Category Archives: Local News
Hancock: Amid uncertainty in Washington, Illinois lawmakers pass slimmed-down Medicaid package
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - Nearly every year, Illinois lawmakers pass a package of measures dealing with the state's Medicaid program, the jo...
Jun 01, 2025 State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, presents her Medicaid legislation on the House floor on Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Szalinski, Nowicki: New taxes on sports bets, nicotine products as Democrats pass $55.2B budget
By BEN SZALINSKI & JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - Giving almost no time for public review, Illinois Democrats pushed through a $55.2 billion budget ...
Jun 01, 2025 House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and members of his Democratic caucus applaud members of their staff early Sunday morning after the chamber approved the $55.2 billion budget bill. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
"One-stop shop for students": new law streamlines Illinois college admissions process
The Illinois General Assembly has approved the Public University Direct Admission Program Act. Per the law, beginning in July 2026 and once a year thereafter, the Illinois Student Assistance Commissio...
May 31, 2025
Cook: Illinois criminal justice advocates tout 'Clean Slate' legislation as 'economic boon'
By REILLY COOK Medill Illinois News Bureau news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - Criminal justice reform advocates say legislation to seal criminal records for certain nonviolent crimes, which pa...
May 31, 2025 Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, speaks on the Illinois House floor on Friday, May 30. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
Ruiz-Branch: IL advocates highlight critical services for seniors
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 b...
May 30, 2025
LLCC notes new solar array delivering major energy savings and environmental benefits to community
Lincoln Land Community College announced on Thursday that it had completed installation of its newest solar array behind the Child Development Center at 5090 Shepherd Road in Springfield. It noted tha...
May 30, 2025 Solar array (Credit: Zbynek Burival; UnSplash)
ICC announces energy efficient tips on Thursday to help offset summer energy costs
The Illinois Commerce Commission released an alert on Thursday, hoping to educate Illinoisans on the myriad ways to keep cool and offset coming energy price spikes; summer costs are expected to rise o...
May 30, 2025 Thermostat (Credit: Isens USA; UnSplash)
Aubrey: Pritzker to consider bill mandating gun owners lock up firearms near minors
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 own...
May 30, 2025 Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, speaks on the House floor on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
SPD announces nine new officers sworn in during Thursday ceremony in City Council Chambers
On Thursday, Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette swore in nine new officers during a ceremony held in the City Council Chambers. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Misty Buscher, city officials, as...
May 30, 2025 SPD swearing In ceremony on 5.29.25 (Credit: SPD)
Gov. Pritzker visits Springfield's Kumler Outreach Ministries Food Pantry on Thursday amid proposed Federal SNAP Cuts
On Thursday, Governor JB Pritzker visited Kumler Outreach Ministries Food Pantry in Springfield to meet with leadership and discuss the potential impacts of proposed federal funding cuts to the Supple...
May 29, 2025 Food pantry with food items (Credit: Aaron Doucett; UnSplash)