Illinois quick hits: Party City closing all stores; weather radio requirement; airport announcements

By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square

Party City closing

After nearly 40 years in business, Party City is closing all of its stores, including dozens in Illinois. The company’s CEO told corporate employees in a meeting that Party City is “winding down” operations immediately and that Friday was their last day of employment. The company had approximately 6,400 full-time and 10,100 part-time workers as of 2021. There are 32 Party City locations in Illinois, including in Bloomington, Springfield and Fairview Heights. 

Weather radio requirement

Newly installed manufactured homes in Illinois must soon be equipped with weather radios. Beginning Jan. 1, a new law requires whoever installed the manufactured home to supply the emergency weather radios. The measure is among nearly 300 new laws taking effect in the new year.  

Airport announcements 

The U.S. Department of Transportation has chosen SkyWest Airlines, operating as United Express, to provide air service to the Decatur Airport. The four-year term will run through Dec. 31, 2028. Officials at the Peoria International Airport have announced that daily roundtrip flights to Denver will be available beginning in March. United Airlines will provide daily roundtrip flights in the morning and return 12 hours later.