LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, May 18 -- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release on May 16, 2024 on May 17, 2024: On Friday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced more than $79 million in financial assistance for 25 water and wastewater projects serving more than 587,000 Arkansans. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved this funding on May 15, 2024. "Arkansans are counting on their local water utilities to deliver consistent and safe drinking water. I  more

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, May 17 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release on May 16, 2024: * * * Federal Agency Charged Cleaning Service Provider Routinely Subjected Female Employees to Sexual Harassment * * * The Cleaning Authority-Fox Valley, a cleaning service provider in eastern Wisconsin, will pay $200,000 and furnish other relief to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agen  more

WASHINGTON, May 17 -- The FBI issued the following news release on May 16, 2024: Director Christopher Wray has named David G. Nanz as the assistant director of the Operational Technology Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Mr. Nanz most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Springfield Field Office in Illinois. The Operational Technology Division develops and deploys technology-based solutions to enable and enhance the FBI's intelligence, national security, and law  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Auditor General issued the following compliance examination on May 16, 2024, involving Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Here are excerpts: * * * FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS INADEQUATE CONTROLS OVER PERSONAL SERVICES. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) did not maintain adequate controls over its personal services function. * During testing of personnel files for 10 employees, we noted the f  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Auditor General issued the following compliance examination on May 16, 2024, involving Illinois Arts Council. Here are excerpts: * * * INTRODUCTION The Illinois Arts Council (Council) was created through the Arts Council Act (20 ILCS 3915). The Council is governed by 21 private citizens from throughout Illinois, chosen for their commitment to the arts and are appointed by the Governor. The members serve in a voluntary, non-paid capacity and are r  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Auditor General issued the following compliance examination on May 16, 2024, involving Illinois Arts Council Foundation. Here are excerpts: * * * INTRODUCTION The Illinois Arts Council Foundation (Foundation) was incorporated in 1967 as a not-for-profit corporation. The primary function of the Foundation is to distribute contributions received in the form of grants to increase the awareness of the Illinois Arts Council's programs and services thr  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Auditor General issued the following compliance examination on May 16, 2024, involving Prisoner Review Board. Here are excerpts: * * * FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS PROPERTY CONTROL WEAKNESSES The Prisoner Review Board (Board) did not exercise adequate controls over the recording and reporting of State property. During testing, we noted the following: * The Board's Agency Reports of State Property (C-15) for the Fiscal Year 2021 a  more

