Area News
No fare hikes or service cuts for Chicago transit agencies, RTA chair says
Bill awaiting governor’s signature generates enough funding to eliminate fiscal cliff By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Chicago’s public transit agencies will not have to raise fares, lay off workers or cut services next year after state lawmakers approved new funding. The public transit reform bill passed last week provides additional funding to…
Read More‘Clean Slate’ Act passes after failing to clear legislature in past years
‘Clean Slate’ Act passes after failing to clear legislature in past years By MAGGIE DOUGHERTY Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The Clean Slate Act, if signed into law, could make nearly 2.2 million people in Illinois eligible to have their criminal records automatically sealed beginning in 2031. Law enforcement agencies would be required to automatically…
Read MoreGovernor joins in groundbreaking for new Venice grocery store
$5.9 million in combined private and public funding will bring affordable, nutritious groceries to Metro East families Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and leaders from across the Metro East region on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, to break ground on a new grocery store in Venice as part…
Read MoreInmate families, advocates speak against mail scanning program
IDOC says program is intended to reduce drugs, contraband from entering prisons By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The Illinois Department of Corrections launched a program this year that limits inmates’ access to physical mail and instead lets them view electronically scanned images of their mail on tablet computers. The department says the…
Read MoreIllinois ranks second in nation for human trafficking survivor laws
State goes from “F” to “A” on support for human trafficking survivors The Illinois State Police (ISP) recently announced that Illinois has gone from an “F” on the Shared Hope International Just Like Me Report Cards to an “A” due to the recent passage of the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act. Illinois…
Read MoreGovernor comes to Alton for Sunnybrook affordable housing grand opening
Community of Sunnybrook development will provide 40 new residential units for Alton working families Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) joined local officials, community members, and construction and labor representatives in Alton on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of the Community of Sunnybrook (Sunnybrook), a $20 million…
Read MoreFrom IAM: Senate Armed Services Committee members urge Boeing, union to reach agreement
Five members of the Senate Armed Services Committee are urging Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair agreement with more than 3,200 striking members of IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) District 837 in the St. Louis area who have been on strike for three months. U.S.…
Read MoreHoffman, Belt, collecting canned goods for Thanksgiving giveaway; seeking community donations
In coordination with State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea), State Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) is asking local residents to join in collecting canned goods to provide families a full Thanksgiving dinner this year at their annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. “Our turkey giveaway is always a wonderful day when residents support each other, and this year we’re…
Read MoreLegislature passes ‘medical aid in dying’ bill that governor says he will review
Bill narrowly passes Senate amid opposition from religious groups, diversity rights advocates and medical associations By MAGGIE DOUGHERTY Capitol News Illinois Article Summary State lawmakers passed a bill to legalize “medical aid in dying” for Illinois adults with terminal illnesses. If signed by the governor, the measure would allow mentally capable patients to self-administer end-of-life…
Read MoreIllinois lawmakers approve state-specific vaccine guidelines, punt on gambling bill
Two dozen bills passed during the recently ended fall veto session By BRENDEN MOORE Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Illinois lawmakers passed 24 bills during the two-week fall veto session. House Bill 767 would allow IDPH Director Sameer Vohra to issue state-specific guidelines while granting more authority to the department’s Immunization Advisory Committee. It awaits…
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