House Bill 5580 improves how DNA evidence is communicated across Illinois’ justice system, according to State Rep. Nicole La Ha.

Nurses from across OSF HealthCare recently gathered in Springfield for the OSF inaugural Nurses Day at the Capitol, bringing clinical perspectives directly to state lawmakers while advocating for legislation that impacts patient care and the ministry’s ability to serve.

The Plug-In Illinois Act is touted by legislators as a way to unlock access to affordable solar power for Illinoisans who cannot install rooftop solar.

Earlier this month, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, hosted an event with House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, at Carillon North, a senior living community, to share legislative updates focused on older adults.

Stepping Stones Recovery Home for Women and Children in Joliet recently celebrated its opening.

The bill would allow the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office to issue special license plates designating that someone in the vehicle has autism

State Sen. Patrick Joyce brought the legislation to Springfield after a series of fatal crashes that occurred in his district.

The lawsuit from the attorney general office alleged a company that operates the Lockport McDonald's has not paid $2.1 million in civil penalties following a 2023 state investigation.

Frankfort Democrat Michael Hastings advanced legislation this week to protect Illinois homeowners from predatory contractors and scams in the aftermath of a natural disaster or storm.

The free event is a way for residents to receive information from Loughran Cappel’s office, including information about state resources and what she is working on in Springfield.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, is sponsoring legislation to rename the post office at 14855 South Van Dyke Road in Plainfield in honor of Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr.

The Lake County Board on Feb. 10 voted to legislatively support the Illinois Responsibility in Firearm Legislation (RIFL) Act, reaffirming the County’s commitment to supporting responsible firearm regulation.

Editor’s note: Today’s Part 2 of Shaw Local’s human trafficking series examines law enforcement crackdowns, how to recognize trafficking victims, and resources for those seeking help

State Sen. Rachel Ventura's bill would require dealerships to provide a vehicle history report to buyers as part of the purchase of any used car.

Illinois’ statewide 1% grocery tax will go away on Jan. 1, though many people will continue to pay it at the local level.

The law created funding to support small farmers and food distributors — those with fewer than 50 employees — in producing locally grown food for Illinois communities.

The new law eliminates any law enforcement policy requiring the observance of a waiting period before accepting a missing persons report.

Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle was president of the Illinois Sheriff’s Association when the SAFE-T Act was written and passed.

State Sen. Li Arellano, R-Dixon, will lead a legislative update Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, that will provide a great opportunity for residents of the 37th District to hear about recent legislation and ongoing policy discussions from the fall veto session and beyond.

The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act passed by the state legislature in late October stands to impact the city of Rochelle-owned Rochelle Municipal Utilities and its customers, city officials said Nov. 19. Gov. JB Pritzker has pledged to sign the bill.

State Sen. Sue Rezin. R-Morris, traveled to Washington, D.C. to lead a two-day series of discussions with lawmakers, utility leaders, grid operators, and energy experts from across the country.

Pace’s 2026 budget is supported by $18.9 million in new funding from state legislation and includes significant service and program investments without increasing fares

Bipartisan legislative commission reviews spending at state agencies.

The legislation next goes to the House for a vote and would transfer ownership of 135 acres undeveloped land east of Collins Street for $1.

State Rep. Jed Davis, R-Yorkville, and State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, will co-host a bipartisan town hall at Waubonsee Community College in Aurora.

State Sen. Michael E. Hastings has introduced legislation that would require insurance companies to give consumers advance written notice before raising rates on home or auto policies.

A new Illinois law will allow victims of trafficking or exploitation as minors more time to bring forth charges.

Illinois Senate Bill 1446 is a bipartisan measure to ensure the tracking of the manner of death of all Illinois firefighters, including suicide and various types of cancer.

State legislation authorizes Joliet to take over East Joliet Sanitary District, that includes Preston Heights neighborhood.

State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, said the Neurodiversity Legislative Advisory Committee is intended to serve as a forum for neurodiverse individuals, their families and service providers.

U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, D-Downers Grove, expressed anger and disappointment Thursday during a telephone town hall he hosted to discuss how passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will impact Illinois residents.

“This bill is a crucial first step in recognizing the essential role of credentialed technicians," Joliet Junior College professor Abby Panozzo said, referring to Illinois House Bill 3360, which passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly.

Plainfield Pride, a local LGBTQ+ advocacy group, says it has seen an uptick in support in 2025 despite hostile political climate.

Coffee with local state legislators will be held from 4-6 p.m. Monday at McWethy’s Tavern in Romeoville.

State Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, joins in condemnation of use of Illinois license plate reader to track woman seeking abortion services.

DuPage County officials could revisit a discussion of whether to pursue home-rule powers in light of a controversial measure that emerged in Springfield to save public transit from a massive budget shortfall.

A terminally ill Lombard woman continues push Illinois lawmakers to approve a medical ‘aid in dying’ bill

A bill pending in Springfield would ease the way for Will County to get land for 143rd Street construction in Homer Township, but some county board members are trying to slow it down.

On Wed. May 28, from 2 to 4 p.m., Senior Services Associates will be rallying the troops at the Beecher Center to raise a cain against cuts to the federal Older Americans Act. Those attending the call to action are encouraged to wear blue in solidarity with Aging Advocacy Day.

38th District State Senator Sue Rezin, R-Morris, and 40th District State Senator Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, addressed a group of business leaders Monday morning regarding how new data centers affect both energy and water resources in Northern and Eastern Illinois.

The Grundy Economic Development Commission hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast Monday morning, where local legislators were able to answer questions from the business community.

A Lombard mom is one of thousands of Illinois parents opposed to proposed homeschool legislation

State Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, backing legislation that supports green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties throughout Illinois.

Democrat State Sen. Rachel Ventura has proposed legislation for for a K-9 mail drug detection pilot program to help stop illicit substances coming through prisons by mail.

Tom Weitzel examines whether Trump administration policies will benefit the law enforcement community

Fentanyl is a lethal opioid that can be fatal even in small doses. Test strips allow individuals to detect the presence of fentanyl in substances before consuming them.

Democratic representatives Lauren Underwood and Sean Casten have proposed legislation that would raise the amount of state and local taxes that can be deducted from federal tax returns

In the wake of the killing of a Chicago police officer, Will County's state's attorney said lawmakers should close a “loophole” with the SAFE-T Act. Supporters of the law said his solution won't improve safety.

Republican incumbent state Rep. Amy Grant of Wheaton is being challenged again by her crosstown Democratic rival Jackie Williamson

The Citizens Utility Board and four state legislators held a press conference in Bolingbrook on Wednesday to discuss their efforts to oppose continually rising costs for customers of Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois.