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.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Report: Michigan wasted millions on deceased Medicaid enrollees
Another cause of Thanksgiving/Black Friday stress? Lawsuits
State law helps Cook County expand immigrant legal defense fund
Illinois quick hits: Trump reacts to Chicago violence; Pritzker increases weight limit for certain vehicles
WATCH: Chicago violence and no cash bail; Governor candidate Dabrowski profile
Manhattan Greenlights 41-Lot Butternut Ridge South, Advances Wastewater Plant Expansion
New Lenox to Host Large Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farm
JJC Receives Clean Audit, Reports $21.6 Million Increase in Net Position
Everyday Economics: Rear-view jobs strength, forward-looking weakness in week ahead
Will County Board Passes 0% Tax Levy, Creating “Unbalanced” Budget Crisis
Poll: Majority of Americans still support legal immigration
New Illinois youth center begins housing youth in Lincoln
