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Statewide Unemployment Rate Down, Payroll Jobs Up in April

2 years 8 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate fell -0.1 percentage point to 4.6 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by +9,300 in April, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The March monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +18,300 to +17,200 jobs. The March unemployment rate was unchanged from the preliminary report, remaining at 4.7 percent. The April payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflects activity for the week including the 12th. In April, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains in employment were: Leisure and Hospitality (+7,300), Manufacturing (+5,700), and Educational and Health Services (+3,500). The industry sectors that reported the largest monthly payroll declines were: Professional and Business (-11,100), Financial Activities (-2,200), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities

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Possible Summertime Rolling Blackouts A Concern For Illinois Manufacturers

2 years 8 months ago
THE CENTER SQUARE – A leading advocate for Illinois manufacturers is worried about price hikes and energy shortages this summer and into the future. “There is going to be a capacity shortage and we've seen warnings from utilities and regional grid operators talking about potentially rolling brownouts as soon as this summer,” said Mark Denzler, president, and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. He said prices have been soaring at recent capacity auctions, which reserve energy capacity in the event that it is needed. Agencies are warning that families could be paying an extra $50 every month and that means businesses will be hit even harder. “When you consider what a manufacturer, a retailer, a restaurant will pay, it will be significantly higher,” Denzler said. “In a case of some manufacturers, they will pay millions and millions of dollars in higher energy costs.” Denzler said the energy available, especially in downstate

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Touchette Regional Hospital Reminds the Public of its Senior I.Q. (Improving Quality) Program

2 years 8 months ago
MADISON COUNTY - Touchette Regional Hospital (TRH) is reminding the public of its Senior I.Q. (Improving Quality) Program and the importance of maintaining our health as we age to avoid health risks and concerns that are preventable. “This program is a coordinated and community-based approach to improve the quality of life for seniors 60 and older. We unite physicians, community agencies, home health care staff, social workers, family members, and volunteers who work together as a team for our clients,” says Cora Hughes, Manager of Volunteer Services at Touchette Regional Hospital. The overall goal of the Seniors I.Q. Program is to provide free aftercare services to the elderly to promote the best quality of life. The program assists seniors with developing individualized, holistic plans of care that improve seniors’ physical, spiritual and social well-being; performing home assessments that reduce safety risks in their homes; making connections with Medicare/Medicaid

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Sivia Law Adds Of-Counsel Attorneys  

2 years 8 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE – With the addition of three new locations in the near future, Sivia Law has recently added additional staff to their team. In an attempt to keep up with demand, while maintaining a high-level of service, the firm has added a host of new hires. These hires include two Of-Counsel attorneys. One new staff member just so happened to be a former client. Etta Jackson, following the completion of her estate plan, was offered a position at Sivia Law. “I was so happy there was an opening,” stated Jackson, “I just fell in love with their processes, culture and current employees.” Jackson received her J.D. from Washington University School of Law, her Master’s in Business Administration from Columbia University, and her A.B. cum laude from Harvard University. She is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Illinois. Operating out of the Edwardsville location, Jackson joins Sivia Law with expertise in areas of business law primarily employment

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Girl Scouts Of Southern Illinois Recognizes Rosemary Gruber With Heart Of Gold Award

2 years 8 months ago
GLEN CARBON – Distinguished volunteer Rosemary Gruber from Belleville has been honored with the annual Heart of Gold Award by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. This prestigious award recognizes the tremendous long-term impact a volunteer has had on girls and adults in his or her community through Girl Scouts, and it is the highest award a Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois adult volunteer can earn. Rosemary's impact on Girl Scouts is epic! A mother of three daughters and a retired registered nurse, she always made the time to help make a difference. Starting as a troop leader in the early 1970s, she has served in so many ways, including volunteering at day camps, helping fundraise, coordinating programs, training Program Aides, and serving as a nurse at events. At just shy of her 80th birthday, she still volunteers as a recruitment specialist who helps set up new troops and ensures new troop leaders feel welcome and well trained. “Rosemary exemplifies what it means to be

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Bost, Davis Block Harmful Pritzker Provision That Would Increase Water Costs For Southern Illinois

2 years 8 months ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (IL-12) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) yesterday succeeded in stripping language from the House Water Resources Development Act that would have limited access to affordable water for communities at Rend Lake, Carlyle Lake, and Lake Shelbyville. The provision would have set the stage for Governor Pritzker to terminate several existing contracts between the state of Illinois and the Army Corps of Engineers, forcing communities near Army Corps-managed lakes to pay more for water usage. “Once again, Governor Pritzker and liberal Democrats in Chicago and Springfield have completely disregarded the needs of Southern Illinois,” said Bost. “Resources are already stretched thin at the local level and terminating these contracts would have forced our communities to choose between affordable water and other necessary services. I’m pleased that Rep. Davis and I were successful in stripping this provision from the House

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St. Louis' Mauki's Bakery Launches Fundraiser, Narrowly Avoids Eviction

2 years 8 months ago
On a recent sunny afternoon, Angie Swyers sits down at a picnic table in front of her Soulard bakery, Mauki's, and apologizes to a reporter for the frequent interruptions caused by the steady stream of customers entering her shop. The bakery normally isn't this busy at this time of day, she explains, before acknowledging that it's not a bad problem to have. "Not right now, that's for sure," she says.
Daniel Hill