Illinois ranked second best in animal protection laws

Man’s best friend, who loyally protects you, is protected by our state! The Animal Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s foremost legal advocacy organization for animals, published the annual U.S. Annual Protection Laws Ranking Report, which ranked Illinois as the second best state for animal protection laws. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs and other adorable companions will find themselves sheltered in Illinois.

Illinois received its second-place ranking due to its numerous animal safeguards. One such law requires all juveniles and animal hoarders convicted of animal cruelty to undergo a psychological evaluation and any necessary treatment. In addition, animals may be included in domestic violence protection orders. Another protection law requires veterinarians and social service professionals to report suspected animal cruelty. Illinois has become a leader when it comes to animal protections.

These laws will have all of your pets’ tails wagging! We want our furry friends to feel safe in our homes and our state, and Illinois achieves just that. Read the full report from the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

University of Illinois Springfield named to Forbes’ Best Affordable Online Colleges list

Earning a bachelor’s degree takes hard work and dedication, and choosing the right school can be difficult. Online schools can be an incredible opportunity for students who are busy in other aspects of life and could use a more flexible schedule. University of Illinois Springfield has one of the best online schools in the nation, according to Forbes Advisor. UIS offers 52 online undergraduate and graduate programs, and currently has 1,961 students taking classes fully online. Fully online students make up almost 40% of the UIS student body.

The pandemic made online learning a more popular and suitable option for many students. While the pandemic also pointed out some of the challenges of online learning, UIS has wonderful and dedicated professors who work hard to provide the highest level of service to their students. UIS’s mission is to provide a uniquely student-centered educational experience both in and out of the classroom through active learning, meaningful research and impactful civic engagement that prepares graduates to contribute fully to society. Their online and hybrid class programs help them to achieve this mission. 

Online undergraduate programs include degrees such as Business, Computer Science, Political Science, Teaching and Psychology. Online graduate degrees at UIS comprise of Business, Cybersecurity Management, Education, Environmental Studies, Legal Studies and Public Health and Administration.

Forbes determined the best online colleges using a collection of data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Choosing the right college can be hard; it lays the groundwork for one’s future. UIS offers an affordable and flexible program that will set its students on the path to their dreams.

Illinois ranks as one of the best states for workforce development

A new report ranks Illinois the number one state for workforce development in the East North Central region for 2022.

The ranking, announced by Site Selection magazine, highlights Illinois’ continued job and economic growth, innovative workforce programs and employment services. The state’s ranking improved from number two in 2021.

Combining information from CNBC, U.S. News and other organizations, the ranking recognizes “states that performed well in a set of measures that gauge workforce-related aspects of states’ overall employment climate.”

Read more …

Fourth annual Makers Madness Contest begins!

The Illinois’ Manufacturers Association has begun its fourth annual Makers Madness Contest, a state-wide tournament where the public can vote for their favorite product made in Illinois.

The contest consists of a bracket styled tournament, which begins with a public nomination period that ends Feb. 19. Once nominations are complete, voters will be able to select their 16 favorite products, which will go head-to-head until a winner is decided.

Last year’s winner was Normal Illinois’ very own all-electric truck, the Rivian R1T. The truck received the majority of over 200,000 votes last year, winning the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.” Rivian Automotive is based in Normal, and have produced over 14,000 electric vehicles since they opened their doors.

Nominations are accepted through Feb. 19. The winner will be announced on March 29.

People can nominate a product here

• 2023 Schedule:Nominations Accepted: February 2 – 19
• Nomination Voting: February 21 – March 5
• First Round (Top 16): March 7 – 12
• Second Round (Top 8): March 14 – 19
• Final Round (Top 4): March 21 – 26
• Winner Announced: March 29