his…
Seniors are pushed aside in Illinois COVID-19 vaccination program Illinois isn’t even halfway through giving COVID-19 vaccinations to seniors and Gov. J.B. Pritzker is already talking about expanding the eligibility list for vaccinations to include others. The truth is we don’t have enough vaccinations to go around and what we have is being dished out…
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Governor Pritzker Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Website Coronavirus.Illinois.Gov Will Host Vaccination Locations, Vaccination Appointment Information, FAQs, & Updates on Vaccination Plan Building on the state’s progress as it moves into the early stages of Phase 1B of the COVID-19 Vaccination Administration Plan, Governor JB Pritzker announced a new portal on coronavirus.illinois.gov to provide residents with easily…
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Pritzker Announces the Next Phase of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan, Lowers Vaccine Age to 65 Phase 1B Follows ACIP Guidelines, But Prioritizes Equity and Protects Most Vulnerable Illinoisans by Lowering Vaccine Age to 65 from 75; Vaccinations for Expanded Phase Will Begin When Phase 1A is Substantially Complete Building on guidance by the Centers for…
More than 10,000 COVID-19 Deaths in Illinois Public health officials report 9,935 new cases since yesterday. Orland Park infection rates spike, doubling the average monthly increase to nearly 700 new cases The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 9,935 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 97 additional deaths. – Adams…