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CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has been formally recognized by Mental Health America (MHA) as a recipient of the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. The Bell Seal is the nation's preeminent certification, recognizing employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. IDOR joins an elite group of recipients awarded this distinction and is the first state governmental agency in Illinois to receive this award. Only two out of five employers meet the criteria for certification and IDOR underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices during the review process. “We are truly honored to receive this award, as it serves as a powerful affirmation of our efforts to create a culture that prioritizes mental health,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “I am especially proud that IDOR is the first governmental agency in the state to earn this recognition as it underscores our leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment

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JACKSONVILLE - State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) is inviting everyone in the 100th District to participate in a photo contest to update the decor in his Capitol office in Springfield. People of all ages are encouraged to take a picture of a place, object or an event in the 100th District and email the picture with contact information to RepCDDavidsmeyer@gmail.com . Information to include with the photo submitted: First Name, Last Name, Mailing Address, E-mail Address, and Phone Number. The 100th District includes all or portions of Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Morgan, Pike, and Scott Counties. Please visit https://cddavidsmeyer.org/district/ for a map of the 100th District. “There are so many amazing places and cool events throughout the 100th District,” said Rep. Davidsmeyer. “Pick a local landmark, a festival, a farm, business, wildlife, or anything that tells the story of our region. I can’t wait to continue

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After revealing that his memoir, Cat on the Road to Findout, will arrive Oct. 7, Yusuf/Cat Stevens has announced a book tour of North America.Cat on the Road to Findout: An…

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 law enforcement agencies throughout the state are participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s high-visibility “Click It or Ticket” campaign to stop seat belt law violators and impaired drivers. During the campaign, law enforcement will step up efforts to ticket unbelted motorists and arrest drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs or other substances. “Make sure everyone in your vehicle, whether they’re in the front seat or back seat, is buckled up before hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Not only is a seat belt your best defense if you’re in a crash, wearing one is the law in Illinois.” 40 years ago, Illinois became the third state to mandate seat belt usage, requiring drivers and front-seat passengers

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Representative Hoàn Huynh visited two Asian-owned businesses in Uptown to meet with business owners and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The visits build on Governor Pritzker’s efforts to support small and minority-owned businesses, including the 23,000 AAPI-owned businesses and 87,000 AAPI-solopreneurs across Illinois. “The Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across Illinois have made vast cultural impacts—persisting even in the face of discrimination and adversity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, I’m proud to acknowledge the thousands of thriving AAPI-owned businesses across our state and their unique contributions to our history and economic growth.” Small businesses are the livelihood of our communities— they drive our economies, creating jobs, and adding vibrancy and diversity to our neighborhoods,”

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SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the summer boating season, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police are urging people to wear life jackets anytime they're on the water and to only operate boats while sober. National Safe Boating Week is May 17-23, the week leading up to the Memorial Day holiday weekend, to raise awareness of boating safety. “As the boating season approaches, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement, reminds all waterway enthusiasts that safety is a shared responsibility. Every boater plays a vital role in creating a secure and enjoyable environment on the water,” said Office of Law Enforcement Director Jed Whitchurch. “Understanding and adhering to boating regulations such as navigation rules, safety equipment requirements, designated no-wake zones, and staying informed about weather conditions are essential to ensuring positive experiences

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski’s (IL-13) legislation, Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Claims Act (H.R. 2201), passed unanimously out of the full House of Representatives. Congresswoman Budzinski led this bipartisan effort with Representatives Young Kim (CA-40), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). The bill now heads to the United States Senate for further consideration. "Today marks a significant victory for veterans who have endured unimaginable trauma. Those who come forward with Military Sexual Trauma claims have already faced tremendous hardship, and seeking support should never add to that pain, said Congresswoman Budzinski. “It has been an honor to work alongside Congresswoman Kim on this bipartisan bill, which ensures the VA’s claims process avoids retraumatizing MST survivors. With unanimous support from the House, we are one step closer to seeing this bill signed into law and delivering the

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A homicide investigation is underway after a man was discovered to have been shot inside his residence by St. Louis Firefighters.

The post UPDATE: Homicide Investigation Underway After North Hampton Fire appeared first on St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in urging the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to maintain three offices within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that are meant to oversee the agency, protect people’s civil rights and help noncitizens with immigration matters. In March, DHS announced plans over Congressional objection to shut down three offices within the agency, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman), and the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), that were created by Congress to exercise oversight of various DHS programs. The offices’ sudden closure affects pending complaints and investigations, and DHS did not provide individuals or employers any alternative avenue for redress. “These offices provide essential services employers and residents rely upon. The sudden closures are

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department and Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 244 are stepping in to offer a financial boost to a program aimed at providing shoes for area students in need. Officers and other department members recently donated $1,680 to benefit the Sole Purpose program, which is being overseen by Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 in collaboration with the police department and the Cyclery & Fitness Center in Edwardsville. The donation was contributed by officers and staff participating in the police department’s periodic “no shave” fundraiser. This charitable effort allows participants to pay to get around the department’s “no beard” rule. Previous recipients have included Edwardsville Neighbors, Glen-Ed Pantry, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Main Street Community Center, Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, the Metro East Humane Society and others. Officer Ryan Grimes, who works

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The 43-year-old victim was found just after 3 p.m. in the 4300 block of St. Ferdinand Avenue. He died at the scene.

by Dr. John Gaal Editor’s Note: Each week, Dr. John Gaal, director of worker wellness for the Missouri Works Initiative, a non-profit workforce formed by the Missouri AFL-CIO, collects and comments on news and trends in workforce wellness and life balance. Construction Forum carries the Worker Wellness & Well-Being Blog as a regular feature. The […]

Metro East lawmaker's bill to improve training for VA employees handling sexual trauma cases passes unanimously out of the U.S. House, now heads to the Senate.

Ahead of their Run for Your Lives tour, Iron Maiden is asking you to put your phones away.The metal icons have posted a statement asking fans "not to excessively film…

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A Troy, Missouri police officer is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a man from a burning car over the weekend, likely saving his life.

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered a speech on the Senate floor exposing congressional Republicans’ reconciliation bill for what it truly is – legislation that will pay for tax breaks for billionaires at the expense of 13.7 million Americans’ health care coverage. In his remarks, Durbin reiterated that Republicans’ “one, big, beautiful bill” will further push the American Dream out of reach for working families. “Let me tell you a story. It’s one of the oldest in our country. It’s the story of the American Dream. It’s one of perseverance, where anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can achieve success and upward mobility through hard work and determination. It means a job that pays a fair wage, a school that prepares our kids for a better life, a doctor who sees you when you are sick, and a roof over your head at night,” Durbin began. “ dismantles

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For years, the DHS has been expanding its intrusive surveillance of anyone attempting to enter this country. (It has also expanded this to include people leaving the country.) The current onboarding procedure for US entry includes demands for account passwords and deep dives into devices carried by migrants, visitors, asylum seekers, and anyone else CBP […]