Nearly half of Illinois' soil and water conservation districts have just one employee

Nearly half of Illinois’ 97 soil and water conservation districts have just one staffer because of uneven state funding and low pay that makes hiring and retention more difficult. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s directory for the districts, 47 districts have only one staffer. In 21 of...

Newly elected Illinois Congress members attend orientation in Washington D.C.

Five incoming House members and Senator-elect Juliana Stratton are preparing to represent the state in Washington

Illinois health officials prep to transfer patients from metro-east hospital

Illinois regulators are preparing to potentially transfer patients out of Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City and ambulances are being sent to other hospitals. The hospital is still open, but the Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed Gateway and another medical center owned by the same company are on bypass status due to “staffing instability.” St. Louis-based KMOV first reported the development. The operators of the 278-bed safety net hospital have been late paying staff. An IDPH spokesman said that the agency had alerted the state’s labor and employment security departments about unmet payroll at Gateway and at Vista Medical Center in Waukegan, Illinois. Both hospitals are owned by California-based company American Healthcare Systems. “Gateway and Vista are private, for-profit hospitals whose operations and finances are managed by American Healthcare Systems. Their lack of communication, transparency, and responsible financial management and contingency planning is extremely concerning,” the spokesman for the IDPH said in an email. “The Illinois Department of Public Health’s highest immediate priority is the health and safety of the patients and has been working and communicating with hospital administrative leaders in this regard.” Representatives from Gateway Regional Medical Center and American Healthcare Systems did not respond to

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 fall on track to be warmest on record, UI researcher says

This fall is on track to be the warmest Illinois has ever experienced, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford. “Warm has been the word of the season,” Ford said. Meteorologists refer to fall as the period between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30. Statewide, Illinois had its warmest September...

American Water and Essential Utilities proposed merger gets OK from the Illinois Commerce Commission

American Water President and CEO John Griffith (left) and Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Chris Franklin (right). - courtesy American Water and Essential Utilities. American Water Works Company Inc. and Essential Utilities Inc. announced Nov. 6 that the Illinois Commerce Commission issued an order approving the companies’ proposed merger, marking the fourth favorable regulatory action toward completion of the transaction this year.

Illinois Hemp Act regulates sale of certain drinks

Some Illinois businesses are paying close attention to a new law that will affect what drinks they can sell. Under the Illinois Hemp Act, any consumable or hemp-derived product, including drinks, containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container is banned from bars, taprooms, restaurants and convenience and grocery stores. They can only […]

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...

Illinois Rural Health Award Adds Funding as Medicaid Pressures Remain

680 N Lake Shore Dr Ste 110-1459 — Illinois Recipient Of Rural Health Funds. Illinois is slated to receive more than $190 million in the second year of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, adding to funding intended to strengthen rural care and address workforce shortages. U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, whose district includes southern Illinois, praised the award in a statement. CMS announced the state awards on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.

Illinois 2027 health insurance: Enroll by Dec. 15 for Jan. 1 coverage

Rock Island County will have 2027 plans from Ambetter and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. A low monthly premium does not always mean lower costs when you need medical care. Illinois residents who buy their own health insurance can now enroll in or change coverage for 2027 through Get...

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.

Illinois Rings In 2027 With New Rules On Rent, Groceries And Medical Bills

New year, new rules: Illinois renters get fee transparency, grocery shoppers get coupon alternatives, and families get a break on medical liens.

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.