IDFPR Continues Rollout of New Online Licensing System
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is continuing the rollout of its new online licensing system, the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment, known as CORE. Phase 3 of the transition is currently underway, with 131 professions now available through CORE for new license applications. […]
DCEO Now Accepting Applications for Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is now accepting applications for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Launched in 2021, the program provides training opportunities designed to strengthen the workforce pipeline and expand access to careers in the […]
Funding Cut for Teacher Vacancy Program
Illinois schools continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, but a state program designed specifically to address teacher shortages has seen its funding cut by roughly two-thirds. The Teacher Vacancy Grant program received $45 million annually in Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, providing resources […]
Allegations Against Democrat Lawmaker
New information involving State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel is raising questions about whether allegations previously made by a former staffer warrant additional review. A former Briel staffer previously accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment and other misconduct. Briel denied the allegations and pointed to the Legislative […]
DCFS Audit
A new state audit is raising fresh concerns about Governor JB Pritzker’s management of state government after auditors found persistent failures within the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) involving safeguards designed to protect some of the state’s most vulnerable children. The Illinois Auditor […]
Grand Marshal Named for the DuQuoin State Fair
Southern Illinois native Sam Kuhnert, founder and executive director of NubAbility, was recently named Grand Marshal of the 2026 Du Quoin State Fair. Born with one hand, Kuhnert went on to become a three-sport athlete in high school and later pitched college baseball. He has since […]
Registering to Vote
With the general election just around the corner, now is the time for Illinois residents to learn more about the voting process and how to register. Whether you’re a first-time voter or need to update your information, voting is a way to make your voice heard […]
Legislation Signed into Law Makes it Easier to Get Prescriptions Filled
Illinois patients who arrive at a pharmacy only to find their medication is out of stock will now have an easier time getting their prescriptions filled under newly signed legislation. Senate Bill 3213 expands the types of prescriptions that can be electronically transferred from one pharmacy […]
Pritzker Administration Continues Pattern of Pulling State Resources from Downstate Illinois
Downstate Illinois is once again losing state facilities, jobs, and resources under Governor Pritzker as his Administration continues a troubling pattern of closing, downsizing, or relocating state operations away from communities outside the Chicago region. The latest example comes from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), […]
Landmark Meta Settlement Could Deliver Nearly $768 Million to Illinois and New Protections for Children
Downstate Illinois is once again losing state facilities, jobs, and resources under Governor Pritzker as his Administration continues a troubling pattern of closing, downsizing, or relocating state operations away from communities outside the Chicago region. The latest example comes from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), […]