Judith Ruiz-Branch Illinois News Connection Illinois residents and elected officials are participating in a statewide day of advocacy to bring awareness to the Older Americans Act. Services provided by the law could be at risk due to federal restructuring and funding cuts. A variety of services for older adults are pro...

By SIMON CARR Medill Illinois News Bureau news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - In the backstretch of the legislative session, horse racing advocates are pushing to revitalize the industry in Illinois and its accompanying horse betting, both long in decline. City officials from Decatur and Illinois horse racing ad...

Republicans argue bill is unconstitutional; Democrats say it's about safe ownership By JADE AUBREY Capitol News Illinois jaubrey@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - A bill that would require gun owners to keep any firearms in a locked box whenever a minor is present will soon head to Gov. JB Pritzker. Senate Bill ...

by Isabella Schoonover and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois May 28, 2025 SPRINGFIELD - Legislation that would require Illinois public libraries to have life-saving medications on hand for people experiencing opioid overdoses and provide staff training has unanimously passed the Illinois Senate and is ...

The Illinois State Library has dedicated a reading room in honor of former Governor Jim Edgar. Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias joined state and local officials in a dedication ceremony Wednesday afternoon recognizing Edgar's contributions to Illinois' library and literacy programs. Edgar was Se...

Bill paves the way for a 'racino' in Decatur with support from out-of-state investors By SIMON CARR Medill Illinois News Bureau news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - In the backstretch of the legislative session, horse racing advocates are pushing to revitalize the industry in Illinois and its accompanying horse...

By BEN SZALINSKI & JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - Gov. JB Pritzker said Wednesday he will not sign a budget that includes broad tax hikes to fund new spending as lawmakers are in the final hours of budget negotiations. "Anything that's broad-based and would have ...

Multiple ordinances which went up for approval at Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, May 27 concerned funding for Springfield's homeless prevention resources. Going straight to next week's consent agenda is a measure to fund Fifth Street Renaissance to an amount of $1,115,397 using federally supplied ARPA money: Fifth ...

By JADE AUBREY Capitol News Illinois jaubrey@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - Illinois police officers soon could be required to undergo trauma-informed sexual assault training if the governor signs a bill passed by Illinois lawmakers last week. Senate Bill 1195, dubbed Anna's Law, mandates police officers take pa...

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources noted on Friday that it was continuing to monitor reports of black bear sightings in southwestern Illinois. The bear was first observed two Mondays ago in St. Clair County. An IDNR district wildlife biologist confirmed the sighting on Tuesday - the day after - and the animal...