by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois August 13, 2025 Article Summary JB Pritzker and Illinois Democrats say they’ve delivered for middle class residents and that’s the blueprint their party should follow in 2026. Democratic candidates for Illinois Senate disagree whether it’s right to receive contributions from corporations as they seek […]
Other News
Federal Appeals Court Allows Trump Administration to Withhold Billions in Foreign Aid Funding
A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that the government can continue withholding billions of dollars in foreign aid funding that Congress had appropriated for fiscal year 2024. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit voted 2-1 to overturn a district court injunction that had required the State Department and U.S. Agency […]
Jeffries, top Illinois Dems hope voters will punish Republicans in 2026
by Peter Hancock and Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois August 12, 2025 Article Summary U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries made a stop in Springfield one day before keynoting a breakfast with Illinois Democrats. Jeffries, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Nikki Budzinski and Sen. Tammy Duckworth visited Springfield groups to gather […]
State education board to vote on new test scoring system
by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois August 12, 2025 Article Summary Illinois has long had some of the most rigorous proficiency standards in the nation for student performance. The Illinois State Board of Education is seeking to bring them closer to other states, which will boost proficiency scores in the […]
U.S. National Debt Surpasses Historic $37 Trillion Milestone
The U.S. government’s gross national debt has crossed the $37 trillion threshold for the first time in American history. The Treasury Department’s latest daily financial report confirmed this historic high on August 12, revealing that the debt reached $37,004,817,625,842.56. This moment arrives years ahead of pre-pandemic projections, as the Congressional […]
Scientists Counter Kennedy Administration with Evidence-Based Health Report
In direct response to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial health policies, a coalition of scientists and public health experts released an evidence-based alternative report titled “Improving the Health of Americans Together” (IHAT), challenging what they characterize as Kennedy’s “fake MAHA agenda” built on pseudoscience and […]
Fourth Circuit Court Strikes Down DOGE Data Access Protections in Split Decision
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated a preliminary injunction that had blocked the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive personal data held by three major federal agencies. In the 2-1 decision issued August 12, the appeals court ruled that labor unions and federal employee groups were […]
Illinois Partially Complies with Federal Request for Voter Data
The Illinois State Board of Elections has responded to a Department of Justice request for comprehensive voter data by providing some information while withholding sensitive personal details. In an August 11, 2025 letter to DOJ officials, Illinois State Board of Elections General Counsel Marni M. Malowitz confirmed the state provided […]
Cyclists Gear Up for 2025 River to Rail Ride in Danville
Bicyclists from across the region are invited to take in some of Vermilion County’s most scenic landscapes during the 2025 River to Rail Ride on Sept. 13, starting at Kennekuk County Park’s White Oak Barn. Hosted by the Vermilion County Conservation District, the annual event offers a variety of well-marked, […]
Gene Hackman’s Cinematic Legacy Celebrated at FischerFest in Danville
The Fischer Theatre is rolling out the red carpet August 16–17 for FischerFest: The Cinematic Legacy of Gene Hackman, a two-day event honoring the illustrious career of Danville’s own Oscar-winning actor. FischerFest’s lineup will showcase five of Hackman’s most acclaimed films. On Saturday, guests will enjoy Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, […]