Illinois
Illinois Joins Multistate Enforcement Action for SAFE Act Violation
By Tribune Staff CHICAGO – A mortgage loan originator (“MLO”) has received serious sanctions and fines from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and 20 additional state financial regulatory agencies that accused him of directing another person to take required education on his behalf and taking the credit for himself. Under the…
Read MoreIDPH releases first-ever report on alcohol use in Illinois
By Tribune Staff • SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued its first-ever comprehensive report on how alcohol is used, and sometimes misused, by Illinois residents. The report, entitled “Alcohol Use in Illinois,” collects and analyzes data from multiple sources, including IDPH’s own Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) and…
Read MorePayroll jobs up, stable in majority of IL metro areas in September
By Tribune Staff SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, was unchanged in one and decreased in six, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth: Chicago (15 consecutive months); Lake (4 consecutive months); Springfield (23 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 10 metro areas and decreased in 2 for…
Read MoreMore seniors now eligible for property tax relief under new Illinois law
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding senior homeowners of the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program, which has been expanded thanks to legislation signed by Governor JB Pritzker. Pritzker emphasized the importance of this legislation stating, “Our seniors have spent their lives building our communities and strengthening our state, and…
Read MoreGovernors can opt-in to Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program for K-12 scholarships
Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) just issued Revenue Procedure 2026-6 to allow the nation’s governors the ability to make an advance election to opt in to the federal tax credit scholarship program. The federal tax credit scholarship was enacted by President Trump and Congress…
Read MoreTrump administration sues Illinois over state law limiting federal immigration actions
State law allows residents to sue federal agents who violate their constitutional rights By Brenden Moore Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — In an expected move, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit last week seeking to nullify a new state law that allows Illinois residents to sue federal immigration agents who arrest them in or near…
Read MoreThird funding opportunity for new EV charging stations
By Tribune Staff • SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced on Dec. 9 the third official notice of funding opportunity through the Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which will provide approximately $65.6 million for the construction of charging stations across the state. The latest opportunity builds on the first two rounds,…
Read MoreIllinois winter disconnection rule in effect through March 31
By Tribune Staff • CHICAGO – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) reminds customers that the state’s winter weather rule is in effect from Dec. 1 – March 31. The winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating. “Illinois winters are known for…
Read MorePayroll jobs up, stable in majority of IL metro areas in September
By Tribune Staff • SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, was unchanged in one and decreased in six, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth: Chicago (15 consecutive months); Lake (4 consecutive months); Springfield (23 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in 10 metro areas and decreased in 2…
Read MoreNew laws: Gun storage, police background check changes take effect in 2026
By Ben Szalinski Capitol News Illinois Gun owners in Illinois must take new steps in 2026 to secure their firearms in their homes, particularly when children are present. Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 8, known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, in late July, which prohibits gun owners from storing their weapons in an unsecured…
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