State News

Illinois 529 Plan Among Best in the Country

Wednesday, October 26 by Jc Tinsley

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that Illinois’ Bright Directions College Savings Program was named among the best in the nation, according to Morningstar. Morningstar, which evaluates and rates college savings plans, released its results Tuesday rating Bright Directions a “Silver-Rated Fund”. According to...

Workers’ Comp Commission Updates Technology at No Cost to Taxpayer

Wednesday, October 26 by Jc Tinsley

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) today announced the launch of its Digital Transformation Project, which will modernize all agency systems, including the outdated paper-based filing system. This improvement is another step in the Rauner Administration’s initiative to cut red tape and modernize technology...

Shimkus Extends Deadline for High School Coding Competition

Wednesday, October 26 by Jc Tinsley

Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is still accepting submissions for this year’s Congressional App Challenge, a coding competition for high school students. Submissions will be accepted through Wednesday, November 2.“With demand expected to increase for workers with STEM and coding skills,...

IDPH 25th Annual HIV/STD Conference – Celebrating Success, Shaping the Future

Wednesday, October 26 by Jc Tinsley

The 25th Annual HIV/STD Conference, hosted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Public Health Association, runs October 25-27, 2016 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. The conference brings together people living with HIV/AIDS, researchers, clinicians, local health departments, health...

Red Cross Tips to Help Have a Safe Halloween

Tuesday, October 25 by Jc Tinsley

Halloween is just around the corner, the time of year when children take to the streets for some Halloween fun. The American Red Cross has some safety tips to help stay safe this Halloween while enjoying the festivities. “The...

USDA Announces Streamlined Guaranteed Loans and Additional Lender Category for Small-Scale Operators

Tuesday, October 25 by Jc Tinsley

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of a streamlined version of USDA guaranteed loans, which are tailored for smaller scale farms and urban producers. The program, called EZ Guarantee Loans, uses a simplified application process to help beginning, small, underserved...

Winter Rendezvous returns to Fort de Chartres Nov. 5-6 with period clothing, music and food

Tuesday, October 25 by Jc Tinsley

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site presents a weekend of colorful clothing, hand-made crafts and delicious food when the annual Winter Rendezvous returns Nov. 5-6.Soldiers, trappers, traders and Native Americans (as portrayed by historic re-enactors) will gather at the rendezvous. They’ll...

United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announces Election Day anti-fraud efforts

Monday, October 24 by Jc Tinsley

United States Attorney, Donald S. Boyce, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), Norman R. Smith, will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Smith...

Governor’s Children’s Cabinet Makes Lead Poisoning Prevention A Priority

Monday, October 24 by Jc Tinsley

Governor Bruce Rauner’s Cabinet on Children and Youth recently announced a statewide, cross-agency initiative to reduce children’s exposure to lead. Lead poisoning is one of the most prevalent, preventable, environmental health hazards and is known to contribute to learning disabilities, developmental delays, and violent...

Rides Mass Transit District CEO comments on Illinois transit funding issues

Monday, October 24 by Jc Tinsley

Rides Mass Transit District provides public transportation across 18 Illinois counties which have a combined population of 307,000 residents. RMTD provides over 680,000 trips each year and is an important part of the economic fabric of rural Illinois. The District employs 215 people and...