Area News
Jobs 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…
Read MoreBill aims to reduce state requirements for name changes
Sponsors cite safety concerns for victims of domestic abuse, transgender people By ATMIKA IVER and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers in early January could consider easing requirements for residents to change their names, a move proponents say will reduce risks for victims of domestic abuse, transgender residents and others.…
Read MoreProtections in employment for family responsibilities take effect January 1
New law adds family responsibilities to the Illinois Human Rights Act Workers in Illinois who provide personal care to family members are protected from employment discrimination based on family responsibilities as of Jan. 1, 2025. Illinois is now one of fewer than 10 states to provide employment protections for family caregivers. “Being a caregiver is…
Read MoreScholarships awarded to students by Southern Illinois Builders Association
The Southern Illinois Builders Association began offering scholarships in 2012 and since then has awarded 149 scholarships totaling approximately $300,400. On Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, members of the SIBA Education Committee presented eight scholarships to Grayson Guthman, Murphysboro, Ill.; Lucas Daniel Jackson, O’Fallon, Ill.; Georgia Litteken, Trenton, Ill.; Trevor Reinneck, Mascoutah, Ill.; Zachary P. Wells,…
Read MoreNew Illinois law expands reproductive rights, effective Jan. 1
Protections for reproductive health decision-making take effect on Jan. 1 Illinois continues to lead the country in strengthening reproductive rights. A law that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025 prohibits discrimination based on a person’s reproductive health decisions, including fertility care and abortion. “At a time when reproductive rights are under attack across the nation, Illinois…
Read More‘The Cozy Cider Cabin’ returns to Eckert’s on Jan. 10, raises funds for Humane Society
The Belleville farm’s Cider Shed will transform into a winter cabin pop-up bar from Jan. 10 to Mar. 2; $5 reservation fee donated to the Belleville Area Humane Society Eckert’s Farm, the family farm in Belleville (951 S Green Mt Rd, Belleville, Ill. 62220), announces the return of its annual winter pop-up bar, The Cozy…
Read MoreIllinois’ minimum wage to increase to $15 on Jan. 1, completing 6-year transition
2019 law was Pritzker’s first major legislative victory By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois The minimum wage in Illinois will increase to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, completing a six-year transition period since the increase was approved in 2019. Beginning New Year’s Day, Illinois workers making minimum wage will see wages rise by $1…
Read MoreSister Thea Bowman Catholic School in East St. Louis to hold Jan. 30 Open House
Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (STBCS), the last remaining Catholic school in East. St. Louis, will host an Open House for all prospective and returning families from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. During the event, STBCS will share their vision to help the region develop “graduates who are ethical, responsible, and…
Read MoreNext Sierra Club Speaker Series presentation set for Jan. 14 in Alton
The next presentation in the Sierra Club Speaker Series takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. The in-person only event will be held at Old Bakery Beer Co., 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL 62002. The community is invited to join in for the free evening screening of an award-winning film presentation: “Water for…
Read MoreNearly 300 new Illinois laws take effect in 2025
They include digital driver’s licenses, salary transparency and health insurance changes By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois Time to study up, Illinois. When the clock hits midnight on New Year’s Day, 293 new state laws will take effect. Those include some of the defining bills of the 2024 legislative session and others that will change…
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