Walgreens to lay off 256
Walgreens is laying off 256 workers, mostly in Illinois, the latest in a series of job cuts at the company in recent years as it struggles with financial losses.
The layoffs come as Walgreens works to turn around its business, aiming to focus more on its retail pharmacy efforts. The company has eliminated more than 1,000 jobs over the last few years, including many in Illinois.
‘Stop hate’ hotline costs taxpayers $5 million
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, along with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes has announced the official launch of Help Stop Hate, a confidential service that provides support and resources to people and communities affected by hate.
Officials said hate crimes reached an all-time high last year, with nearly 12,000 incidents reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Pritzker set aside a $5 million, 5-year supplemental fund to support Help Stop Hate and the commission in the fiscal year 2024 budget.
Online licensure launches
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has announced the launch of a new online licensing system, for the first set of licensed professionals.
The new online process eliminates the need for paper applications, gives applicants more control over their application materials and helps prevent deficient applications from being submitted. The agency has been under fire for licensing delays.
