Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity scholarship application is now available for the 2021-22 academic year
December 2, 2021CHICAGO – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), in collaboration with the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE), is pleased to announce the launch of the ECACE Scholarship Program, to be administered through ISAC. Created to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators and to build a strong, well-prepared workforce in the field, the scholarship is designed to support and encourage the pursuit of new credentials as well as more advanced education for current associate degree-holders working in early childhood education. Detailed information and a link to the 2021-22 scholarship application is now available on the ISAC website at https://www.isac.org/ECACEscholarship.
State to distribute $94 million to 96 airports through Rebuild Illinois plan
SPRINGFIELD – Nearly 100 airports across Illinois will receive state funding in the coming months for projects ranging from new runways and road relocations to the purchase of mowers and snow removal equipment.
Illinois Student Assistance Commission recognizes 2022-23 Illinois State Scholars
December 2, 2021CHICAGO – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, is pleased to recognize the 2022-23* Illinois State Scholars. State Scholars are selected annually based on standardized test scores combined with sixth semester class rank. These exceptional students rank in approximately the top ten percent of graduates from Illinois high schools.
IEMA highlights holiday safety in December
December 1, 2021SPRINGFIELD — With the holiday season in full swing, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is offering tips to help people stay safe now and into the new year. From decorating the tree to traveling to grandma’s house with a sleigh full of new toys, be sure to take simple steps to keep your family safe.
House Democratic Leader Greg Harris announces retirement plans
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois House Democratic Leader Greg Harris said Monday he will not seek reelection in 2022 and will step down from the General Assembly after eight terms in office.
Art contest encourages students to explore the power of self-expression
November 30, 2021SPRINGFIELD — Illinois children are getting a chance to use their artistic talents to explore the importance of self-expression, thanks to the annual statewide art contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education.
New congressional maps signed into law
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed legislation redrawing the state’s congressional district maps, saying they reflect Illinois’ diversity and preserve minority representation.
Democrats deny racial gerrymandering in legislative maps
SPRINGFIELD – Lawyers for the General Assembly’s Democratic leaders filed documents in federal court Wednesday denying that newly drawn state legislative district maps amount to racial gerrymandering, instead accusing the plaintiffs in the three lawsuits of trying to use race to redraw districts for their own purposes.
Lanes reopening for Thanksgiving weekend travel
November 24, 2021SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend to minimize travel disruption.
Secretary of State offices to close for Thanksgiving holiday
November 24, 2021Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all offices and facilities will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday Nov. 26.
Niemerg says he wants to 'speak up' for downstate Illinois
SPRINGFIELD — Republican state Rep. Adam Niemerg grew up in a family that cared about politics, so it felt like a natural step for him when he ran his first campaign to get a seat in the House of Representatives in 2020.
Freshman legislator Pacione-Zayas focuses on 'solutioning'
SPRINGFIELD — State Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas’ friends tease her for changing the meaning of words. “Solution” becomes a verb when she says “I’m about solutioning.”
State Rep. Dave Vella continues in grandfather's footsteps
SPRINGFIELD — Behind a window with a “Save the Byron Nuclear Plant” sign taped to the glass, Ricardo Montoya Picazo listened to a father of three wonder aloud if he would still be able to support his children in a few weeks.
Gov. Pritzker signs congressional maps that preserve minority representation
November 23, 2021SPRINGFIELD — After reviewing the General Assembly's congressional maps drawn with 2020 U.S. Census data, Governor JB Pritzker signed the new U.S. House district map that reflects Illinois' diversity and preserves minority representation in Illinois' delegation in accordance with the federal Voting Rights Act.
1 million EVs: Inside the state's plan for electrifying the transportation sector
SPRINGFIELD – With a pair of major policy victories in hand, Gov. JB Pritzker traveled to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, at the beginning of the month and shared a vision for his home state: “Illinois intends to become the best place in North America to drive and manufacture an electric vehicle.”
Jesse White targets holiday scofflaws abusing disability parking at malls statewide
November 23, 2021SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State Jesse White announced that Secretary of State Police will be conducting parking stings at shopping malls statewide throughout the holiday season and ticketing individuals who illegally park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.
ICC issues NOI report on extreme weather preparedness
November 23, 2021Chicago, IL – The Illinois Commerce Commission is announcing the release of a Notice of Inquiry Report on Extreme Weather Preparedness. The NOI was initiated on April 15, 2021 amid the backdrop of an extreme weather storm in the U.S. South Central Region that resulted in reduced energy supply, increased energy demand and higher energy prices. Through the NOI, the Commission sought information to ensure all reasonable efforts are employed in Illinois to prevent widespread outages and dramatic spikes in energy prices during extreme weather events. The full report for 21-NOI-01 as well as all information submitted by the parties are available for review under the heading “NOI schedule and submissions” on the Commission’s website at 21-NOI-01 (illinois.gov).
IDES prepares for change to unemployment insurance benefit banking, payment methods
November 23, 2021SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that in the coming weeks, unemployment insurance benefit payments will no longer be made by debit card. Beginning December 27, 2021, claimants who defaulted to a debit card option as their preferred method of payment will begin receiving paper checks instead of the benefits being placed on a debit card. The Department will continue to make benefit payments as normal to those claimants who chose to receive them via direct deposit.
Mega and Jumbo passes available just in time for the holidays
November 23, 2021SPRINGFIELD — The countdown to the 2022 Illinois State Fair is formally underway with fair officials announcing the start of the traditional holiday promotional campaign starring the Mega and Jumbo passes.
State Supreme Court rules on pair of gun cases
SPRINGFIELD – In its latest round of opinions Thursday, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld a Village of Deerfield assault weapons ban and restored a Putnam County man’s right to a Firearm Owners Identification card over the objections of the Illinois State Police.
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OCC Community Choral concert set for Dec. 11
December 3, 2021OLNEY — The Olney Central College Music Department will present “The Many Moods of Christmas” choral concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Richland County High School auditorium.
Dr. Watson recognized as 2021 Physician of the Year
December 3, 2021VINCENNES, Ind. — The Physician of the Year Award for 2021 was given to Dr. Philip Watson, Interventional Cardiologist/Pulmonologist. This award, also referred to as “The SAMMIE” for Samaritan Award for Meritorious Medical Care with Integrity and Excellence, was created in 2020 to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills in clinical practice and who uphold the mission, vision and values of Good Samaritan.
Parkview Beta Club holds annual canned food drive
December 3, 2021The Parkview Junior High Beta Club collected 749 non-perishable food items during its annual canned food drive.