February 2026

SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois communities prepare to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, the Illinois America 250 Commission today unveiled the first ever Passport to Illinois, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the powerful places, people and events in Illinois that have shaped the nation’s history.   The limited-edition keepsake Passport to Illinois uplifts undertold stories […]

CHICAGO – Illinois is helping to ensure that all students have access to higher education with One Click College Admit Month! Activities throughout the month are part of an ongoing campaign to increase awareness of and participation in Illinois’ new, simple and quick direct college admissions program.   Last summer, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE),

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) released the following statement after a judge upheld the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, which prohibits banks and credit card companies from charging swipe fees on the tax and tip portion of transactions when a consumer pays with a credit or debit card:   “Today’s ruling is a historic

MOLINE, IL – Liberty Counsel filed a lawsuit on behalf of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) of Illinois against the Moline-Coal Valley Community Unified School District for unlawfully denying Good News Clubs equal access to three elementary school facilities while allowing similar non-religious organizations.   The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of Central Illinois, also names Superintendent

COLLINSVILLE, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Special Agents arrested 33-year-old Drew D. Smading of Wichita, Kansas after a cross-county pursuit involving multiple vehicles being shot at.   According to an ISP news release:   On February 6, 2026, at approximately 3:50 p.m., a 9-1-1 call was received alerting