Ill State News

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 0.6 points in October to 98.2 but remained above its 52-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index fell 12 points from September to 88, the lowest reading of this year.   “Optimism among small businesses declined slightly in October as owners report lower sales and reduced profits,” […]

SPRINGFIELD– As winter weather approaches, Illinois residents are reminded to prepare for the possibility of snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. This week marks National Winter Weather Preparedness Week, a timely opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to plan ahead for the challenges the season can bring.    The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security

OAK LAWN – On the day before Veterans Day, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a lost Purple Heart medal to the niece of a World War II veteran who was injured while fighting in France and Germany.   Frerichs reunited Army Rifleman James R. Bennett’s medal with niece Patti Knies during a ceremony at VFW

SPRINGFIELD, Ill- The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is raising awareness during National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month this November. The OSFM is urging everyone to recognize the silent and invisible danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which claims hundreds of lives and sickens thousands each year across the United States.   In 2024,

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing a general reminder to the public about the potential dangers of consuming raw milk after at least eleven people were recently sickened by such products. While most milk products sold in the state are pasteurized, meaning they have been treated with heat to kill viruses,

By Maggie Dougherty Capitol News Illinois mdougherty@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO — Terminally ill adults in Illinois may have the option to take life-ending medication prescribed by a physician under a bill passed by the Illinois legislature last week during its fall session.   Advocates for the bill say it is rooted in compassion and will bring agency

By Peter Hancock Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Families of Illinois prison inmates and legal advocates spoke out this week against a new program at the Illinois Department of Corrections that restricts incarcerated people’s access to incoming mail and in some cases only allows them to see electronically scanned images of letters and other

CHICAGO – Get Covered Illinois kicked off 2026 open enrollment and launched its “Here to Help” campaign across the state.    Open enrollment, which began on November 1 and runs through January 15, is the annual opportunity for Illinoisans to enroll in, renew, or change their health insurance plans. Nearly 466,000 Illinoisans purchased health coverage through Get Covered Illinois during

By Terri Bryant, Illinois State Senator Democrats Pass Controversial Energy Legislation In the late hours of the final day of the General Assembly’s fall Veto Session, Illinois Democrats passed their so-called “Energy Omnibus Bill,” which eliminates limits on how much energy rates can be increased, opening the door for an $8 billion hike on power

By Brenden MooreCapitol News Illinois  bmoore@capitolnewsillinois.com  SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers passed two-dozen bills during their annual fall veto session that ended Friday, Oct. 31, including a measure that will empower the state’s Department of Public Health to issue vaccine guidelines amid federal uncertainty. House Bill 767 would allow IDPH Director Sameer Vohra to issue state-specific