Illinois quick hits: Trump signs Duckworth's BABES Act; REAL ID portals promoted

Illinois quick hits: Trump signs Duckworth’s BABES Act; REAL ID portals promoted

December 3, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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.

Community Events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Chinese networks use U.S. to launder billions for Mexican cartels

Chinese networks use U.S. to launder billions for Mexican cartels

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Chinese networks are laundering billions of dollars in drug cartel cash through the U.S. financial system, according to a new report from the Treasury Department....
Alternative tax-hike ideas emerge to fund Illinois public transit

Alternative tax-hike ideas emerge to fund Illinois public transit

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are proposing more options to address a $770 million fiscal cliff for public transit. After...
Kamala Harris pro-union X post inspires major Labor Day backlash

Kamala Harris pro-union X post inspires major Labor Day backlash

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square An X post from former Vice President Kamala Harris on this Labor Day has generated hundreds of mostly critical comments. “When unions are strong, our...
Speaker Mike Johnson says Shreveport 'Democratic DA' is to blame for high crime

Speaker Mike Johnson says Shreveport ‘Democratic DA’ is to blame for high crime

By Emilee CalamettiThe Center Square When asked about crime in Caddo Parish, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the "Democratic DA" is not prosecuting as he should. Johnson appeared on...
Trump says he will sign executive order ending mail-in voting

Trump says he will sign executive order ending mail-in voting

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square President Donald Trump said he will be signing an executive order ending mail-in voting and requiring voter ID. “Voter I.D. Must Be Part of Every...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.2

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for August 20, 2025

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees focused on a major technological overhaul, celebrated milestones in student support, and addressed internal governance issues at its regular meeting on August 20,...
Everyday Economics: Jobs report takes center stage in week ahead

Everyday Economics: Jobs report takes center stage in week ahead

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The economy finds itself in an uncomfortable position where growth is cooling while inflation pressures intensify. The Fed's preferred inflation measure (PCE) shows core inflation...
Legislator warns bad Illinois policy continues to hurt business investment

Legislator warns bad Illinois policy continues to hurt business investment

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With businesses in Illinois now suffering on multiple levels, state Rep. Brad Halbrook argues it’s clear...
As summer ends, budget battles and investigations await

As summer ends, budget battles and investigations await

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square While Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer for many, it’s also the final day of Congress’ August recess, with lawmakers returning to Washington...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.4

Tensions Flare as JJC Chairman Rebukes “Entitlement” After Trustee Lists Demands

Article Summary: Apparent tensions on the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees surfaced during its meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, when one trustee requested to be returned to "good...
Trump's tariff revenue in doubt after appeals court ruling

Trump’s tariff revenue in doubt after appeals court ruling

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's tariff revenue – a key source of funding for his political agenda and the GOP's priorities – is in jeopardy after an...
Congress to face mounting pressure to act on future of D.C.

Congress to face mounting pressure to act on future of D.C.

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square When Congress reconvenes following the Labor Day holiday, it will likely be pressured to extend Washington, D.C.’s state of emergency and take up legislation on...
Trump says appeals court ruling rejecting tariffs 'highly partisan'

Trump says appeals court ruling rejecting tariffs ‘highly partisan’

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump lashed out Friday night after a federal appeals court said he didn't have the power to issue the sweeping tariffs central to...
Untitled design - 1

Manhattan-Elwood Library Raises Tax Levy Amid Growing Pains and Need for More Space

Article Summary: The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board has approved a small tax levy increase for the 2026-27 fiscal year as it confronts significant space shortages for programming, staff, and...
DOJ urges federal judge to strike down climate change law

DOJ urges federal judge to strike down climate change law

By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Trump administration is asking a federal judge to invalidate a New York law that seeks to punish fossil fuel companies for their alleged role...