ISACo

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced nearly $1 million in grants to support 14 stewardship programs managed by land trusts on land protected by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC). The grants are part of the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant program, which aims to increase the delivery of much-needed land and water stewardship activities to natural areas permanently protected within the INPC system. Given the growing stewardship needs of natural areas throughout Illinois, this grant program funds projects that help land trusts expand staff and purchase equipment for these activities. The following grants were awarded for fiscal year 2025:

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were up +800 while the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 5.3 percent in August, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The July monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +12,900 to +10,300 jobs, while the revised unemployment rate was 5.2 percent, unchanged from the preliminary July unemployment rate. The August payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

Springfield, IL - In response to a troubling rise in reported unlicensed dental practices across the state, the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) have joined forces to launch a collaborative campaign urging the public to seek dental care only from licensed dentists.

Ymer Technology, a manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) components for the heavy equipment industry, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Lake County Partners, and the Village of Buffalo Grove, announced the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove. The company’s $5.7 million investment, bolstered by a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement, will enable Ymer Technology to produce cooling technology and thermal management systems for EVs while supporting Illinois’ clean energy economy. “Illinois’ future is electric, and we’re leading the charge and open for business,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to welcome Ymer Technology to our great state. Their cooling technology and thermal management systems will not only enhance our EV supply chain, they will help us make EVs more affordable, create good jobs, and grow our clean energy economy.” Founded in 2005 in Stockholm, Sweden, Ymer Technology chose to relocate from Houston to Lake County to take advantage of Chicagoland’s unmatched location, industry leaders, and the State’s REV incentive program. This is the first in a series of planned expansions for the company.

Residents in every Illinois county can now call 911 and talk with a dispatcher in that county. Up until a few weeks ago, that wasn't the case. The first 911 call was made in Alabama in 1968. Now, many states are implementing "Next Generation 911," an internet-based system allowing dispatch centers to easily transfer calls to others. Eventually, it will let people send photos, videos and texts to dispatchers.