The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reducing the number of diseases for which all children should be routinely immunized from 17 to 11 on Monday. The changes, which took effect immediately, move vaccines for influenza, COVID-19, rotavirus, and several other diseases from universal recommendations to either “high-risk only” […]
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Monday that the Pentagon is taking administrative action against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) that could reduce the retired Navy captain’s rank and military pension. The move against a sitting U.S. senator comes after a video in which Kelly, alongside five other Democratic lawmakers with military […]
Carle Health has implemented temporary visitor guidelines aimed at reducing the spread of RSV, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections across its facilities. Patient rooms are now limited to two visitors at a time, and all visitors must be 18 years or older. Leaders say the changes follow several weeks […]
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 […]
Governor JB Pritzker signed changes to Illinois’ liquor laws on December 12, making cocktails-to-go a permanent fixture and creating new pathways for craft distilleries to grow their businesses. Public Act 104-0451, which originated as Senate Bill 618, is one of the most significant updates to the Illinois Liquor Control Act […]
