by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois January 7, 2026 Article Summary The Trump administration has frozen distribution of about $10 billion in federal funding for five Democratic-led states, including about $1 billion for Illinois. States covered by the freeze now must submit detailed documentation justifying all expenses under the programs […]
by Maggie Dougherty, Capitol News Illinois January 6, 2026 Article Summary Peoples Gas has filed a $202.3 million rate hike request with the Illinois Commerce Commission. If approved in full, typical residential Peoples Gas customers can expect to pay $10-11 more per month starting in 2027. Peoples Gas said the […]
by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois January 6, 2026 Article Summary IDHS says it inadvertently stored protected health information on a publicly accessible website involving more than 32,000 Division of Rehabilitation Services customers and more than 672,600 Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program recipients. The information was stored on a mapping […]
by Brenden Moore, Capitol News Illinois January 5, 2026 Article Summary JB Pritzker is not making a graduated income tax a priority in 2026, despite backing the idea in principle and mounting budget pressures. Democratic lawmakers have introduced proposals to put a progressive tax amendment on the ballot, citing a […]
The United States government has filed a federal lawsuit against Governor JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, challenging the constitutionality of the newly enacted Illinois Public Act 104-0440 (formerly House Bill 1312). The federal complaint targets two primary components of the new law, arguing they violate the Supremacy Clause of the […]
Starved Rock State Park, including the Starved Rock Lodge and other park amenities, will remain open to visitors during an $18 million trail improvement project that will continue through 2026. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Capital Development Board (CDB) announced the massive infrastructure initiative, which aims […]
A new measure signed into law this month aims to level the playing field for parents navigating the often-complex special education system in Illinois. Public Act 104-0047 amends the School Code to ensure parents and guardians are informed of their right to bring advocates, experts, or support persons to Individualized […]
Two comprehensive artificial intelligence laws are taking effect on January 1, 2026, prohibiting AI-only instruction at community colleges while mandating statewide guidance for K-12 schools on the responsible use of rapidly advancing technology. Public Act 104-0201, signed August 15, amends the Public Community College Act to explicitly prohibit colleges from […]
Illinois has become the first state to codify constitutional education protections for immigrant students. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 3247, officially designated as Public Act 104-0288, on August 15, 2025, with the legislation taking effect January 1, 2026. The new law, known as the “Safe Schools for All Act,” […]
by Maggie Dougherty, Capitol News Illinois December 31, 2025 Article Summary Illinois’ fourth report on maternal mortality trends identified 94 pregnancy-related deaths in 2021 and 2022, an increase from past reports. The report found that 91% of all pregnancy-related deaths were potentially preventable, including all those resulting from mental health […]
