Ill State News

BARRINGTON HILLS – State Representative Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) slammed the latest round of tax increases set to take effect July 1st after Governor JB Pritzker signed off on Democrats’ Fiscal Year 2026 state budget last week—the largest spending plan in Illinois history. McLaughlin called the budget a punishing blow to families, job creators, and workers across the

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Independence Day holiday to minimize travel disruption.   Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Thursday, July 3, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6.   The following lane closures will remain in

Illinois Department of Human Services integrates divisions to improve outcomes and access, promoting recovery and wellness for all Illinoisans CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker has announced that the newly formed Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) has officially begun operations. Housed in the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the new division integrates the former

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement across Illinois are sending a strong reminder: Whether you’re drinking alcohol, using cannabis or under the influence of any other impairing substance, if you get behind the wheel, you’ll face the consequences. During the July Fourth “Drive Sober or Get Pulled

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Creative Projects Grant (CPG) guidelines and application. The goal of CPG is to provide up to $12,000 to support art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not- for-profit organizations, municipal entities, or colleges and universities. CPG projects must culminate with a

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging Illinoisans to celebrate July 4th and the start of Summer 2025 safely by following proven safety guidance so as not to spoil the fun. Follow food handling safety tips to protect friends and family from foodborne illnesses. Avoid sunburn and heat stroke by using sunscreen

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced an expansion of its list of ZIP codes where lead exposure testing is required for children who live within those areas. 180 new zip codes, representing parts of 47 Illinois counties, have been added to the list this year, bringing the total of high-risk ZIP codes

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that $6.3 million in grant funding has been awarded to 36 grantees through three grant programs – the Route 66 Grant Program ($4 million), Tourism Attractions Grant Program ($1.7 million), and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($600,000) – as part

SPRINGFIELD – A new report issued by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), Chemical Industry Council of Illinois (CICI), International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, and the Illinois Pipe Trades Association (IPTA) warns a government-mandated push toward full electrification in Illinois could impose more than $1 trillion in costs by 2050, driving up energy bills