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Illinois Offers Back-to-School Tax Holiday to Ease Financial Burden on Families

Illinois Offers Back-to-School Tax Holiday to Ease Financial Burden on Families

Illinois is set to implement a back-to-school sales tax holiday from August 7 to August 16, 2026, as part of the state's fiscal year 2026-27 budget. During this 10-day period, consumers can purchase clothing and school-related items at a reduced sales tax rate. The tax holiday applies to specific clothing and footwear items retailing for less than $125 each, while school supplies like notebooks and pencils are also eligible without the $125 threshold. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on families preparing for the new school year.

Outdoor giant now closing 91 stores in Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Outdoor giant now closing 91 stores in Chapter 11 bankruptcy

True boat lovers reject the popular saying that the two happiest days of a boater's life are the day they buy the boat and the day they sell it. For them, happiness is putting the boat in the water and sailing off, never-ending expenses included. That devotion drove a boom in boat sales ...

Tennessee Manufacturer Techmer PM to Lay Off Workers at Illinois Facility

Tennessee Manufacturer Techmer PM to Lay Off Workers at Illinois Facility

Tennessee Manufacturer Techmer PM to Lay Off Workers at Illinois Facility

Flossmoor Viaduct Flooding Project Delayed Due to Federal Funding Hold

Flossmoor Viaduct Flooding Project Delayed Due to Federal Funding Hold

The infrastructure project aimed at addressing flooding in Flossmoor, Illinois, has been stalled due to a federal funding hold. Mayor Michelle Nelson reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers placed an unexplained administrative hold on $384,000 allocated for the project since November. This funding was intended for the fourth phase of a multiyear effort to mitigate flooding at the downtown Flossmoor Road viaduct. The delay has left the village in limbo, with recent storms causing significant flooding and damage in the area.

Illinois Seeks Public Feedback on Transportation Priorities Through Annual Survey

Illinois Seeks Public Feedback on Transportation Priorities Through Annual Survey

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is conducting its annual Traveler Opinion Survey to gather public feedback on the state's transportation system. Open until August 11, the survey invites Illinois residents to evaluate various aspects of transportation, including road conditions, snow and ice removal, planning priorities, and electric vehicles. Conducted in partnership with the University of Illinois Springfield, the survey aims to inform IDOT's understanding of public views and guide future transportation planning and policy decisions.

Illinois Department of Transportation Seeks Public Feedback on Transportation Priorities

Illinois Department of Transportation Seeks Public Feedback on Transportation Priorities

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is conducting its annual Traveler Opinion Survey to gather public feedback on the state's transportation system. The survey, open until August 11, 2026, invites Illinois residents to evaluate various aspects of transportation services and priorities. Conducted in collaboration with the University of Illinois Springfield, the survey covers topics such as road conditions, snow and ice removal, transportation planning, and electric vehicle issues. This initiative, ongoing since 2001, aims to inform IDOT's understanding of public views on transportation services and infrastructure. Residents can participate in the survey online, with previous survey results available on the IDOT website.

DNA Technology Solves 25-Year-Old Cold Case of Abandoned Infant in Illinois

DNA Technology Solves 25-Year-Old Cold Case of Abandoned Infant in Illinois

A 25-year-old cold case involving the death of an abandoned infant in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, has been solved using advanced DNA technology. The infant, found in a dumpster in 2001, was identified through genealogy databases, leading to the arrest of Jennifer Lebron, who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. The case was revisited by Commander Paul Grace, who utilized new DNA tools to identify the biological parents. This breakthrough highlights the potential of modern technology in solving long-standing criminal cases.

Illinois Senate Bill 1700 Modernizes Recruitment for Sheriff's Offices Amid Staffing Shortages

Illinois Senate Bill 1700 Modernizes Recruitment for Sheriff's Offices Amid Staffing Shortages

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 1700 into law, aiming to modernize recruitment standards for sheriff's offices to address staffing shortages. The new law, effective in 2027, allows counties to hire 18-year-olds as full-time correctional officers and deputy sheriffs, starting them on a 15-month probationary period. This change is intended to expand the pool of eligible candidates and ease hiring difficulties. The bill also allows individuals who have completed two years of law enforcement studies to begin serving as county police officers at age 20, with a 12-month probationary period. The legislation was unanimously supported by the General Assembly, reflecting a focus on solving current staffing issues.

Illinois Communities Express Interest in Hosting New Nuclear Facilities

Illinois Communities Express Interest in Hosting New Nuclear Facilities

Nine Illinois communities have expressed interest in hosting new nuclear facilities following the state's decision to lift a moratorium on nuclear plant construction. These communities, including those transitioning from coal production, see potential economic benefits from new nuclear projects. However, environmental and consumer advocates question the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy compared to renewables.

Loretta Taylor's Passing Mourned by Mt. Vernon Community

Loretta Taylor's Passing Mourned by Mt. Vernon Community

Loretta Ward Mae Taylor, a beloved member of the Mt. Vernon, Illinois community, passed away on June 19, 2026, at the age of 68. Known for her compassion and strength, Loretta was a dedicated nurse and an active participant in various community activities. Her life was marked by her commitment to her family, friends, and the many people she touched through her work and social engagements. Loretta is survived by her partner, children, grandchildren, and a large extended family. Her passing has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew her.

Illinois Communities Show Interest in New Nuclear Facilities Amid Energy Concerns

Illinois Communities Show Interest in New Nuclear Facilities Amid Energy Concerns

Illinois has lifted its moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants, prompting Governor JB Pritzker to direct state agencies to identify communities interested in hosting new nuclear sites. Nine communities have expressed interest, including six that already host nuclear power and two transitioning from coal production. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's nuclear research program also showed interest. The state aims to bring at least two gigawatts more energy online to address projected energy shortfalls. Environmental and consumer advocates question the feasibility of nuclear energy as a quick and cost-effective solution compared to renewables.

Illinois Modernizes Recruitment Standards for Sheriff's Offices Amid Staffing Shortages

Illinois Modernizes Recruitment Standards for Sheriff's Offices Amid Staffing Shortages

Governor JB Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 1700 into law, aiming to address staffing shortages in sheriff's offices across Illinois. The new law, effective in 2027, allows counties to hire 18-year-olds as full-time correctional officers and deputy sheriffs, starting them on a 15-month probationary period. The bill also permits individuals aged 20 to serve as county police officers if they have completed two years of law enforcement studies. This legislative move seeks to expand the employment pool and facilitate career advancement within law enforcement agencies.