Illinois quick hits: Trump signs Duckworth’s BABES Act; REAL ID portals promoted
Trump signs Duckworth’s BABES Act
President Donald Trump has signed bipartisan legislation to help parents travel by air with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies.
Along with U.S. Senators Steve Daines, R-MT, Ted Cruz, R-TX and Mazie K. Hirono, D-HI, Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Schaumburg, proposed the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act.
The new law requires the Transportation Security Administration to clarify and update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related products.
REAL ID portals promoted
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says his office has streamlined its REAL ID portal and extended the lease on its REAL ID walk-in facility in Chicago’s Loop through the end of 2026.
Giannoulias made the announcement after the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday that, starting Feb. 1, 2026, it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID the option of paying a $45 fee to use an alternative identity verification system.
Country music star announced for Fair
The Illinois State Fair has announced that country music star Ella Langley will take the Grandstand Stage as part of the 2026 fair lineup on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026.
Langley’s breakout single “you look like you love me” featuring Riley Green won Country Music Association (CMA) awards for Single of the Year (2025), Song of the Year (2025), Music Video of the Year (2025), and Musical Event of the Year (2024).
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale Saturday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.
Latest News Stories
‘Welcome Move’: 815 Mulch-It Granted More Time to Relocate in Homer Glen
JJC Trustees Clash Over New Policy Controlling Information Requests
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Works & Transportation Committee for December 2, 2025
Land Use & Development Committee forwards Women’s Residential Recovery Center
District 114 Ranks High in Will County for Math and Reading Growth
Will County Board Members Question Fairness of New Transit Tax Structure
P&Z Commission Advances Plan for Construction Debris Fill Operation on Brandon Road
Regional Transit Agencies Tout New State Funding, Prepare for Shift to ‘NITA’
Manhattan School District 114 Board Approves 2025 Tax Levy; Plans Abatement to Maintain Tax Rate
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees for December 2, 2025
New Lenox Used Car Dealership Approved by Land Use & Development Committee
Land Use Committee: Monee Solar Projects Granted Extensions; Battery Storage Plans Dropped