Ill State News

Trump administration OKs partial SNAP funding for November after judges’ orders

The USDA declined to tap into additional funds, which will delay and reduce benefits By MAGGIE DOUGHERTY Capitol News Illinois mdougherty@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO — The Trump administration said Monday it would use emergency funds to partially fund SNAP benefits for November but would not tap into other funds to provide full coverage. The means the more […]

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Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office announces statewide transition to new national emergency reporting system

SPRINGFIELD, Ill – The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office has announced that fire departments across the state are beginning the transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)—a secure, cloud-based platform built to modernize how emergency incidents are reported and analyzed.   Departments across the country are onboarding to NERIS as part of a phased

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Illinois House rejects bill to regulate homeowners’ insurance rates on final day of veto session

By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House rejected a bill Thursday that would have given the state Department of Insurance authority to regulate homeowners’ insurance rates. Gov. JB Pritzker had called for the legislation in July after State Farm Insurance announced it was raising rates for property and casualty insurance in Illinois

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Illinois General Assembly extends SALT workaround

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation extending Illinois’ SALT (State and Local Taxes) Workaround during its fall Veto Session.   The workaround permits Illinois pass-through businesses (S-CORPS and partnerships) to deduct state taxes from their federal tax returns.   “Small businesses were relieved when the General Assembly voted to extend the SALT

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Funding opportunity announced for energy efficiency assessments and projects

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced additional funding for two energy efficiency grant opportunities. The Energy Efficiency Assessment (EEA) Program has $350,000 in funding available for recipients to conduct energy efficiency assessments at properties serving residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal program. The Energy Efficiency Trust

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IDFPR celebrates National Veterans & Military Families Month

CHICAGO – November is National Veterans & Military Families Month, and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is highlighting the licensing resources available to active service members, their spouses, and veterans whose active-duty service concluded within the past two years. These tools ensure these brave individuals can obtain the professional licensure needed to

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D’oh, a deer: ‘Tis the season to look out for amorous mammals

SPRINGFIELD – The leaves are changing, the nights are getting longer, the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air – and deer are on the move. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding the public to be alert for deer as we enter peak mating season, with their movements

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DCFS honors adoptive parents during Adoption Awareness Month

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed November as Adoption Awareness Month, joining the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in recognizing the remarkable commitment of thousands of families across the state who have welcomed 20,313 children into their homes over the past decade—providing love, stability and belonging when it was needed most.   “Every child deserves

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Country music trailblazer Lainey Wilson to play the Illinois State Fair August 15, 2026

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair is thrilled to announce its first Grandstand act for the 2026 lineup: Country Music Powerhouse Lainey Wilson, who will perform on the Grandstand Stage on Saturday, August 15, 2026.   Wilson, one of country music’s most celebrated and respected stars, continues to take the world by storm. Adding to her monumental

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Senator Bryant condemns confirmation of IDOC Director Hughes amid ongoing safety failures

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.– Illinois State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), a long-time advocate for correctional staff safety, issued the following statement after the Illinois Senate voted to confirm Latoya Hughes as Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC):   “Today’s confirmation is a slap in the face to every correctional officer who has been sent to

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