With New Democratic Congress Incoming, Pritzker Calls for Federal AI Regulations

CHICAGO — In his suggested 200-point national agenda for the new incoming Democratic Congress, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called for a comprehensive federal digital protection framework that addresses privacy, Artificial Intelligence safety and data centers. Pritzker’s plan includes three action points: Strengthening digital privacy through durable federal privacy laws,...

Mt. Vernon Hospital Opens Clinic to Spare High-Risk Moms a 66-Mile Drive

Expectant mothers in Southern Illinois facing high-risk pregnancies have long had to drive dozens of miles for specialized prenatal care. That changes Monday, when SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon opens a new Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic designed to bring that care closer to home. The clinic is scheduled...

Illinois Republicans assess damage from nationwide ‘blue tsunami’

Last week's midterm election couldn't have gone much worse for Illinois Republicans. The cards were already stacked against them despite the GOP being the incumbent party in power in Washington, and losing all the statewide races was expected. They were massively outspent in Illinois and few statewide candidates beyond gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey were well-known in the state.

Saba Haider wins Illinois House seat with 71.2% of vote

Indian American Democrat Saba Haider has won election to the Illinois House of Representatives, defeating Republican Brian Scopa in the November 3 midterm elections. Her victory in the 84th House District marks another milestone in the growing political representation of Indian Americans in Illinois. Haider defeated Republican candidate Brian Scopa...

Lawmakers seek solution for ‘culture of dishonesty’ within Illinois corrections

(The Center Square) – With years of safety complaints and incidents within the Illinois Department of Corrections, especially stemming from the Joliet Treatment Center, Illinois lawmakers Tuesday sought answers for how the department intends to improve conditions for inmates. More than 70 fires have been started over the last...

Illinois Quick Hits: State EPA joins push to retire diesel engines, equipment

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is seeking diesel-powered fleet operators to obtain federal taxpayer funding for the upgrade or retirement of legacy diesel engines, vehicles and equipment. The state’s call follows the U.S. EPA announcing the availability of $180 million, including up to $12 million...

Most Tax Hike Referendums Fail

35 questions authorizing new taxes or tax increases failed. At least 52 questions on whether to increase property taxes were on ballots in Illinois, either by authorizing a property tax levy increase or approving an entirely new levy. Places where property tax hikes were on the ballot included nine fire...

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