Ill State News

Illinois Accountability Commission holds first meeting

CHICAGO –The Illinois Accountability Commission, housed in the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), held a public meeting on December 18 at the Arturo Velasquez Institute (AVI) at Richard J. Daley College in the West Lawn community. During the first public meeting, the Commission outlined its function and purpose, presented two video montages highlighting concerning […]

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Illinois Chamber of Commerce issues statement on the City of Chicago FY26 Budget

SPRINGFIELD, IL. – The Illinois Chamber of Commerce has issued a statement on the City of Chicago FY 26 budget.   It applauds the members of the Chicago City Council that worked to enact an FY26 revenue package that rejects the onerous “head tax” that would have had a devastating impact on Chicago employers and

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Illinois State Police welcomes new troopers of Cadet Class 151

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) has welcomed 21 new Troopers from Cadet Class 151 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. ​     The new Troopers reported to seven ISP Troop locations throughout the state Sunday, December 21, 2025. ​   Cadet Class 151 marks the 23rd

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National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

SPRINGFIELD, IL – December has arrived with its usual charm, weather, and holiday zeal. Now is the time for gatherings, celebrations, meals and conversations, and a reminder to plan ahead throughout the winter season.    December is recognized as “National Impaired Driving Prevention Month,” an awareness campaign for the dangers of driving while under the

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State Treasurer Michael Frerichs returns $100,000 in missing money to Illinois food pantries

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is returning $100,000 in missing money to food pantries throughout the state.   Each December, Frerichs’ office focuses on returning money through the ICash program to nonprofit groups that help people in need. This year, Frerichs decided to help food pantries that saw resources stretched and demand spike when

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IDPH reaffirms science-based recommendation for all newborns to receive Hepatitis B vaccine at birth

SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reaffirmed the recommendation for a universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth to prevent hepatitis B, a serious viral infection that can lead to acute or chronic liver disease.   The guidance aligns with decades of scientific consensus and endorses recommendations from the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee

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Applications now open for IDNR Volunteer Fire Assistance grants

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants now through Feb. 16, 2026.    The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service VFA federal grant program provides matching funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training. Funding is passed through

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Senator Terri Bryant condemns Governor’s decision to sign Chicago Transit bailout legislation

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) released the following statement after Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2111, controversial transit legislation that sweeps hundreds of millions of dollars in motor fuel sales tax revenue away from downstate communities and sends it to Chicago:   “Governor Pritzker’s decision to sign Senate Bill 2111 is a direct slap

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Ring in the new year with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites residents to step into 2026 with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on New Year’s Day.   IDNR is hosting self-guided hikes at 17 state parks across Illinois on Jan. 1. These free, family-friendly hikes are available to the public.    The First Day

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More than 81,000 deer harvest during Illinois firearm deer season

SPRINGFIELD – Hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 81,225 deer during the seven-day 2025 Illinois firearm deer season that concluded Dec. 7. Comparatively, hunters harvested 82,496 deer during the 2024 firearm season.   The preliminary harvest for the second weekend of the firearm season Dec. 4-7 was 29,816 compared with 27,835 deer harvested

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