(SPRINGFIELD) Governor J.B. Pritzker late last week signed over 260 bills into law in Springfield. Several of the new laws impact artificial intelligence, one of which takes effect January 1st, 2026, to protect employees from discrimination from using AI in the workplace. Another of the new laws will protect preforms from unauthorized use of AI and a third new law clarifies that the state’s child pornography laws apply to images & videos created by AI.
(SPRINGFIELD) One of the other new laws signed by the Governor, which takes effect immediately, names the “giant puffball” as the official mushroom for the State of Illinois. It was earlier this year that lawmakers approved the measure to name “Calvatia Gigantea” as Illinois’ official fungus after an initiative led by elementary students from Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton. Although rare, the often huge mushroom is mostly white and edible.
(SPRINGFIELD) The State of Illinois has released the Governor’s new five-year growth plan. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity says the plan focuses on growth sectors in Illinois, like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, business climate improvement, and next-generation agriculture while promoting equitable growth and building out of “the new clean energy economy. The plan is available on the DCEO website.
(SPRINGFIELD) The 2024 Illinois State Fair continues in Springfield with today being noted as Twosday with a discounted admission and all rides in the Carnival Midway & Adventure Village is only $2 each, plus there’s more livestock shows, truck & tractor pulls tonight, and on stage, it’s Jordan Davis with Ashley Cooke. Tomorrow is Governor’s Day with the Sale of Champions with all the junior livestock to be featured & auctioned off, plus more harness racing, tractor & truck pulls, and on stage, Lil Wayne with Chanel West Coast. Thursday is Republican Day with more livestock shows, harness racing, and the Jonas Brothers on the grandstand stage that night. Friday is First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day with free admission for all police officers, firefighters, EMTs, & Healthcare Workers who show their badge at the gates, plus more livestock shows, special activities, a circus, and The Smashing Pumpkins on stage that night. Everyday activities includes various shows & activities at Conservation World, plus all the great fair food stands, other entertainment, carnival rides, & more running through Sunday. Go to the statefair.illinois.gov website.