by Sonya Dymova, Capitol News Illinois April 28, 2025 McHENRY — John Gerend, a Vietnam War veteran from Lake Villa, Illinois, was exposed to Agent Orange while on duty. Suffering from diseases associated with exposure to the toxic chemical, he said he still considers himself fortunate. “I’ve had some issues […]
Author: Capitol News
State reports first measles case in southern Illinois
by Beth Hundsdorfer, Capitol News Illinois April 23, 2025 Editor’s Note: This story and subtitle have been updated to reflect that more than 800 cases have been confirmed in 25 jurisdictions, not states. The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday afternoon the first case of measles in the state. […]
Illinois community-based foster homes face insurance ‘crisis’
by Jade Aubrey and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois April 25, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — Insurance companies are reducing the scope of coverage for some community foster agencies in Illinois, leading to higher costs, diminished coverage and fewer options for agencies who say a continuance of the trend […]
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin to retire after more than 4 decades in Congress
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois April 23, 2025 Editor’s note: This story has been updated with more information about Durbin’s career and potential replacements. Longtime U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, announced he will retire after his term ends in January 2027. […]
Social Security rescinding its plan to end phone-based filing called a win for Illinois seniors
by Isabella Schoonover and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois April 18, 2025 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois chapter of AARP played a role in the Trump administration reversing itself and allowing Social Security beneficiaries to have the option of filing for benefits over the phone. The continuation of phone-based […]
Homeschool bill stalls in Illinois House, but sponsor says it’s still alive
by Molly Parker and Beth Hundsdorfer, Capitol News Illinois April 14, 2025 A bill that would tighten homeschooling regulations in Illinois missed a key deadline on Friday. But its sponsor, Rep. Terra Costa Howard, said it’s still alive — and she’s working on changes recommended by fellow lawmakers to get […]
Illinois scrambles to boost locally produced farm products after Trump’s funding freeze
by Simon Carr and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois April 21, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — When Illinois named small farmer Nathan Ryder a finalist for a federal $100,000 Local Food Infrastructure Grant, he made big plans for his farm in the southeastern tip of the state. Then the U.S. […]
Bills addressing cannabis odor in vehicle, safe gun storage pass Senate
by Peter Hancock, Jade Aubrey and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois April 11, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — Law enforcement officers would no longer be allowed to search a vehicle or detain a driver who is over age 21 based solely on the smell of burnt cannabis in the […]
House approves new abortion protection, plan to ease college admissions
by Ben Szalinski, Jade Aubrey, Bridgette Fox and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois April 8, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House took its first step Monday in passing legislation responding to proposed actions by the Trump administration. The House voted 67-39 to advance House Bill 3637, which […]
‘Chilling silence’: Waves of Illinois’ international university students lose their visas
by Jackson Brandhorst, Bridgette Fox, Molly Parker, Julia Rendleman, Lylee Gibbs, The Saluki Local Reporting Lab and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois April 10, 2025 The federal government has revoked the visas of some international students studying at universities across Illinois, but college administrators are sharing few […]