Illinois unemployment grows to 4.4 percent in March Illinois unemployment grows to 4.4 percent in March Thursday, April 18, 2019 The unemployment rate in Illinois climbed one-tenth of a point to 4.4 percent in March as the state recorded a net loss of 2,300 jobs, the Illinois Department of Employment Security said Thursday.
‘Already in crisis:’ Report says Medicaid funding shortfalls causing nursing homes to close ‘Already in crisis:’ Report says Medicaid funding shortfalls causing nursing homes to close Thursday, April 18, 2019 Since March 2014, 20 state-licensed skilled-care nursing homes have closed for financial reasons, while many of those continuing to serve the state’s neediest elderly populations face staffing shortages and operating deficits caused by diminishing state government investment. Nursing home advocates warn that the industry is already in crisis, and a continuance of this trend could mean...
Judge: Melrose Park hospital must remain open for now Judge: Melrose Park hospital must remain open for now Wednesday, April 17, 2019 A judge has said Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park must stay open for the near future. A state lawmaker is continuing her push to keep the facility in the western suburb of Chicago open for the... Read more
Regulation of personal robots might be in Illinois’ future Regulation of personal robots might be in Illinois’ future Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Futuristic technology could give Illinoisans their own personal robots that follow wherever they go, and carry supplies like groceries. In anticipation of a summer rollout of this technology, the... Read more
CAPITOL BRIEFS: Cannabis, graduated tax advocates aim to reach public with legislators on break CAPITOL BRIEFS: Cannabis, graduated tax advocates aim to reach public with legislators on break Tuesday, April 16, 2019 With the Legislature on spring break until April 30, advocacy groups are working to get their points across on topics such as cannabis legalization and a graduated income tax. Read more
HOUSE RECAP: House passes bill calling for teaching work ethics in schools HOUSE RECAP: House passes bill calling for teaching work ethics in schools Friday, April 12, 2019 Public school students in Illinois might have to start learning about work ethics as early as the sixth grade under a bill that passed the state House on Friday. Read more
House rejects ‘ban-the-box’ law for college admissions House rejects ‘ban-the-box’ law for college admissions Friday, April 12, 2019 The Illinois House on Friday rejected a bill that would have blocked public colleges and universities from asking about a prospective student’s criminal history as part of the... Read more
Pritzker signs bill blocking local governments from enacting right-to-work laws Pritzker signs bill blocking local governments from enacting right-to-work laws Friday, April 12, 2019 Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed into law a bill that prohibits local governments from enacting so-called “right-to-work” laws that are aimed at weakening the power of labor unions. Read more