SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Public Health now has the ability to test for the 2019 novel coronavirus in-state, meaning shorter wait times for test results for people showing symptoms of the virus and meeting certain criteria. Read more

SPRINGFIELD — The state is accepting applications for the first $50 million in disbursements of a $420 million grant program aimed at increasing internet access across the state. Read more

Sex education in Illinois middle and high schools would be required to include a discussion on sexting if a bill introduced in the state House of Representatives becomes law. Read more

A pair of researchers are suggesting the best way to reduce property taxes in Illinois is for the state to take over a greater share of funding for public schools and consolidate some units of local government. Read more

The office of Illinois’ top lawyer has released its annual safe shopping guide ahead of the holiday season to alert families about recalled children’s toys, clothing and furniture. Read more

As online shoppers prepare to snag holiday deals this Cyber Monday, in Illinois they’ll soon be off the hook for having to report estimated sales taxes to the state. Read more

A strong economy and low unemployment could help make this a record-setting holiday shopping season. Read more

SPRINGFIELD – Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker is planning to spend $40,000 of his own money to renovate his State Capitol office next month, according to a news release distributed by his staff. Read more

SPRINGFIELD — State education officials are seeking public input on potential significant changes to the annual reading and math tests students take each year. Read more

SPRINGFIELD — The adjournment of the fall veto session Thursday night means a number of bills that failed to pass both chambers this week must wait for further action when the General Assembly returns on Jan. 28. Read more

SPRINGFIELD — A federal bribery charge against an Illinois state legislator has led to questions about whether lawmakers should be allowed to lobby other units of government. Read more

SPRINGFIELD — A group that advocates for public education in Illinois released a report indicating the state has made some progress in improving educational outcomes over the past five years, but it still has a long way to go to achieve the goal of having 60 percent of all adults attaining s… Read more

SPRINGFIELD — If Sen. Andy Manar has his way, people in Illinois would move their clocks ahead one hour this coming spring, then never have to change them again. Read more

Over 70 percent of Illinois residents support banning assault weapons, according to a survey.  Read more

West Nile virus can be deadly, but most cases are relatively mild. