by Andrew Adams, Capitol News Illinois October 30, 2025 Article Summary An energy policy package incentivizing battery storage passed the General Assembly with only Democratic support and will likely become law, as Gov. JB Pritzker pledged to sign it. The bill creates a new funding mechanism for energy storage projects, […]
Other News
Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration’s SNAP Benefit Suspension Unlawful, Orders Access to Emergency Funds
A federal judge in Boston ruled Friday that the Trump administration’s planned suspension of food stamp benefits for November is likely unlawful, finding that the Department of Agriculture misinterpreted federal law by claiming it could not access a $6 billion contingency fund appropriated by Congress for precisely this type of […]
Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Restore SNAP Benefits During Government Shutdown
A federal judge in Rhode Island granted an emergency temporary restraining order on October 31, blocking the Trump administration’s suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and ordering the immediate release of federal funds to continue food assistance for millions nationwide. U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ruled […]
Lawmakers advance bill allowing public officials to conceal personal information
by Brenden Moore, Capitol News Illinois October 29, 2025 Article Summary New legislation would allow state lawmakers, constitutional officers and state’s attorneys, among others, to request that their personal information be redacted on public websites. Public officials would be able to use their campaign funds to pay for personal security […]
Central Illinois Faces Rising Food Insecurity as SNAP Benefits Set to Expire
Nearly four in ten households across Illinois are struggling to afford the basics, and their hardship is about to deepen as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are scheduled to expire on November 1, 2025. According to United Way’s latest data, 12% of Illinois households live below the federal poverty […]
Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates by Quarter Point, Signals Pause on Further Reductions Amid Economic Uncertainty
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, […]
Illinois Governor Declares Statewide Agricultural Trade Crisis Amid Continued Tariff
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 […]
Illinois Governor Pritzker Directs $20 Million to Food Banks as Federal SNAP Benefits Halt
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 […]
House passes energy bill amid debate over costs to consumers
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. […]
7th Circuit temporarily halts judge’s order for daily appearances from Border Patrol’s Bovino
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 […]
