Springfield, Ill- The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today the recipients of the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $4 million was awarded to 165 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera expressed his satisfaction with the increased funding this year, stating, "We continue to see and hear about the need and understand the issues fire...
CHICAGO – With the respiratory virus season continuing to wind down, Illinois’ overall respiratory virus level is now Minimal and all counties in the state are at Low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to CDC data for the week ending April 20. The total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Illinois declined 22% during the same week, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker."I am happy to see the continued decline in respiratory viruses across the state," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "As the respiratory season winds down, I want to make Illinoisians...
SPRINGFIELD, IL – While no cases have been reported in Illinois, federal agencies confirmed the detection of H5N1 influenza virus in dairy herds in eight states across the U.S. The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are working closely to monitor the situation and are jointly coordinating prevention and response measures. This includes working with producer groups and partner organizations to promote education to veterinarians and cattle farmers on the clinical signs of H5N1 influenza so that potential infections...
Breakthrough Ideas CEO Jeanne Ives has launched scathing criticism against the recently proposed race-based funding program for universities in Illinois.
SPRINGFIELD – The latest data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security revealed that job growth in Illinois has seen a positive trend in several metropolitan areas for the year ending March 2024.Deputy Governor Andy Manar expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating, "Job growth continues to reach areas in every corner of the state throughout industries, creating new and expanded job opportunities for Illinois workers."Among the metro areas experiencing significant increases in total nonfarm jobs were...
Over the year ending March 2024, total nonfarm jobs saw varied changes across metropolitan areas, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Nine metropolitan areas experienced job increases, four saw decreases, and one remained unchanged. The unemployment rate rose in eleven areas, decreased in two, and stayed constant in one.
Public universities in Illinois are teeing up the next scam in this state. And if it comes to fruition, it is likely they will find themselves embroiled in a lawsuit all the way to the US Supreme Court.
The Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA) mandates a review of its standards every three years. This review aims to incorporate advancements in information technology and accessibility techniques. In November 2023, the IITAA Standards Workgroup advised updating these standards following the finalization of a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding web and mobile accessibility under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Moody's Analytics has adjusted its outlook on Illinois bonds from "stable" to "positive." This change is attributed to the state's "continued improvement in fund balance and budget reserves, which has been supported by stability in revenue and state decisions to shore up financial health."
The Illinois State Museum has received two prestigious awards from the Illinois Association of Museums for its exhibition focusing on Generation X. The exhibition, titled "Growing Up X," was honored with an Award of Superior Achievement and the Innovation Award.
As of July 1, 2024, a change in the County Motor Fuel Tax (CMFT) rate will take effect for several counties. The counties affected by this adjustment include DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will. This change is outlined in the FY Bulletin 2024-22 and will remain effective until June 30, 2025.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has expressed support for the Biden Administration's new initiative, the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge. This national effort aims to conserve and restore vital freshwater systems across the United States for future generations.
The Illinois State Fair is set to host a 100 Days Out celebration on April 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Reisch Pavilion on the fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. This event will provide attendees with a taste of the upcoming fair scheduled for August 8-18.