Illinois News

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs abortion bills; Operation Purple Heart returns medals

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs abortion bills; Operation Purple Heart returns medals

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker signs abortion bills Two bills Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted Friday impact access to abortion procedures. House Bill 3637 shields health care providers from...
WATCH: IL Department of Human Services’ adverse audit draws legislators’ ire

WATCH: IL Department of Human Services’ adverse audit draws legislators’ ire

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A recent adverse audit of the Illinois Department of Human Services is the worst audit seen by...
Illinois prisons to publish annual data on contraband, safety and overdoses

Illinois prisons to publish annual data on contraband, safety and overdoses

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new law requires the Illinois Department of Corrections to publish annual data on contraband, substance...
Commission enacted to aid young IL farmers facing challenges

Commission enacted to aid young IL farmers facing challenges

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted a law launching the Farmland Transition Commission, a lifeline for young farmers...
Appeals court: Serious Chicago police disciplinary hearings must be public

Appeals court: Serious Chicago police disciplinary hearings must be public

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A panel of appellate court judges has ruled Chicago police officers facing serious misconduct allegations must...
WATCH: IL child welfare interns debate heats up; state financial audit released

WATCH: IL child welfare interns debate heats up; state financial audit released

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop talks live with...
Illinois quick hits: CUB challenges Ameren rate hike plan

Illinois quick hits: CUB challenges Ameren rate hike plan

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Disaster proclaimed in three counties A disaster proclamation has been issued for Cook, Jersey and Calhoun counties after severe weather last month. Gov. J.B....
WATCH: Illinois’ FY23 financial audit released amid criticism of tardy reports

WATCH: Illinois’ FY23 financial audit released amid criticism of tardy reports

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers can now look at how the state spent their money in the fiscal year that...
Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case

Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Anti-SLAPP bill signed Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to protect news media from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). The...
Director: Nation’s largest outdoor ag show brings economic impact to central IL

Director: Nation’s largest outdoor ag show brings economic impact to central IL

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The nation’s largest outdoor agricultural show is set for next week in Central Illinois. The Farm Progress...

Latest News Stories

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Fire District Eyes Partnership with Villages for Enhanced Safety Inspections

Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District is exploring a potential intergovernmental agreement with local villages to streamline and improve fire prevention and code enforcement efforts. The collaboration would see...
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Manhattan Fire District Plans Major Staff Expansion, Promotions in Early 2026

Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District is planning a significant expansion of its force, with plans to hire three new full-time firefighters and promote nine current members early next...
MH VB 7.15.25

Manhattan Secures Irish Fest for Four More Years with Financial Support

The Manhattan Irish Fest, a staple event that has drawn crowds to the village for over 30 years, is officially set to continue its run for another four years. The...
WCO-PZ-July-15

Crete Township Wins Approval for New Digital Sign at Community Center

Crete Township received approval from the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday for a new digital sign at its community center, a project that required a special use...
MH VB 7.15.25

Manhattan to Begin Paying Emergency Management Volunteers in ‘Long Overdue’ Move

Members of Manhattan’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA), who have served for years as unpaid volunteers, will now receive financial compensation for their service. The Village Board on Tuesday unanimously approved...
WCO-PZ-July-15

Will County Planners OK Oversized Garage Near Naperville, Overriding Staff Recommendation

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved variances for a new oversized accessory garage in Wheatland Township, siding with a homeowner and builder over a staff recommendation...
MH VB 7.15.25

Manhattan Approves 14 New Homes, Bike Path Completion in Whitefeather Subdivision

The Whitefeather subdivision is set for further expansion after the Manhattan Village Board approved the final plat for a new 14-home unit on Tuesday. The approval allows developer McDonnell Development...
WCO-PZ-July-15

Green Garden Landscaping Business Gains Permit Amid Strong Neighbor Support

A small landscaping and lawn maintenance business operating on a residential property in Green Garden Township received official approval Tuesday after neighbors voiced overwhelming support for the operation. The Will...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for July 15, 2025

Frankfort Shed Relocation Approved: A homeowner on West Harvest Drive in Frankfort Township received a variance to reduce an east side-yard setback from 10 to 4 feet. The variance, sought by...