by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois March 21, 2025 TAYLORVILLE — Voters must put pressure on congressional Republicans to oppose any budget bill that makes major cuts to services, according to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. Lawmakers are set to return to Washington, D.C., this coming week, where they will […]
Other News
Bill to Regulate Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Introduced in Illinois
Illinois lawmakers have introduced a new bill aimed at enhancing consumer safety by regulating the use of certain chemicals in cosmetic products. The proposed legislation, known as the Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Act, was introduced by Rep. Sonya M. Harper. This bill seeks to prohibit the manufacture, sale, delivery, holding, […]
Pritzker’s community college initiative stalls in House committee
by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois March 20, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — One of Gov. JB Pritzker’s top legislative initiatives stalled in the General Assembly this week when the chair of the House Higher Education Committee refused to call a vote on a bill that would authorize community colleges to offer […]
Federal Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Against Social Security Administration and Department of Government Efficiency
The United States District Court for the District of Maryland has granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) in a case involving the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, and others against the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The order, issued on […]
Trump’s Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education: Impacts and Implications
President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise to return educational authority to state and local governments. While the order has generated significant attention, its immediate effects remain uncertain as only Congress has the authority to fully abolish a […]
Federal Reserve Maintains Interest Rates Amid Economic Uncertainty
The Federal Reserve announced its latest monetary policy decision, opting to maintain the federal funds rate target range at 4.25% to 4.50%. This decision reflects the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) ongoing efforts to balance its dual mandate of maximum employment and stable inflation, which remains elevated above the long-term […]
Illinois Bill Seeks to Cap Rent Increases in Mobile Home Parks, Protect Residents from Unfair Fees
The Illinois General Assembly’s State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-21) has introduced a bill aimed at limiting rent increases in mobile home parks. The proposed legislation, known as the Mobile Home Tenant Protection Act, seeks to cap annual rent hikes at 3% and allows for adjustments based on the consumer price […]
Illinois House panel advances bill to strengthen homeschooling oversight
by Molly Parker, Beth Hundsdorfer, Jade Aubrey and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois March 19, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — After nearly three hours of debate before a packed hearing room, a House committee on Wednesday voted to advance a bill that would impose new requirements on homeschooling, fueling […]
Cell phone ban legislation clears Senate committee
by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois March 19, 2025 SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would prohibit public school students from using cell phones and other wireless communication devices during class time cleared a Senate committee Tuesday and could soon be considered by the full Senate. It’s a policy change that Gov. […]
Local Artists Invited to Showcase Work at Giertz Gallery’s Summer Exhibition
The Giertz Gallery at Parkland College, in collaboration with 40 North, Champaign County Arts Council, is calling on local artists to submit their work for the upcoming summer exhibition, “Around the Block V: Artists from Our Neighborhood.” This juried community exhibition is open to all artists aged 18 and older […]