USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a disaster declaration for several counties in Illinois following severe weather events that occurred earlier this year. The declaration covers Christian, Hancock, McDonough, Sangamon, and Washington counties due to damages from a derecho and tornadoes on June 29-30, 2023.
Governor JB Pritzker, along with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), announced the completion of a significant infrastructure project in Rock Island County. The project involved installing a new deck on the Interstate 280 Sgt. John F. Baker Jr. Mississippi River Bridge, enhancing one of Illinois' key travel corridors for smoother and safer transit.
Governor JB Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), marked the completion of significant improvements on Interstate 57 in Chicago and its southern suburbs. This project is part of a broader initiative funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital program, aimed at enhancing infrastructure across the state.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is set to host the Illinois Product Holiday Market in downtown Springfield from December 1st to 3rd. The event will take place on the "Y Block" north of the Governor's Mansion.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for eligible individuals in Cook County affected by flooding in September. This follows a major disaster declaration issued by President Biden on November 20, 2023. The DUA benefits are funded federally through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has issued a reminder for taxpayers in the state to stay vigilant against potential online threats as they engage in Black Friday and holiday shopping.
A politically influential Democratic political action committee, All For Justice, has been fined $99,500 by the Illinois Board of Elections for neglecting to report its spending activities that contributed to the successful election of two Illinois Supreme Court justices. The committee received significant donations from one of the political funds belonging to Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, with Luke Casson – an attorney representing Harmon – serving as chairman and treasurer.
The debate over free speech in Illinois has escalated as State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) accuses progressive liberals of undermining the First Amendment to protect feelings. This controversy comes amidst growing national concern about perceived threats to freedom of speech and expression.
Of the 12,821,813 citizens living in Illinois in 2021, 94.2% said they were only one race, while 5.8% said they were two or more races, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained in June.