Author: Capitol News

State of Illinois

Lawmakers mull betting on internet gambling while existing industry warns it’ll fold

by Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois March 14, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily shut down Illinois casinos, video gambling terminals, horse racing and professional sports — just days after legal sports betting went live — the state’s gambling industry has seen an explosion in […]

State of Illinois

In remarks to teachers union, Pritzker lashes out at Trump’s education cuts

by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois March 13, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday delivered more harsh criticism against President Donald Trump’s administration over attempts to drastically downsize, and possibly eliminate, the U.S. Department of Education. His remarks came just two days after the agency abruptly laid off […]

State of Illinois

With electricity price spikes coming, environmental and industry groups pitch reform

by Andrew Adams, Capitol News Illinois March 4, 2025 Illinois faces potential energy shortfalls and all-but-guaranteed price spikes for northern Illinois this summer, consumer and environmental advocates say. Lawmakers and advocates in Springfield have proposed bills that they say would address their concerns — but it’s unclear whether they’re likely […]

State of Illinois

High school student helps draft bill to require opioid overdose medications in Illinois libraries

by Ismael M. Belkoura and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois March 6, 2025 ELGIN – High school students generally don’t participate in drafting legislation. Jordan Henry is an exception. A senior at the Illinois Math and Science Academy, the Elgin native is working with her local state representative […]

State of Illinois

Trump administration ends reimbursements for Illinois food programs

by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois March 4, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — The Trump administration has stopped reimbursing Illinois for a program designed to help farmers and supply fresh food to Illinois food banks. The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that changes to federal funding mean Illinois is missing reimbursements […]

State of Illinois

Illinois schools continuing DEI initiatives despite federal funding threats

by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois February 26, 2025 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education is not telling schools to stop any diversity, equity and inclusion lessons or programs, the state’s education chief told a House committee this week, even as the Trump administration threatens to pull federal […]