Illinois celebrates National Women’s Business Month throughout October
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women’s Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses across the state. There are nearly 561,000 women-owned businesses in Illinois employing more than 661,000 workers and bringing in $165 billion in revenue each year. During this monthlong celebration, DCEO…
Read MoreAmendments to Workplace Transparency Act trigger new compliance requirements for Illinois employers
By SCOTT CRUZ The Illinois Workplace Transparency Act (IWTA) took effect on Jan. 1, 2020, with the impetus to protect employees who truthfully report alleged unlawful discrimination and harassment or criminal conduct in the workplace, by prohibiting nonnegotiable confidentiality obligations, waivers, and mandatory arbitration of allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation (i.e. “unlawful employment practice”),…
Read MoreIllinois pork producers explore trade potential in South Korea
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek A recent trip to South Korea to strengthen trade relationships is fresh on the mind of Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) President Josh Maschhoff as he celebrates National Pork Month. “There aren’t enough positive attributes that I can throw out here that would describe how awesome the trip was, it…
Read MoreJudge calls feds ‘unreliable,’ temporarily blocks National Guard deployment to Illinois
Troops would ‘only add fuel to the fire’ judge says, blaming protest escalation on ICE By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois Article Summary A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard to Illinois without the consent of Gov. JB Pritzker, ruling the Department of Homeland Security had not…
Read MoreIllinois pumpkin harvest underway; heat weakens crop in some areas
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek October is a busy month for the top pumpkin producing state and while consumers likely won’t see the effects, Mother Nature challenged some Illinois fields this season. Jack Lanxon is part of the eighth generation of Eckert’s Orchard in Belleville, where they grow up to 60 acres of pumpkins that…
Read MoreGOMB releases annual Economic and Fiscal Policy Report
Annual report highlights impact of H.R. 1 to Illinois’ revenue, fiscal stability On Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) released the annual Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy Report, outlining the state’s long-term fiscal outlook. This year’s report details the significant impacts of federal tax and spending policies—particularly the Trump…
Read MoreJudge grants restraining order protecting protesters, journalists in Chicago-area protests
First Amendment suit bars federal agents from arresting peaceful protesters, working press By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Article Summary A court order bars federal agents from arresting peaceful protesters or journalists covering immigration protests. It also bars them from using harsh crowd control methods such as tear gas and other “less-lethal” weapons and ammunition.…
Read MoreUnified Command established to help protect 1st Amendment rights, public safety, in Broadview
Update received from the Illinois State Police, dated Oct. 9, 2025: The Unified Command, consisting of the Broadview Police Department, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police, the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency continues to operate in Broadview. The purpose and mission of…
Read MoreAs Trump says Pritzker ‘should be in jail,’ Illinois’ governor taunts: ‘Come and get me’
War of words escalates as Texas National Guard arrives in Chicago ahead of hearing By BRENDEN MOORE Capitol News Illinois Article Summary President Donald Trump posted to social media Wednesday that Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson “should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers.” Pritzker in turn said he won’t…
Read More2025 Take Flight Forum set for Nov. 13
Themed “STEM to Sky!,” event will explore growth at St. Louis region’s primary airports and programs connecting youth to opportunities in aerospace and aviation The St. Louis region will host the fourth annual Take Flight Forum on Thursday, Nov. 13, reuniting the directors of the five busiest bi-state airports who will join with leaders from…
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