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Longtime U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, announced he will retire after his term ends in January 2027. “I truly love the job of being United States Senator, but in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch,” Durbin said in a social media video.

A video showing the dangers of distracted driving was announced Tuesday by the Illinois Secretary of State. texting and driving All people looking to receive their learner permit in Illinois will be required to watch the video. It lasts 1 minute and 30 seconds, showing how eating, texting or generally being distracted while driving can cause fatal accidents in seconds.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a standing order that will allow Illinoisans to obtain the HIV preventive medication known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) directly from a pharmacist without first requiring a doctor’s prescription. PrEP is one of the most effective means of preventing HIV infection. Studies have shown that when taken as directed, it reduces the risk of HIV infection through sexual transmission by as much as 99 percent. The order, signed by IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, will make it easier for people at risk of exposure to HIV to obtain either of the two oral medications used in the PrEP regimen. It also streamlines the process for pharmacists to receive reimbursement for providing PrEP services.

Illinois has faced an alarming surge in hate and extremism, following national trends. Hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% statewide since 2021, with bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents. Now, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC) urgently call on all residents to report acts of hate through the Help Stop Hate initiative—a safe, confidential service that provides support and resources.

Annually, Illinois adds more than 100 new, active Tier 2 chemical facilities and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) tracks each one of them. “We monitor stored chemicals as well as all reports of releases or spills,” explained IEMA-OHS Interim Director Adnan Khayyat during Hazardous Materials Safety Month.