Nursing home regulations updated
A new law is on the books in Illinois designed to protect nursing home residents. Under the new law, nursing homes are prohibited from retaliating against a resident who exercises their rights. Nursing home staff are also required to undergo training designed to prevent retaliatory action from taking place. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Potawatomi Nation getting land back
More than 175 years after their reservation in northern Illinois was sold at auction, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation will be getting their land back. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation that authorizes the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to present the ownership title to Shabbona State Park in DeKalb County that overlaps the tribe’s original reservation. Tribal officials have said they have no plans to develop the property for any commercial use.
Makers Madness down to 8
The field of contenders for the 2025 title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois has been narrowed further, with voters choosing the Top 8 products to move ahead in the sixth annual “Makers Madness” contest. Hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the contest is a bracket-style tournament in which voters across the state decide which product is The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. Voting for this round is now open and will take place at MakersMadnessIL.com through March 30.