CHICAGO, Illinois, May 17 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on May 16, 2024: Bedrock Materials, a pioneering battery technology startup, along with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Intersect Illinois and World Business Chicago, announced it has chosen to locate its research & development (R&D) headquarters in Chicago. The company plans to expand its R&D and manufacturing footprint in Illinois, after it recently closed $9 milli  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Mary Edly-Allen passed an initiative through the Senate Insurance Committee to fill gaps in current breast cancer screening coverage and ensure that all Illinoisans are able to receive screening that accurately detects breast cancer. "Standard mammograms aren't always effective on patients with dense breasts. Unfortunately, insurance companies may deny having additional tests that are needed  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Paul Faraci's measure to extend utility bill relief so more Illinois households can receive assistance advanced through the Senate. "If we want to help keep people in their homes, especially those on a fixed income, this is the right thing to do," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "The extension of this program is an investment in the health and well-being of our community." Faraci's measure would  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news on May 16, 2024: Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) took a step today to improve traffic safety around O'Hare Airport. In response to reports of dangerous conditions around the airport, Harmon passed legislation prohibiting drivers from stopping their vehicles on the shoulder of the road anywhere within a half-mile radius of O'Hare. "O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the country," Harmon said  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: There may soon be a law on the books to provide vehicle owners with a defense against the rise in theft of catalytic convertors in Illinois thanks to efforts from State Senator Michael E. Hastings. "This initiative provides vehicle owners with another line of defense to make it difficult for those stealing catalytic converters to sell and profit off the illegal sale of these parts," said Hastings (D-Frank  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: Chicago homeowners who pay into home equity assurance programs could soon see their tax dollars put to better use through increased access to home repair, thanks to a measure passed by State Senator Robert Martwick. "Our communities have faced unprecedented flooding in the past few years, and insurance will not always cover the damage," said Martwick (D-Chicago). "By returning the funds to the people who   more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: A measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam would make it easier for people who have completed masonry programs to receive community college credit. "Many choose to pursue trade programs after high school, including masonry, carpentry, or plumbing," said Villivalam. "Making sure that there are options for furthering education is vital for our workers and local economy." Villivalam's measure would  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure to bring more diversity to clinical cancer trials. "Better representation in clinical trials will improve progress and innovation in cancer care and mitigate some inequities that currently exist in health care," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). House Bill 5405 would require the Illinois Department of Public Health to work with the University of Illinois and oth  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: Finding out your vehicle is totaled can be a difficult situation and the last thing you want to do is research the cost of each part of your car. State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure to require vehicle insurance companies to do that work for you. "I am committed to increasing transparency between insurance companies and consumers," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "This measure will save people tim  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: Emphasizing the critical need for improved access to colonoscopy screenings, State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to facilitate the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. "By making these screenings more accessible, we offer individuals the opportunity to detect and address health concerns early on, minimizing the risk of serious complications down the road," said Preston (D-Chi  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Mike Halpin advanced a measure through the Illinois Senate to create specialty Air Force Combat Action Medal license plates. "This is a way for us to thank Air Force veterans for their service to our country," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "I was proud to see this measure pass with bipartisan support." Currently, the Air Force is the only branch of the military that does not have a license   more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news on May 16, 2024: State Senator Steve Stadelman's legislation to lower the age of consent for blood typing services to 17 passed the Senate Wednesday. "This bill is a step forward in empowering young people to take control of their health," said Stadelman (D-Rockford). "Lowering the age for blood typing consent to 17 ensures that more individuals have the ability to make informed decisions about their medic  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news on May 16, 2024: State Senators Doris Turner and Christopher Belt laid out a plan Thursday to ensure physicians who perform autopsies are able to accurately do their job without fear of legal retaliation. "After conversations with Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon, it was clear that we need to ensure the people who perform autopsies are protected," said Turner (D-Springfield). "Putting the rest of the sta  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that Senate Bill 3695 has been assigned to the Senate Executive Committee and has bipartisan support. Senate Bill 3695, also known as the CURE Act - or the Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens Act - aims to tackle treatment-resistant conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. Additional  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news on May 16, 2024: A measure championed by State Senator Karina Villa to expand opportunities for Spanish-speakers to become certified nursing assistants passed the Senate on Thursday. "Promoting the diversity of our health care workforce is crucial for increasing the quality of care in communities across Illinois," said Villa (D-West Chicago). "It is essential for patients to be able to connect with their h  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news on May 16, 2024: A measure sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa, allowing a higher volume of native plant species to be grown, passed the Senate on Thursday. "Illinois is home to hundreds of native plant species that are crucial to the health of our state's biodiversity," said Villa. "By cultivating more native plants, we are protecting wildlife and embracing the one-of-a-kind landscape our state has to  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to protect construction workers by enhancing Scott's Law. "By establishing safety measures to further prevent accidents in construction zones, we will guarantee the safety of drivers, emergency responders, and those who work in construction and maintenance zones," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "Enhancing Scott's Law is a necessary step to prioritizing pr  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to provide further protections to crime victims. "There is no reason why crime survivors, who are brave enough to share DNA, should have to look over their shoulder wondering if their DNA they voluntarily provided will be used against them," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "This provision protects survivors and ensures they are able to seek justice without  more

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, May 17 -- The Illinois Senate Democrats issued the following news: Illinois residents could soon have a new license plate option thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam that will showcase the 100 Club of Illinois. "Continuing to support organizations throughout our state that regularly give back to first responders and their families is vital," said Villivalam (D-Chicago). "Supporting them through offering license plate decals brings more awareness   more

WASHINGTON, May 17 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following event notification (No. 57114) involving Endeavor Health Clinical Operations, Evanston, Illinois: * * * Rep Org: Illinois Emergency Mgmt. Agency Licensee: Endeavor Health Clinical Operations Region: 3 City: Evanston State: IL License #: IL-01248-02 Agreement: Y NRC Notified By: Whitney Cox HQ OPS Officer: Natalie Starfish Notification Date: 05/08/2024 Notification Time: 17:00 [ET] Event Date: 05/07/2024 Ev  more

ROCK ISLAND, Illinois, May 18 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Rock Island District issued the following news release: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, invites the public to an open house at the Thomson Ranger Station in Thomson, Illinois, May 29 from 1-3 p.m. with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30 p.m. The new building, which is located near the entrance of the Thomson Causeway Recreation Area at 1600 Lewis Avenue, replaces a rented office space that the Corps   more

CHICAGO, Illinois, May 18 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Detroit District issued the following news release: The Chicago District is geared up to put an additional $27.8 million to work from the Fiscal Year 2024 Civil Works appropriations. Congress allocated a hefty $8.681 billion for the Army Civil Works Program, spreading across various crucial areas like Investigations, Construction, Operation and Maintenance, Mississippi River and Tributaries, and Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Actio  more

ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 18 -- The U.S. Air Force Dyess Air Force Base (7th Bomb Wing) issued the following news: The Department of the Air Force identified six locations May 15, to host experimental Air Task Forces that will test new methods to generate more efficient, integrated deployable Units of Action. As part of a pilot program, the following installations are expected to receive an ATF command echelon this summer, pending the successful completion of the National Environmental Policy A  more