President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, that significantly alters the power dynamics within the executive branch. The order, titled “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies,” includes a controversial provision that centralizes the authority to interpret laws for the executive branch solely in the hands […]
Other News
Pritzker calls $55.2B budget ‘responsible and balanced’ – but warns Trump policies could upend it
SPRINGFIELD — An improved revenue forecast is helping ease pressure on state finances as Gov. JB Pritzker calls for tightened spending to balance the budget without tax increases on everyday Illinoisans. During his annual state of the state and budget address on Wednesday, Pritzker called for a roughly 3% spending […]
Planned Parenthood of Illinois Expands Medication Abortion Access Through App
Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) has announced the expansion of its abortion care services by offering medication abortion through the PPDirect app. The PPDirect app, which already provides birth control, UTI treatment, at-home STI testing, and emergency contraception, will now include medication abortion as part of its suite of services. […]
Special Education Bill Puts Parents at the Forefront
A new bill introduced by Illinois Representative Jed Davis (R – 75) seeks to establish local advisory committees within school districts and regional cooperative programs that provide special education services. House Bill 1106, also known as the Local Advisory Committees on Special Education Act, lies in its mandate for school […]
Senators Wyden and Warren Demand Answers on Elon Musk’s DOGE Gaining Access to Sensitive IRS Data
Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren are demanding answers from the IRS regarding a potential agreement that would grant Elon Musk’s DOGE broad access to sensitive taxpayer data. The senators expressed concerns that this access could lead to the weaponization of private financial information for political purposes. The letter to […]
Illinois Lawmakers Introduce Homeschool Act to Establish Notification and Oversight Requirements for Home Education
A new bill, HB2827, known as the Homeschool Act, is currently under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly. Introduced on February 6, 2025, by Representatives Terra Costa Howard (D – 42), Michelle Mussman (D – 56), and Kelly M. Cassidy (D – 14), the bill aims to establish a framework […]
Illinois Senate Bill Proposes Property Tax Relief for Small Businesses, Offering Up to $1,500 in Tax Credits
A new bill introduced in the Illinois State Senate seeks to provide much-needed property tax relief to qualified small businesses across the state. Senate Bill 146, sponsored by Senator William Cunningham (D – 18), Javier L. Cervantes (D-1), and Adriane Johnson (D-30), proposes a tax credit for eligible small businesses, […]
Illinois Lawmakers Propose Tax-Advantaged Savings Accounts to Boost Homeownership for First-Time and Second-Chance Buyers
The Illinois General Assembly is considering a new bill aimed at making homeownership more accessible for first-time and “second-chance” home buyers in the state. Senate Bill 148, introduced by Senator Cristina Castro (D-22), proposes the creation of the “Illinois Home Buyer Savings Accounts Act,” which would offer tax-advantaged savings accounts […]
Inflation Ticks Up as Consumer Prices Rise 0.5% in January, Driven by Shelter, Energy, and Food
Consumer prices experienced a notable increase in January 2025, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.5 percent in January, a climb from the 0.4 percent increase recorded in December. Over the past 12 months, […]
Federal Judge Denies Unions’ Bid to Block OPM’s Controversial ‘Fork in the Road’ Directive
A federal judge in Massachusetts has denied a request from several labor unions to block the Office of Personnel Management’s (“OPM”) “Fork in the Road” directive, a controversial policy that allows certain federal employees to resign with pay through the end of the fiscal year. Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. […]