The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Tourism has recently announced that Illinois welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors in 2024. According to data provided by Tourism Economics, Illinois welcomed 113 million domestic and international visitors last year, who generated $48.5 billion in […]
Legislation creating the Care for Retired Police Dogs Grant Program has been signed into law. The program is designed to support the veterinary needs of retired police K9s across Illinois. House Bill 3140 establishes a grant that provides up to $1,500 each year to reimburse handlers […]
With energy costs climbing during the summer months, Ameren Illinois has launched a new program to provide relief for income-qualified households. The initiative sets aside $4 million to help families struggling with higher electric bills caused by increased demand, rising supply costs, and extreme summer heat. […]
As students return to classrooms across the state, Illinois families and educators have access to valuable tax credits to help offset the cost of education. These programs are designed to provide relief for both parents covering school expenses and teachers who often spend their own money […]
Illinois is once again in the national spotlight as concerns grow over the state’s controversial decision to eliminate cash bail. On August 25, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to explore blocking funding to states that ended cash bail, claiming that the policy undermines […]
The DuQuoin State Fair opened its gates on Friday, August 22, and continues through Labor Day, September 1. Held each year in Southern Illinois, the fair offers a mix of family fun, entertainment, and agricultural traditions. Visitors can enjoy livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, harness racing, auto […]
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is gearing up for winter and looking to add seasonal help through its annual Snowbird program. These temporary positions help keep the more than 45,000 lane miles safe and clear during snow and ice events. IDOT is hiring both full-time […]
A new law recently signed into effect seeks to increase transparency in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities by requiring the agency to publish annual reports on contraband, substance use, overdoses, and medical responses. Senate Bill 2201, sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers and passed during […]
Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed House Bill 460 into law, expanding access to taxpayer-funded scholarships, grants, and stipends to include illegal immigrants, who are ineligible for federal aid. Senate Republicans argue the measure diverts limited financial resources away from Illinois families and redirects them to individuals […]
A measure recently signed into law will help protect taxpayers from the financial burden of cleaning up abandoned oil wells. Senate Bill 2463 requires well operators to cover the full cost of properly closing and remediating well sites once operations end. Senate Republicans say this law helps […]