News

Illinois on Wednesday unveiled its latest six-year, $50.6 billion infrastructure plan for the state’s roads, bridges, railways, airports and more.

The Chicago Tribune reports that President Donald Trump announced plans to cancel nearly $8 billion in energy project funding, with Illinois set to lose roughly $583 million. The cuts target dozens of projects in the state, affecting major institutions like Exelon, the University of Illinois, and the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) in Des Plaines. Congressional Democrats released the full list of affected awards after the Energy Department and White House budget office withheld details.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) allocated $2 million to Habitat for Humanity of Illinois (HFHIL) to administer a new round of the Community Impact Fund, a program that helps working families, especially in Central and Southern Illinois, buy a home. The program is expected to create 100 new homeowners across Illinois.

Governor JB Pritzker issued Executive Order 2025-05 to prepare Illinois for the sweeping fiscal and economic impacts of H.R. 1, a new federal law that shifts significant costs to the State while reducing federal support for programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The order directs State Agencies to cut non-essential spending, build reserves equal to 4 percent of their FY26 appropriations, and identify strategies to manage anticipated revenue losses. By tightening budgets and reinforcing reserves, Illinois aims to safeguard essential services and protect residents from the destabilizing effects of federal policy changes.

Congress has failed to reach a funding agreement, triggering a federal government shutdown with potentially deeper consequences than past lapses. Federal employees in Illinois and nationwide face furloughs, delayed pay, and even the threat of permanent cuts. Essential services like Social Security and veterans’ benefits will continue, but many county programs dependent on federal funding could see delays or disruptions. Click on the title to read an article compiled from sources including the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Illinois media reporting.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced the dates for the next EV Rebate Program application cycle, as well as updates to the program that reflect legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 2025. Program requirements are included on theIllinois EPA’s EV Rebate Program webpage. The next application cycle for the EV Rebate Program will open Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and run through Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) announces that $19.6 million was returned to consumers this year from lost or unclaimed life insurance policies and annuities, thanks to the Life Policy Locator service available to consumers at no charge. “September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, an ideal time to remind Illinoisans to use the free Life Policy Locator tool on our website if they believe they are the beneficiary of a deceased loved one’s unclaimed policy,” said IDOI Director Ann Gillespie. “Illinois requires insurance companies to attempt to find the beneficiaries of deceased policyholders when life insurance or annuity proceeds remain unpaid. We want to help people claim those benefits.”

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the work of community leaders from throughout the state. The event was an opportunity to reflect on great achievements and present awards to eight Latino leaders: the president of Aurora University; the head soccer coach at South Suburban College; an entrepreneur who launched importing and candy businesses; the president and CEO of a community foundation; a business manager with a union local; the executive director of a family resource center; a state lawmaker; and a theater educator, director and researcher.

September marks not only the beginning of the fall season but also Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) urges citizens to share an important message: no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) refer to a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities caused by alcohol exposure before birth. FASD affects an estimated 1% to 5% of first graders in the U.S. Individuals living with FASD may experience daily challenges in areas such as:

The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) has been awarded the 2025 Government Experience Project Award by the Center for Digital Government (CDG). The Project Awards recognize innovative digital initiatives nationwide that make it easier for residents to interact with government. DoIT earned the honor for its “Move Over Illinois! Real-time Emergency Alerts Mapping and Navigation” project. In partnership with Google and the Illinois State Police, DoIT integrated emergency alerts into the Waze navigation app in 2024, delivering timely notifications about crashes, hazards, and critical incidents. The project enhances driver awareness, promotes safer roads, and supports first responders, earning praise for its direct impact on public safety.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is preparing to host its second Illinois grain tour of 2025, welcoming international buyers from six Middle Eastern and Asian countries (China, Vietnam, Egypt, Jordan, Singapore and the island of Mauritius) as part of a four-day event. “Thanks to Trump’s reckless economic policies, Illinois’ $26.4 billion agriculture industry is being pummeled by tariff-driven trade disruptions, costing farmers income and jeopardizing jobs across rural communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As we find ways to address the impact of these disastrous economic policies, I commend IDOA for hosting a second grain tour to showcase our leading agriculture industry while attracting international buyers.”

