The U.S. economy is showing signs of strain, with new data revealing fewer jobs added in 2023 and early 2024 than originally reported. The U.S. Department of Labor’s revisions cut job growth estimates by 28 percent, while at the same time, July numbers show Illinois is now […]
Legislation aimed at reducing burdens on local motorcycle dealerships and addressing costly manufacturer mandates has been signed into law. House Bill 4925, sponsored by Senator Dale Fowler, amends the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act to prevent vehicle manufacturers, distributors, or wholesalers from requiring motorcycle dealers to make […]
A new law will now require government entities to notify residents when spraying pesticides near their homes. This legislation aims to help families plan and take necessary precautions, such as keeping children indoors or covering outdoor items like plants and pools, when pesticides are applied in […]
Individuals with severe disabilities and their caregivers will soon benefit from improved accessibility across the state, thanks to newly signed legislation. Senate Bill 1089, also known as Sami’s Law, requires the installation of at least one publicly accessible adult changing station in the State Capitol building […]
A new law is providing increased flexibility for working parents by expanding daycare scheduling options for shift employees. Senate Bill 3207, sponsored by Senator Jil Tracy, authorizes daycare centers to operate 24 hours a day and allows care for children for up to 12 hours if […]
In the coming days, Democrats from across the nation will gather in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, an event that has drawn on local, state, and federal taxpayer resources to host and safeguard the thousands expected to flock to Illinois’ largest city. As Democrats prepare […]
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is spotlighting National Black Business Month this August. Illinois is home to more than 148,000 Black-owned businesses, which employ around 196,000 people and contribute $4.6 billion annually to the state’s economy. The DCEO is commemorating this month […]
A recent study from the University of Illinois System reveals that many Illinois students are still struggling to recover from the learning disruptions caused by pandemic school closures. Despite efforts to lessen the impact, the findings indicate that only a quarter of public-school students have returned […]
The 2024 edition of the Illinois State Fair officially opened on August 8. In the morning, there was a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the annual Twilight Parade in the evening. One of the event’s longstanding traditions is the construction and unveiling of the butter cow, […]
Significant changes to the state’s controversial Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) took effect during the week. The law was originally proposed to protect Illinois residents’ biometric data, but it created substantial unintended consequences, including multi-billion-dollar damage awards for situations that were never intended to be targets […]