Area News
Optimism holds strong: 84% of US hiring managers eye 2025 growth
Latest results from The Harris Poll: More than half plan to increase headcount As 2024 came to a close, 84% of U.S. hiring managers are positive about their company’s hiring outlook for the first half of next year, with 52% feeling optimistic, 46% hopeful, 45% confident and 38% satisfied. This is according to a recent Express…
Read MoreNew laws, rules impacting public health take effect in 2025
Strengthened rules on childhood lead testing, requirements for long-term care facilities among changes in the New Year The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced a number of new laws and rules designed to strengthen the public health system went into effect on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2025. One of the key changes taking…
Read MoreRebuilding Illinois: IDOT revitalized, modernized transportation statewide in 2024
Under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Transportation continued to revitalize and modernize transportation and mobility across the state in 2024. Made possible by the governor’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, projects transformed highways, transit, railroads, airports, waterways and active transportation everywhere Illinois residents call home, creating safer and more…
Read MoreShedding light on solar panel contracts
By PHYLLIS COULTER FarmWeek Allan Delphi, a LaSalle County farmer and landowner, felt the heat of the sun shining on him when making decisions that would affect him, his children, grandchildren and possibly others who work his land in the future. “I have had five solar companies approach me. Each one told me what…
Read MoreState could adopt ‘kin-first’ approach to foster care
Measure passed Senate unanimously, awaits House action By AMALIA HUOT-MARCHAND and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers could soon make it easier for children in foster care to live with their relatives or other people close to them. Child welfare experts have long touted the benefits of foster children staying…
Read MoreIDOT, ISP: Celebrate the New Year safe and smart
As 2024 comes to a close, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to keep roads safe. The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway now through the New Year, focusing on impaired driving, seat belt violations, speeding, distracted driving,…
Read MoreConstruction jobs increase in 234 metro areas between Nov. 2023, last month
Construction employment increased in 234, or 65 percent, of 358 metro areas between November 2023 and November 2024, according to an analysis by AGC Contractors may have more trouble filling jobs in 2025 Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas and Anchorage, Alaska have highest number and percentage of job gains over 12 months, while New York City…
Read MoreIDHR extends statute of limitations period
New deadline for filing an employment, public accommodations, education and financial credit charge with IDHR takes effect Jan. 1 Illinoisans seeking to file a charge of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation will soon have more time to file with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) after the date of the incident, in most cases. Effective…
Read More‘Crawlin Around the Christmas Tree’ is a success for Edwardsville Neighbors
Christmas cheer took over downtown Edwardsville as nearly 200 festive participants gathered for the third annual Crawlin’ Around the Christmas Tree bar crawl. The event, which raises funds for the local nonprofit Edwardsville Neighbors, featured nine participating bars and a lively community turnout. Organized by local real estate agents Tara Riggs and Julie Fleck,…
Read MoreJobs up in 7 of 14 metro areas in November
Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in seven metropolitan areas and decreased in seven for the year ending November 2024, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in seven areas, decreased in five, and was unchanged in…
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