The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point on Wednesday, shifting its federal funds target range to 3.75–4 percent. Federal Reserve officials cited recent indicators showing moderate economic growth but noted that job gains have slowed and unemployment, while still low, is trending upward. Inflation, […]
Governor JB Pritzker declared an agricultural trade crisis in Illinois Wednesday, signing Executive Order 2025-07 in response to mounting farm financial distress that state officials blame on ongoing federal tariff policies. Since February 2025, the United States has imposed steep tariffs—some reaching 145%—on Chinese imports, prompting China to retaliate with […]
Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-08 on Thursday, directing $20 million in emergency funding to food banks across Illinois as nearly 2 million state residents prepare to lose federal food assistance this Saturday amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. The executive order launches a comprehensive statewide response to the Trump Administration’s unprecedented decision to halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits beginning […]
by Andrew Adams, Capitol News Illinois October 29, 2025 Article Summary House lawmakers passed a sweeping energy reform bill along party lines Wednesday evening. The bill would create new incentives for energy storage, allow construction of new nuclear power plants and give regulators expanded authority over the state’s electric grid. […]
by Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois October 29, 2025 Article Summary U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was set to appear in front of a federal judge Wednesday evening for the first of his court-ordered daily check-ins over immigration agents’ use of force on civilians. But less than […]
As the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) experiences a temporary funding shutdown, community members across Champaign County are stepping up to help families facing potential food insecurity. Food pantries and small businesses are mobilizing immediate support to make sure no one goes hungry while benefits are on hold. Mom’s […]
As the government shutdown approaches its fifth week, millions of Americans are confronting a historic crisis in food assistance. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP or food stamps, is set to lapse for the first time in modern history on November 1, 2025, threatening benefits for approximately […]
A bipartisan group of 207 members of Congress has filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to rule that President Donald Trump exceeded his constitutional authority by imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The 31-page brief, filed October 24, 2025, in the consolidated cases Learning Resources, […]
The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to overturn President Donald Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports. The resolution passed 52-48, with five Republican senators (Rand Paul of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky) […]
by Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois October 28, 2025 Article Summary U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino spent a little more than an hour testifying in U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis’ courtroom Tuesday after she ordered him to appear for a hearing in ongoing litigation over CBP and […]
