State & Local News Headlines

QUINCY — State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) has earned a 100% pro-small business voting record from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Illinois’ leading small business advocacy organization. The NFIB’s 2025-2026 Small Business Legislative Voting Record recognizes legislators based on their votes on key issues affecting Illinois small businesses, including reducing burdensome regulations, opposing…

Participants in the annual Democratic Party cookout say it’s not easy being blue in Adams County, but think swing voters are beginning to lean their way QUINCY–Illinois Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez continued her listening tour of the state Thursday, attending the Adams County Democratic Party’s annual cookout at the Machinists Lodge #822, 2929…

The political pundit affectionately known as “Pops” is often in the national spotlight, but never strays too far from his agricultural roots QUINCY–Some are regular volunteers with the Adams County Democratic Party, so showing up for the annual cookout at the Machinists Lodge #822, 2929 N. 5th Street, on Thursday evening was a given. Others…

Lawmaker’s husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, charged with obstructing justice Article Summary This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story. SPRINGFIELD, Ill.–CHICAGO — State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, an 11-year veteran of the Illinois House, has been charged with orchestrating an alleged scheme to receive illegal cash kickbacks…

QUINCY — State Representative Kyle Moore, State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer and State Senator Jil Tracy are once again partnering to host a school supply drive to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year. The drive runs July 6 through Aug. 3, and community members are encouraged to donate new school supplies, including backpacks,…

The Republican nominee for U.S. Senate sat for an interview with Capitol News Illinois MOORE’S SUMMARY: Don Tracy admits that he’s “the underdog in the race” to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin. But the Republican nominee believes he has a better shot than anyone at defeating Democratic nominee Juliana Stratton — the state’s incumbent lieutenant governor…

ADAMS COUNTY, Ill. — The Adams County, Illinois Democratic Party has announced the names of three featured speakers for their upcoming event being held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at the Machinist Lodge #822, 2929 N. Fifth St. This event is one of several fundraising activities which occur throughout the year. Featured…

"There's no way to do it without hitting CPD. They're the highest wage earners in the city and they also, percentage wise, have one of the largest workforces," Budget Director Annette Guzman said. Budget officials also revealed that extra payments to help shore up the city's grossly underfunded public pensions are being threatened by late […]

"Black Chicagoans are leaving in pursuit of greater safety, affordability and economic opportunity. Elected leaders’ policies have led to the great exodus from Chicago."

Pressed by Ald. Matt O’Shea, acting Chief Financial Officer Steven Mahr declined to commit to making the additional payment to the city’s pension plans as required by the city’s 2026 budget, which was approved by the City Council over Mayor Brandon Johnson’s objections.

The Secretary of State's Office said the bill was spurred in part by a study that found many Illinois drivers are paying significantly higher premiums based on non-driving factors instead of actual driving behavior.

A Cook County judge sentenced Thomas Martel to 4½ years in prison. However, court records show he received credit for more than 1,000 days spent on electronic monitoring while awaiting trial. He was transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections on June 23 and released the same day to begin six months of Mandatory Supervised […]

While the speaker has seen the legislative inspector general's report on state Rep. Harry Benton, disclosure to the public of the results of some such investigations depends on a vote of the Legislative Ethics Commission, an eight-member board of four Democrats and four Republicans from both chambers.

Senate Bill 2968 creates the Non-Profit Investment Pool, a safe and efficient investment option allowing eligible nonprofits to make the most of available funds while reducing administrative burdens.

"Most of the Chicago City Council, which has no Republican members, is high on what John Kass calls 'Hopium.' But in the interest of taxpayers, it should be looking beyond its Obama devotion and compel the Obama Foundation to drastically beef up its endowment. Perhaps the City Council can invite Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett, whose […]

Despite Chief Judge Charles Beach’s efforts to overhaul the program, participants have continued to be involved in high-profile incidents, raising questions about whether the ankle-monitoring system can be salvaged or is doomed to a steady stream of headline-grabbing failures.