Author: Dani Tietz

State of Illinois

Illinois Secretary of State Clarifies REAL ID Requirements Ahead of May 7 Deadline

With the May 7th deadline for REAL ID enforcement fast approaching, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is working to clear up confusion surrounding the new federal requirements. Giannoulias emphasizes that while a REAL ID will be necessary for certain federal activities, it is not mandatory for everyone. The primary reason for […]

Federal

Trump Declares Himself Monarch, Igniting Fierce Debate Over Executive Power

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 […]

State of Illinois

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. […]

Federal

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 […]

State of Illinois

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 […]

State of Illinois

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, […]