(SPRINGFIELD) A proposed Illinois bill aimed at addressing firefighter shortages by lowering the minimum hiring age has stalled in the General Assembly after failing to be called before a key deadline. While current law requires firefighters to be a least 21 years old, House Bill 1098 would amend the state’s municipal code and Fire Protection District Act to allow individuals as young as 18 to serve as full-time firefighters. Supporters say the plan to tackle ongoing staffing shortages throughout the state opens doors for younger adults seeking alternatives to college.
(CHICAGO) Chicago city workers reportedly owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills, and fines, yet more than half the workers have never been enrolled in a payment plan or had their wages garnished. According to data the city’s financial department provided to the Chicago Sun Times, under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, nearly 80% of the workers have jobs with the Chicago Board of Education or the Chicago Transit Authority and owe the Windy City nearly $15.7 million. Many wonder how this has been allowed to happen.
(SPRINGFIELD) The 2026 Makers Madness voting continues online this week in Illinois. As the list of items for this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Illinois will be whittled down to the top four, the final round of voting begins tomorrow and runs through this coming Sunday, April 12th, with the winner to be announced a week from Wednesday. Go to makersmadnessil.com.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois’ first spring turkey hunting season starts today and runs through April 10th for the south zone of the state. The north zone’s first of four seasons will being a week from today, running April 13th to April 17th. More information is available online at dnr.illinois.gov.