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

Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois Limit Winter Utility Shutoffs, With Some Protections Lasting Into April

Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois set winter utility shutoff limits; Ohio's runs to April 16 and Minnesota's to April 30. See who qualifies.

Statewide rules for e-bikes and scooters begin Jan. 1

New Illinois laws governing the operation and classification of micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters are set to take effect on Jan. 1.

Illinois court cases under scrutiny after investigation into police misconduct disclosures

An investigation by the Invisible Institute raises questions about whether Illinois prosecutors are violating defendants' constitutional rights by failing to disclose misconduct histories of officers called to testify.

Illinois Able UP program opens doors for more residents

ILLINOIS— Illinois residents with disabilities now have more opportunities to build their savings without risking essential government benefits, following major upgrades to the state’s disability program. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced Tuesday several changes to the program, previously known as Illinois ABLE (Illinois Achieving a Better Life...

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker pausing public events for medical procedure

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,...

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...

Water main flushing program continues in Chatham

CHATHAM, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) - The Village of Chatham will continue its water main flushing program Monday from 11:30am-3:30pm. The neighborhoods most heavily impacted include Oakbrook Estates, Wellington Estates, Spartan Lake Estates, and Ironbridge Estates. The program is part of Chatham’s ongoing efforts to maintain the water distribution system and ensure...

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.

November Nights In Illinois Bring Glowing Eyes To Your Backyard

Some animals carry a tiny mirror at the back of each eye. It bounces light through the eye a second time, which is why a flashlight beam can turn a dark lawn into a field of glowing dots. I found two golden sparks staring at me from my garden bed...

Terminated Employees’ Severance Claims Can Proceed, per Illinois District Court

A federal judge in Illinois earlier this month denied an employer’s motion to dismiss two employees’ claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act that the firm manufactured negative performance reviews to push them out of the company and avoid paying them severance benefits. The U.S. District Court...

Illinois Students Help Turn Abandoned Barbershop into Museum Honoring the First Black Man to Vote in the State

David Strother, the barbershop’s original owner, became the first Black voter in Illinois after the 15th Amendment was ratified in 1870

Pritzker urges congressional Democrats to pursue ‘Day One’ agenda

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is urging congressional Democrats to pursue more than 200 policy proposals aimed at benefiting families in Illinois and across the country. Pritzker announced his “Fighting for Illinois: The Day One Agenda” Wednesday alongside U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and Senator-elect Juliana Stratton. The proposal includes...

Pet Trust Laws in Illinois: How to Protect Your Pet After You’re Gone

Explore amazing animal stories – visit Animal of Things Now and follow us! Photo by Lepale / Pixabay Pet trust laws in Illinois give you a legally enforceable way to make sure your dog, cat, or other companion is cared for if you die or can no longer look after them yourself. Many owners assume a line in a will is enough, but Illinois treats pets as property, which means the law does … This article, Pet Trust Laws in Illinois: How to Protect Your Pet After You’re Gone , appeared first on Animal of Things . Discover more animal wonders – VISIT Animal of Things NOW AND FOLLOW US FOR FRESH UPDATES! Related Posts: • Can Landlords Deny ESA in Alaska? Your Housing Rights Explained • Petting Zoo Laws in Delaware: Licenses, Permits, and Liability Rules Explained • Pet Deposit Laws in Georgia: Caps, Fees, Refunds, and Your Rights

Arkansas is now mailing unclaimed-property checks automatically, as Illinois reports a record $307.8 million returned and Iowa’s Treasure Hunt passes $450 million

Arkansas is now mailing unclaimed-property checks to some owners without a claim form, under a program the state auditor calls the Unclaimed Property Data Match. Individuals with unclaimed funds of up to $5,000 may qualify, and the check follows a letter the state sends. Illinois reported a record $307.8 million returned in fiscal 2026, and... The post Arkansas is now mailing unclaimed-property checks automatically, as Illinois reports a record $307.8 million returned and Iowa’s Treasure Hunt passes $450 million appeared first on The Financial Wire .

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

Ameren urges veterans, active-duty military members to apply for utility bill assistance

As the nation pauses to recognize veterans this week, Ameren officials are reminding those who have served that help is available for households struggling to keep up with utility bills. Ameren’s Military Assistance Fund is accepting applications from eligible active-duty military members and veterans who are customers of Ameren Missouri...

New records detail Sun Prairie superintendent’s licensing dispute as DPI reviews Rockford experience

SUN PRAIRIE , Wis. (WMTV) - Wisconsin education officials say they are talking with Rockford Public Schools about the work Sun Prairie Superintendent Dr. Antoine Reed performed in Illinois as they consider his options for a Wisconsin license. The Department of Public Instruction told 15 Investigates it expects Reed to...

Voice of Democracy award winners

VFW “Voice of Democracy” award winners have been announced. The year’s essay topic is “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country.”. First Place Post 2876 District 17 and 11th in the State of Illinois goes to Gavin Storm, 11th Grade, Arcola. Second Place...