State News

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Conservation Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2022 of the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame. Since 2002, the foundation has recognized individuals who have records of exemplary service in and commitments to improving conservation efforts and outdoor recreation opportunities in Illinois. Some inductees touched the lives of thousands of youths and…

By Jeff Thornton Herald Publications This year’s Indianapolis 500 was a lot different from the 2021 Indianapolis 500. Last year attendance was limited due to the pandemic. This year close to 300,000 fans attended the race. More fans also means logistical problems. Getting to seats in the fourth turn were a nightmare. Thousands of fans…

Survey data shows 6 states undercounted, 8 overcounted By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – The Census Bureau released new survey data Thursday suggesting the population of Illinois may have been undercounted by nearly 2 percent in the 2020 headcount. That was one of the findings of the Census Bureau’s Post-Enumeration Survey, or…

Family member details conditions of child held beyond medical necessity By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois [email protected] Leah is a 13-year-old girl under Department of Children and Family Services care who lives in a psychiatric ward in a Chicago hospital. Capitol News Illinois is using a pseudonym to protect her identity, but has confirmed she’s…

By Jeff Thornton Herald Publications The pandemic postponed our coverage of the Gran Prix of Alabama in 2020 and 2021. The race was canceled in 2020, and the 2021 race was limited live press coverage. This year it finally happened and we were able to cover the event! Photographer Greg Junge and I had visited…

By DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek Consumers should think twice before throwing out those last few pieces of bread, lightly bruised fruit or milk barely beyond its sell-by date. Food waste and loss is a key contributor to sub-optimal diets, environmental issues and inflationary pressure currently gripping most countries in the world – some more severe than…

Draft opinion would overturn landmark 1973 decision Roe v. Wade By GRACE KINNICUTT Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Democrats warned of an “end to the constitutional right to privacy” if a leaked U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning the 1973 landmark decision in Roe v. Wade becomes finalized as precedent.…

Docket has spurred nine contempt charges against agency’s director By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – The weekly docket for children who are wards of the state and waiting for placements recommended by the Department of Children and Family Services after an assessment of their needs took place as scheduled Thursday in Cook…

In 2020, Illinois became the first state to offer coverage for undocumented noncitizens by extending it to those 65 and older who would otherwise qualify for Medicaid if not for their immigration status. In 2021, lawmakers lowered the age limit to 55. This year’s bill lowers the age limit even further to 42. By PETER…

By BETH HUNDSDORFER Capitol News Illinois [email protected] A Cook County judge found DCFS Director Marc Smith in contempt on Thursday, April 21. It’s the ninth time this year that Smith has faced contempt citations for failing to place children in settings that comply with the agency’s recommendations and court orders. The latest case involves a…