The Herrin Police Department announced Officer Kevin R. Bailey as the first new hire in the state certified through the military police reciprocity program launched earlier this year by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB). The swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, September 17, at Herrin City Hall, marks a significant milestone between Illinois law enforcement and state officials in an effort to streamline hiring for qualified U.S. military police veterans. Illinois joined 18 other states in May of this year, allowing for Military Police veterans to qualify for law enforcement training requirements.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans to take appropriate precautions against tick bites after an Illinois resident became seriously ill with Powassan – a tickborne illness that had not previously been detected in this state. IDPH and the local health department are currently investigating whether the resident was exposed to the illness through a tick bite here in Illinois or in a different state. IDPH says the case serves as a reminder to protect oneself against any and all illnesses associated with ticks.

The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology's (DoIT) Office of Supplier Diversity and the IT Procurement Office (ITPO) announce the launch of a new Office Hours program, with the inaugural session scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM (CT) as part of the "Leveraging Diversity in Technology Procurement" educational series. “We're launching this Office Hours program to break down barriers and create more accessible pathways for vendors to engage with state procurement,” said DoIT Chief of Supplier Diversity Alice Rivera-Alfaro. “This new initiative provides a direct line of communication where vendors can get real-time answers and personalized guidance from our experts.”

Governor JB Pritzker announced the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair attendance totaled over 1 million in 2025. “Illinois state fairs are a part of a time-honored tradition for generations of families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This year’s attendance figures are proof of the enduring value of state fairs as over 1 million attendees from across Illinois and throughout the nation joined in celebration of our state's proud agricultural heritage.” Springfield welcomed 723,079 attendees to the Illinois State Fair, marking the second-largest turnout in its history.

State adopts Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee’s (IL-IAC) science-based recommendations; IDPH also reaffirms support for existing vaccine schedules as federal vaccine panel’s credibility falters

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to support 15 stewardship programs managed by land trusts on land protected by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC). The grants are part of the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant program, which aims to increase the delivery of much-needed land and water stewardship activities to natural areas permanently protected within the INPC system. Given the growing stewardship needs of natural areas throughout Illinois, this grant program funds projects that help land trusts expand staff and purchase equipment for these activities. The following grants were awarded for fiscal year 2025:

Just this year, Illinois has already seen 115 tornadoes touch down in the state, which is the highest number of twisters in the nation for 2025. On top of that, communities have faced repeated rounds of severe storms, unleashing destructive straight-line winds and flooding across the state. With September recognized as National Preparedness Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is urging all residents to take this moment to review and strengthen their disaster preparedness plans

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that total nonfarm payrolls decreased over-the-month in August, down -13,300 (-0.2%) to 6,153,700. The July monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -2,500 to -1,100. The industry sectors with over-the-month jobs increases included: Information (+800), Manufacturing (+400), and Construction (+300). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-4,500), Private Education and Health Services (-4,000), and Professional and Business Services (-2,600).

Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has confirmed the first human West Nile virus-related death in suburban Cook County and Illinois this year. A suburban Cook County resident, whose age is in the 60s, has died. Laboratory testing has confirmed that West Nile virus was a contributing factor to the resident’s death. West Nile virus occurs in humans when they are bitten by mosquitoes that contracted the virus by feeding on infected birds.

Governor JB Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation on September 15, after severe weather and flooding caused extensive damage across Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties from August 16-19, 2025. The proclamation ensures that state resources can be directed to support local response and long-term recovery efforts. “To support those impacted by the devastating August storms, I have signed a disaster proclamation to accelerate the recovery process and provide state relief to our residents,” said Governor Pritzker. “I want to thank IEMA-OHS for their ongoing coordination as they work to ensure impacted residents and businesses get the resources they need.”

Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed September 15-21, 2025, Rail Safety Week in Illinois, marking the 12th year of the statewide awareness initiative. In recognition, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety non-profit, will be sharing life-saving rail safety information around the state.

The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor JB Pritzker that all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff in honor of: Governor Jim Edgar

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are teaming up to make sure haunted houses in Illinois are safe before doors open for the Halloween season. Haunted houses operated by not-for-profit religious, educational, or charitable organizations may apply for an exemption from IDOL inspections. Haunted house operators/owners should contact local authorities to see what requirements apply locally for haunted houses. Local authorities should be providing those inspections. For those municipalities that do not have local codes or inspectors, OSFM will perform a Fire Department Assistance inspection upon receiving a request from the local Fire Chief.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced an $18 million Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to replace existing on-road diesel Class 4-8 medium- and heavy-duty local freight trucks and Class 8 port drayage trucks with all-electric Class 4-8 trucks located and operated in one of the Volkswagen (VW) priority areas described below. Illinois EPA will also fund a portion of the necessary new Level 2 or direct current fast charging (DCFC) equipment if charging infrastructure is needed.