Month: February 2025

State of Illinois

Bills Look to Expand Bachelor’s Degree Access at Community Colleges

Two bills currently under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly, House Bill 3717 and Senate Bill 2482, propose to amend the Public Community College Act to allow community college districts to offer baccalaureate degree programs under certain conditions. These bills aim to address workforce needs, promote equitable access to higher […]

Federal

Trump Executive Order Expands White House Control Over Independent Regulatory Agencies

President Trump has signed a new executive order designed to increase presidential oversight and control over all executive branch agencies, including those traditionally considered “independent regulatory agencies.” The order, titled “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies,” seeks to ensure that these agencies are more accountable to the President. The executive order […]

Federal

DHS Launches $200M Ad Blitz Warning Undocumented Immigrants: “We Will Find You and Deport You”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is rolling out a massive $200 million advertising campaign with a stark message for undocumented migrants: “We will find you and deport you.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the initiative last week. The two-year campaign will utilize a variety of media platforms, including TV, […]

State of Illinois

Illinois Senate Bill Aims to Protect Patients from Aggressive Medical Debt Collection

A new bill introduced in the Illinois Senate seeks to amend the Fair Patient Billing Act, providing greater protections for patients facing medical debt. Senate Bill 1223, introduced by Senator Laura Fine, addresses several key issues related to medical debt collection and patient billing practices. The bill focuses on preventing […]

Federal

Trump Administration Ends Haiti’s TPS, Putting 520,000 Haitians at Risk of Deportation

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, effective August 3, 2025. The decision impacts over 520,000 Haitian nationals residing in the United States under humanitarian protections initially granted after the 2010 earthquake. This move follows last month’s rescission of Venezuela’s TPS extension […]

State of Illinois

Illinois Secretary of State Clarifies REAL ID Requirements Ahead of May 7 Deadline

With the May 7th deadline for REAL ID enforcement fast approaching, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is working to clear up confusion surrounding the new federal requirements. Giannoulias emphasizes that while a REAL ID will be necessary for certain federal activities, it is not mandatory for everyone. The primary reason for […]