News

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) is pleased to announce the passage of Senate Bill 1491, a new law that will enhance crisis and emergency response capabilities across the state through the integration of certified therapy dog teams. Senate Bill 1491 was recently signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on Friday, August 1, 2025.

As public lands nationally face threats to their existence, the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), is launching a new endowment to protect, preserve and enhance Illinois state parks. “From our wooded trails and caverns to our beaches and mighty rivers, our state parks are a great source of pride for Illinoisans – and these spaces must be protected,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the support from our state partners, this endowment will fund critical infrastructure and conservation efforts to ensure future generations can enjoy the beauty and historical significance of our state parks.”

Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings is announcing eight upcoming Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) one-day collection events for the Fall of 2025. These collection events are co-sponsored by units of local government and provide residents the free opportunity to safely dispose of unused or leftover hazardous products commonly found in homes.

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a significantly narrowed list of jurisdictions considered to be sanctuary jurisdictions under Executive Order 14287. This article outlines the current counties included, the criteria used for designation, and implications for local governments moving forward. Click on the title to read the story.

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) adopted new rules that expand existing restrictions on advertising, marketing and promotions for licensed casino, video gaming, and sports wagering operators including a ban on advertising on college campuses and new requirements to protect the public, especially young people and problem gamblers. “By adopting these measures, the IGB is building upon existing regulations to implement additional safeguards and standards that further protect the public and encourage responsible gambling habits,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “These regulations provide for clear, consistent, ethical, and transparent advertising and marketing guidelines for all casino, video gaming, and sports wagering operations under IGB jurisdiction.”

SPRINGFIELD —The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) announced $983,750 in grant funding has been awarded to four grantees through the Illinois Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The Illinois EECBG Program supports municipalities and counties with the development of strategic energy or climate action plans, as well as energy efficiency audits and publicly owned building upgrades. Illinois’ EECBG program was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “The steps being taken by grantees are meant to help communities across Illinois design, update, and finalize their comprehensive energy plans,” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings. “These plans will help maximize energy reduction and Return on Investment, enable better selection of advanced, location-specific technologies, and enhance resilience to future grid demands.”

Building on efforts to ensure quality healthcare accessibility for the people of Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation on Friday that protects patients by limiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy and psychotherapy services. The Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act prohibits anyone from using AI to provide mental health and therapeutic decision-making, while allowing the use of AI for administrative and supplementary support services for licensed behavioral health professionals. This will protect patients from unregulated and unqualified AI products, while also protecting the jobs of Illinois’ thousands of qualified behavioral health providers. This will also protect vulnerable children amid the rising concerns over AI chatbot use in youth mental health services.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is recognizing August as Child Support Awareness Month, marking historic progress on key performance metrics as the state celebrates the milestone 50th year of the program. Illinois’ Child Support Services program is entering its next decade with a goal of addressing the needs of the families it serves more holistically, including providing additional assistance to the parents who pay support. The mission of the program is to improve the lives of children and create a more stable and successful future for families in the state of Illinois.

On Friday, August 1, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Director Heidi Mueller, legislators, DCFS staff, caregivers and students gathered to celebrate this year’s scholarship recipients at the department’s annual scholarship luncheon. This year, 347 current or former youth in care received scholarships provided by the Illinois DCFS Scholarship Program, including up to five consecutive years of tuition and mandatory fee waivers valid at Illinois public universities, community colleges and vocational schools. The program also provides student recipients with financial assistance for books and school supplies, a monthly grant payment to supplement other expenses and an Illinois Medicaid card.

The Illinois Department of Labor’s (IDOL) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (IL OSHA) has released a new fact sheet highlighting the top 20 safety violations identified during water and sewer department inspections conducted in recent years. IL OSHA inspects municipal water and sewer departments across the state to help ensure employees working in high-risk environments are protected from hazards that can lead to serious injury or death. The fact sheet provides a summary of the most frequently cited standards and offers corrective recommendations that municipal departments can use to improve workplace safety and health. Common violations cited in the latest fact sheet involve working in tight spaces, breathing safely, protection from moving machine parts, and making sure machines that are turned off stay off. “Many of these hazards can be mitigated with proper training, written procedures, and regular maintenance,” said IL OSHA Division Chief Erik Kambarian. “We encourage departments to use the fact sheet as a proactive tool to identify and correct safety gaps before an incident occu

The Illinois State Fair, in collaboration with the Illinois State Police, is introducing updated security measures to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. The following items will not be allowed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds and will be confiscated if found: Firearms (concealed carry is prohibited) Weapons of any kind (including but not limited to knives, pepper spray, stun guns, brass knuckles, batons, bats) Illegal substances Drones or laser pointers Fireworks or flammable materials

The hunting and trapping seasons for gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) are closed effective immediately. Surveys and preliminary results of current research indicate a substantial decline in gray fox distribution and abundance in the last ten years. Even though Illinois hunters and trappers harvest very few gray foxes, this closure will remove any additional pressure and additive mortality from harvest. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will continue to conduct annual surveys and evaluate the gray fox population in Illinois. On June 30, Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law Public Act 104-0019, which changed language in the Illinois Wildlife Code and allows IDNR to open or close the gray fox season by administrative rule. This bill was an IDNR initiative with broad support from diverse conservation groups including the Illinois Trappers Association and support from legislators across the state. On July 9, the department filed administrative rules indefinitely closing the hunting and trapping seasons for gray fox.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that 25 more license types are now available for licensure via the Department’s new online licensing system, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). Today’s announcement marks the successful completion of CORE’s Phase 2, during which IDFPR added 88 license types to CORE. The license types added today are:

As preparations ramp up for the 2025 Illinois State Fair, inspectors with the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) are on site ensuring that every amusement ride is thoroughly examined and approved for operation before the Midway opens to the public. “Public safety is our top priority,” said IDOL Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Division Manager Brian Fox. “Each ride is carefully inspected to make sure it meets all safety and structural standards. If you see the IDOL permit sticker, the ride is approved for use.”

Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Intersect Illinois announced that Illinois has ranked in the top 10 spots across 11 categories on Business Facilities’ 21st Annual Rankings. Illinois ranked number one in nuclear energy with top-ten wins in other categories including: Foreign Direct Investment (#5), Agribusiness (#5), Exports (#5), Wind Power (#5), AI Job Hubs (#6), Cybersecurity Talent (#7), Solar Power (#7), Film and Television (#8), AI Job Market (#9), and MedTech/Medical Devices (#10). “Illinois continues to attract investment, drive innovation, and lead in the industries shaping our future,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From clean energy to artificial intelligence, our state is proving that future focused policy and strategic investments deliver real results. These rankings reflect the progress we’ve made and the momentum we’re building to ensure Illinois remains a top destination to start and grow a business.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board approved funding totaling $40 million for the development of four non-congregate shelters that will create 194 units with 422 beds for persons experiencing homelessness. These non-congregate facilities will provide private rooms for individuals and families to reside and will not require occupants to sign a lease or occupancy agreement, while also offering necessary support services to help them during their housing transition. “Here in Illinois, we understand that ending the homelessness crisis requires a multifaceted and equitable approach, and that begins with meaningful investments to improve our housing infrastructure,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These four new shelters, which are repurposed from unoccupied properties, will offer a unique private housing support option for over 400 people. I’m thankful to the team at IHDA for their ongoing efforts to destigmatize homelessness and improve available accommodations for Illinoisans.”

This article summarizes key takeaways from the recent Midwest County Association Staff Retreat (July 30-August 1) attended by ISACo, where county association leaders reviewed the impacts of the newly enacted federal reconciliation package. The briefing highlighted significant funding cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits, shifts in administrative and fiscal responsibilities to counties, and the continued need for coordinated advocacy to protect local budgets and services. Click on the title to read the article.

Governor JB Pritzker has signed HB 2488 into law, simplifying the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 by eliminating all references to a federally-mandated program that requires employers to provide wage data to the federal government.

The popularity of residential pools has increased over recent years raising the risk for accidental drownings meaning homeowners and parents need be extra vigilant to protect kids who have access to the water. Public pools are a popular summer destination for people to beat the heat, but they can pose some hidden dangers. “Pools have been a popular way to cool off this summer, but we can’t afford to get complacent — drownings can happen in an instant and often without a sound. It’s not like the movies,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “If children are in or around the pool, stay off your phone, put down your book, and keep your eyes on them at all times. Staying cool at the pool is fun — but it comes with serious responsibility.”

Local News Gov. Pritzker says state of Illinois is seeing major drop in violent crime alongside Chicago chicago By Chris Tye July 22, 2025 / 7:06 PM CDT / CBS Chicago Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker weighed in Tuesday on Chicago's massive drop in violent crime. The crime numbers are shaping up to be the story of the summer in the city. Through this past weekend, homicides are down 30% from the same time period last year in Chicago. Meanwhile, shootings are down 40% over the same stretch, while carjackings are down 50%. Other major cities around the country are also seeing big drops. There is no magic answer to what is behind the reduction in violent crime. Mayor Brandon Johnson credited employing youth, using violence disruptors, and better engagement between public and private partners.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today nonfarm payrolls totals reached a record high in June, increasing over-the-month up +9,400 to 6,175,200. June’s record payroll job total surpassed the previous high set in March, marking another milestone in Illinois’ record-setting year for total payroll employment. The May monthly change in payrolls was revised slightly from the preliminary report, from +100 to -200.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, is pleased to host the 15th annual College Changes Everything® (CCE) Conference on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The State's preeminent college access and career readiness event, sponsored by ISAC and statewide partners, brings together a diverse audience from across Illinois and beyond to focus on educational opportunity and student success. This year’s conference theme will focus on building community and inspiring hope. In these uncertain times, hope is a critical anchor enabling people to navigate challenges with resilience and purpose and with a sense of belonging and community.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is taking action to prevent the national spread of measles in Illinois. A total of eight measles cases, all linked to one another, were identified in Southern Illinois in April and May. In addition to the eight Southern Illinois cases, two additional, unrelated cases were identified in Cook County around the same time. Those did not constitute an outbreak, and there was no further indication of any additional spread beyond those two individuals.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that it has posted the 2025 First Quarter Report of Nursing Home Violations. Details on the 243 violation reports completed in the first quarter of 2025 may be found HERE on the IDPH website. The four facilities listed below were cited with type “AA” violations of the Nursing Home Care Act during the first quarter of 2025, the most severe type of violation. An “AA” violation is cited when there is a condition or occurrence at the facility that proximately caused a resident’s death. Click on the links below to view the completed “AA” violation reports:

Governor JB Pritzker joined the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to announce the inaugural Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program awards totaling $5 million to 16 grantees across the state. This funding will allow fire departments or fire protection districts to repair, upgrade, or construct new fire stations. “I am proud to be celebrating inaugural Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program awards, a crucial lifeline for fire departments across the state – particularly those in rural areas – to upgrade their facilities and equipment,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every single day, and these investments can make all the difference in keeping our communities safe and protected.”