Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, explained the value of her bill to help small farmers at a press conference earlier this month. “Right now, public institutions across Illinois are required to choose the lowest bidder when they buy food. Now that might sound fair, but in practice, it leaves out small, local and community-based food businesses.” (photo by Simon Carr, Medill Illinois News Bureau)
Agriculture
10 months ago
Illinois scrambles to boost locally produced farm products after Trump’s funding freeze

Legislators seek to bolster local farms by purchasing their wares with state dollars

Emergency vehicles on scene of a small plane crash near Trilla in Coles County on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (WAND photo)
IL State News
10 months ago
Small plane crash in Illinois kills all 4 on board

UPDATE: All victims are from Menomonie, Wis.

Indiana Statehouse
IL State News
10 months ago
Indiana takes a first — and long — shot at acquiring parts of Illinois

Indiana’s Legislature this week gave final approval to a bill that would create the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission.

Candace Trees, a 71-year-old retiree from Springfield, speaks about the challenges of applying for Social Security benefits Thursday, April 10, at the Illinois state capitol. Trees described the current process as “frustrating.” Photo via April 10 Facebook live stream, AARP Illinois.
IL State News
10 months ago
Social Security rescinding its plan to end phone-based filing called a win for Illinois seniors

AARP urges Illinois lawmakers to enact policies to strengthen Social Security services.

U of I
Education
10 months ago
International students infuse tens of millions of dollars into local economies across the US. What happens if they stay home?

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the top three public institutions for international students.

Wheat field in LaSalle County, Illinois as the sun sets.
Agriculture
10 months ago
Illinois wheat producers vote to start a new check-off program

Illinois is the 11th largest wheat producer in the nation.

Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, speaks with a colleague in the Illinois House on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jade Aubrey)
IL State News
10 months ago
Lawmakers moving forward on public defender reform

Bill in the Illinois Senate would create a statewide public defender’s office.

Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D- Glen Ellyn, speaks to a House colleague shortly after making a speech on April 11, 2025, in favor of her bill creating new homeschool oversight in Illinois. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
Education
10 months ago
Homeschool bill stalls in Illinois House, but sponsor says it’s still alive

The bill’s future is uncertain as it draws fierce opposition from homeschool families, a threat against its sponsor prompting a police investigation and shaky support from Democrats.

Homeschool protest
Education
11 months ago
Lawmakers trade shots over home school bill

No vote yet on plan to require parents to notify local districts

Visuals: Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, speaks on the Senate floor on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)
Local
11 months ago
Senate OKs police hiring reform, Sangamon County recall in response to Sonya Massey’s death

Sen. Doris Turner files bills after Sonya Massey shooting drew scrutiny of sheriff’s hiring