Bill regulating retail pet stores poised for governor’s desk | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois is one step away from a law that would ban the sale of dogs and cats from breeders at retail pet stores. A bill, House Bill 1711, sponsored by state Rep. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, cleared the Senate on the final day of the spring session and now heads for the […]
American Lung Association lauds lawmakers for steps to prevent youth vaping | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Officials with the American Lung Association are praising Illinois lawmakers for taking steps to address youth access to e-cigarettes. Kristina Hamilton, director of advocacy with the American Lung Association of Illinois, says the “Preventing Youth Vaping Act” would give the state Attorney General more enforcement authority over e-cigarette companies. “The legislation […]
Small business optimism slips due to labor shortage | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A survey shows Illinois business owners were less optimistic in May for the near future because of the ongoing labor shortage. The National Federation of Independent Business index dipped in May after a record high 48% of owners reported unfilled job openings. NFIB state director Mark Grant said their members are […]
This is By How Much Alzheimer’s Is Expected to Increase in Illinois | Illinois
The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the first new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease in about 20 years. Currently available Alzheimer’s drugs treat the disease’s symptoms. The newly-approved medicine, called Aduhelm, is the first to attack a substance that could be associated with the underlying causes of the disease — a toxic and sticky […]
Illinois high school sports association loosens restrictions | Illinois
(The Center Square) – After a spring with limited fans and mask-wearing players, Illinois high school sports will be returning closer to normalcy. The Illinois High School Association has announced changes to rules regarding sports and activities after the state entered Phase 5 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan Friday. Masks are not required for […]
Nuclear plant subsidies, closing coal plants and added energy fees possible | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois state lawmakers are back this week to continue the regular session and energy legislation is expected to top the agenda, but there could be some differences in what the governor wants versus what lawmakers actually pass. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said earlier this month an energy deal is coming “to make […]
Gas tax increasing, trailer tax could decrease | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Taxes for drivers filling up at the pump in Illinois are going up again July 1, an annual increase one analyst says politicians made to take them off the hook from having to vote for tax increases in the future. Gas prices are up more than a dollar over the previous […]
Illinois reopens after 15 months of COVID-19 restrictions | Illinois
(The Center Square) – As the state prepares to fully reopen for the first time in 15 months on Friday, the governor is giving Illinoisans a pat on the back. Starting Friday, there will be no capacity restrictions, but businesses can still require masks for unvaccinated people. There are also mask requirements for public transportation, […]
‘That’s a problem’ policy analyst says of Illinois’ rules against differential teacher pay | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A recent survey of school districts resulted in multiple white papers putting increased teachers’ pay and benefits and relaxed certifications for teaching at the top of solutions to Illinois’ teacher shortage. The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools conducted the survey late last year with west central and southeastern Illinois […]
IDNR leader says agency understaffed as more people visit state sites | Illinois
(The Center Square) – The Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee listened to hours of testimony Thursday on the state of tourism in downstate Illinois. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that tourists spent more than $43 billion in Illinois in 2019. The state is spending around $15 million in advertising this summer, double the usual amount, […]