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A “Credit Card Chaos” ad appears on a drivable billboard a few blocks from the Illinois Capitol during the legislature’s final stretch. The Illinois law that it targets suffered a pair of setbacks this week. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

1 week ago

Illinois’ ‘swipe fee’ law on the brink after another delay, adverse court ruling

Banks get upper hand in yearslong fight after federal rule changes, court interpretation.

Most public school students in Illinois will no longer be allowed to use their cell phones in school next year under legislation that Gov. JB Pritzker says he intends to sign. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)

1 week ago

Cell-phone ban, loosening foreign language requirements among education bills to pass

Lawmakers expand in-state tuition, amend child care licensing.

Mike Zimmers, who passed away in 2022.

1 week ago

Springfield alternative education program to be renamed after Zimmers

It was announced that when the Douglas Alternative Program moves to Lawrence, it will be renamed the "J. Michael Zimmers Academy."

A data center is planned for the Christian County area.

1 week ago

Christian County residents seek answers on 1,000 megawatt data center project

Developers estimate the project would bring 500 permanent jobs and generate $85 million in tax revenue.

1 week ago

Alumni continue to push back against Gies Memorial Stadium renaming

"The University of Illinois dedicated their proposed stadium as a memorial to the soldiers, sailors and marines of the state of Illinois," Reick said.

1 week ago

Reaction to lawmakers’ inaction on downtown bill

Mayor hopes bill moves by year's end.

The Salvation Army building in Springfield on Clear Lake Ave.

1 week ago

Donut Day happens Friday, brings awareness to Salvation Army

A donut eating contest supporting the Salvation Army is scheduled for Friday, June 5.

Illinois currently has 18 members in the College Football Hall of Fame, including Dana Howard (2018) and Moe Gardner (2022).

1 week ago

Illinois greats Kevin Hardy and Simeon Rice on 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Former Fighting Illini stars could join 18 others already enshrined in the hall.

Military veteran with disability meeting with psychologist for therapy session, rehabilitation and PTSD symptoms healing. Therapist counseling soldier in wheelchair, listening, writing notes

1 week ago

Illinois veteran’s agency promotes PTSD awareness and treatment resources

Department releases public service announcements during PTSD Awareness Month to encourage veterans and others to seek help.

Man in a suit sits at a wooden desk in a formal government chamber, while colleagues chat in the background near an American flag.

1 week ago

McClure reviews legislative session

Rx bill is among his accomplishments.

FILE-A Springfield Fire truck.

1 week ago

Downtown Springfield apartment fire under investigation

Authorities say they were able to keep the apartment fire from spreading.

1 week ago

‘100 Deadliest Days of Summer’ ramps up for teen drivers

According to AAA statistics, nearly one-third of all teen driving deaths in 2024 occurred between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Members of the Springfield NAACP and "The Outlet" speak to the District 186 School Board Monday night.

1 week ago

‘The Outlet’ to take over Springfield alternative expulsion program from NAACP

It's being described as a way to get expelled students back on a path to graduation.

1 week ago

UPDATE: Man dead after motorcycle versus truck accident in Springfield

An accident near downtown Springfield killed a 77-year-old man.

Supporters of the rideshare union bill celebrate in the Senate gallery after the bill passed on the floor. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jenna Schweikert.)

1 week ago

Rideshare drivers could unionize in Illinois under bill passed by General Assembly

Drivers say they want better wages, an ability to set rules and to address punishments.

Politician at podium giving press conference with group of officials behind him in a formal government chamber, cameras recording nearby. Silence, flag and painting in background.

1 week ago

Pritzker touts wins; reporters ask about Bears instead

Stadium authority bill lacked support in House; budget came together amid "extraordinary uncertainty.”

Sen Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, debates Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, on the Senate floor before the chamber approved the fiscal year 2027 budget. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

1 week ago

Schools to get funding increase, but less than some had urged

Budget fully funds 10th year of EBF; restores property tax relief grants.

Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, argues for the Reproductive Health Privacy Act, which would protect Illinois abortion patients from out-of-state retaliation, on the floor of the House on Sunday, May 31, 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

1 week ago

Lawmakers pass bill to shield abortion information from digital medical records

The measure seeks to protect abortion patients in Illinois from out-of-state retaliation.

Sen. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, speaks on the floor on Thursday, May 28. Villanueva led negotiations on this bill for several years. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jenna Schweikert.)

1 week ago

Property tax debt sale reform will allow homeowners to keep more of their equity

Illinois lawmakers pass bill to bring state into compliance with 2023 Supreme Court decision.

Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, and Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, speak at a rally for the POWER Act, a bill regulating data centers, about the bill’s next steps after the session ends. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)

1 week ago

POWER Act data center regulation didn’t move forward this spring

As measure falters, sponsors call for halting tax credit that was passed in 2019.

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