Illinois educators, school leaders ask lawmakers for funding boost

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – Illinois teachers and school leaders say state lawmakers should look into better ways to fund public schools after nearly a decade since the evidence-based funding model took effect. Schools across the state are well below the adequate funding level promised in 2017. Advocates said they...

BJC HealthCare, Aetna agree to extend access for southern Illinois retirees

A one-year deal allows thousands of Illinois retirees to maintain in-network access to BJC HealthCare hospitals and providers.

Gov. Pritzker Unveils IBM’s Quantum System Two Computer

Gov. Pritzker Unveils IBM’s Quantum System Two Computer – IBM’s most advanced quantum computer. Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined IBM and local quantum leaders to unveil IBM’s Quantum System Two in Chicago – marking a major milestone in Illinois’ efforts to further its role as a global leader in quantum computing and advanced technology. ​

Gas use in Illinois buildings and industry must fall at least 50% to hit 2050 goal, study finds

Burning gas to heat homes and other buildings accounts for 17% of the state's emissions.

Illinois among top states losing Gen Z residents, new study find

Illinois experienced its third-largest nationwide net loss of Generation Z adults in 2024, ranking behind only California and New Jersey according to a LendingTree analysis of U.S. Census data.

Young voters and candidates made a difference in the midterm elections

Nearly a week after the midterm elections, political analysts are still weighing what the results could mean for the future of American politics. National polling showed younger voters and other key groups swung back toward Democrats, while historic election victories and a surge of younger candidates point to a changing face of political leadership.

DeMar Makes Leadership Move, Which He Denies

The twice defeated Republican candidate for Lt. Governor, Aaron DelMar, has issued a press reelease calling for a shake-up of the State Grand Old Party:. Aaron Del Mar Calls for a 2027 IL GOP Convention to adopt new party rules, platform and leaders. Palatine – Aaron Del Mar, 5th District...

Electioneering with 100 Feet of the Polls Complaint

From Marengo Election Judge and Register Cynthia Allen Schenk:. I am writing as an Illinois voter concerned about the apparent inconsistency in enforcing electioneering restrictions at polling places. On November 4, 2026, an article published by Block Club Chicago, titled “Young SW Side Voters Deliver Pizza to the Polls: ‘We’ll...

Old Farmer's Almanac predicts white Christmas chances for Illinois

Will Illinois see a white Christmas this year? Here's what the Old Farmer's almanac predicts.

Central Illinois Weather Alert: Veterans Day Rain, Then 40s

Cold front brings light rain Veterans Day, November 11, before temperatures tumble Thursday.

I-270 Mississippi River Bridge completed

New westbound span opens Nov. 16, a Rebuild Illinois achievement advancing improvements to a critical freight corridor in the Metro East MADISON COUNTY — The Illinois and Missouri departments of transportation were joined by local leaders and industry partners today to cut the ribbon on the new Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks twin bridges crossing the Mississippi River, the centerpiece of a combined $531.6 million investment to improve safety and mobility while creating jobs and economic opportunity along a critical freight and travel corridor. The bridges are the latest achievement made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is delivering billions of dollars in major projects across the state this fall. ​ “Illinois is the gateway to the world — representing one of the most important commerce hubs in the country. Whether it’s workers making their commute or delivery drivers moving freight, Illinoisians deserve a safe and reliable system to get where they need to go,” said Gov. Pritzker. “With the completion of the I-270 Mississippi River Bridge, we are creating better paying jobs, expanding access to regional travel and spurring economic growth for communities across the state.” Construction of the bridges has been overseen by

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker pausing public events for medical procedure

Illinois Fall Leaf Piles Can Shelter Ticks, And Deer Ticks Stay Active Into Winter

Those leaf piles look harmless, but Illinois experts say ticks can shelter in them well into fall. Rake, bag, and check yourself and the pets after yardwork.

5 Smart Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Dinner in Illinois

Thanksgiving dinner is getting more expensive, but Illinois families don't have to break the bank. Here are five easy ways to save money on this year's holiday feast.

Illinois Musicians Can Now Press Vinyl Locally, Cutting Wait Times And Expenses

Chicago's first vinyl pressing plant in three decades just opened in Hermosa, bringing record production back to a city that lost the capability years ago.

Illinois E-Bikes Faster Than 28 MPH Will Need a License, Title and Insurance Starting Jan. 1

Illinois e-bikes and e-motos that can top 28 mph will need a license, title, registration and insurance from Jan. 1, 2027 under SB 3484.

Most Illinois Families Don’t Know Garfield Park Conservatory Stays Warm, Green And Free All Winter

A 65-foot glass ceiling in Illinois keeps palm trees happy while snow piles up outside. Yes, palms. More than 70 of them grow in one enormous room on the West Side of the state’s biggest city. The building opened in 1908, and its outline was shaped to echo a...

“Kitchen-table issues drove my victory”: Ghaziabad-born Saba Haider scripts history in Illinois amid concerns over rising costs, bias

Illinois [USA], November 10 (ANI): India-born Saba Haider, elected to the Illinois General Assembly, has said her victory reflects the mandate of voters who prioritised everyday economic concerns, including rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living, while describing her election as a moment of immense pride. Haider, who...

Illinois seniors face fewer Medicare Advantage choices this open enrollment season

On a gray October morning in a bungalow on the Southwest Side, the stack of envelopes looked thicker than the coffee mug beside it. A retired bus driver spread the letters across the table and tried to match last year’s doctors to this year’s list. Somewhere in that paper pile sat a narrower set of choices than the one he remembered. Across the state, Medicare Advantage Illinois has become a story less about glossy television promises and more about what disappears when an insurer leaves a county. For people who built their retirement around a familiar clinic, a preferred pharmacy, and a premium they could recite from memory, the season feels less like shopping and more like triage.