Disaster Proclamation Will Help Enable Direct State Support as Local Authorities Respond to Ongoing Protests ​ Springfield, IL – Governor JB Pritzker is adding five counties to the existing disaster proclamation to aid local jurisdictions in efforts to keep communities safe.  The following counties are being added: Lake, Peoria, Rock Island, Williamson and Stephenson.  These…

Black Lives Matter activists denounce law enforcement violence against African Americans By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — A peaceful protest organized largely by teenagers drew several hundred people to the Illinois Statehouse on Monday to demonstrate against the recent death of George Floyd in Minnesota and countless other African Americans who have…

Trump tells governors ‘you have to do retribution’ in response to destructive actions By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — A conference call between U.S. governors and Republican President Donald Trump led to the latest in a series of spats between Illinois’ governor and the president Monday. “You have to dominate, if you…

New campaign aims to keep children safe during coronavirus pandemic (CHICAGO) – During the coronavirus pandemic when families are secluded at home, calls to report suspected child abuse and neglect have decreased significantly across the country, and by 57% in Illinois compared to the same time last year. According to the department: • One in…

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois [email protected] The state health department filed emergency rules Thursday mandating long-term care facilities to develop testing plans to better protect residents and ensure they are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic appropriately. “The overwhelming majority of long-term care facilities in Illinois are privately run,” Gov. JB Pritzker said during his…

Move comes amid lawsuits and possible U.S. Supreme Court review By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – People in Illinois will be allowed to attend worship services starting this weekend without fear of prosecution as the state enters Phase 3 of Gov. JB Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois” reopening plan. Pritzker made the announcement during…