Ill State News

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has announced nearly $1 million in grants to support organizations providing vital services to veterans and their families across Illinois for the third quarter of FY26.   The grants are part of the Veterans’ Cash Grants program, which aims to address critical issues facing veterans, […]

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

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

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

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 – 1099-G tax forms are now available for claimants who received unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in 2025, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today. Claimants who collected UI benefits last year will need the 1099-G tax form to complete their state and federal tax returns. Also called ‘Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments,’ this

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair is proud to announce that multi-platinum country superstar Zimmerman will play the Illinois Lottery Grandstand stage on Ag Day, Friday, August 14, 2026, delivering a high-energy performance from one of country music’s most powerful and authentic new voices.   Hailing from Louisville, Illinois, Bailey Zimmerman’s performance at the Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – The Trump Administration through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially denied the State of Illinois’ appeal for a major disaster declaration following severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding that impacted multiple counties from August 16–19, 2025.   In a letter dated February 7, 2026, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reaffirmed its

BELLEVILLE – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), and local leaders recently to highlight the expansion of the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond program to communities statewide. The program is designed to support economic growth with financing options to develop and

GRANITE CITY — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) joined the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission and tourism partners from across the state recently to celebrate the official kickoff of the Route 66 Centennial, marking 100 years since the creation of the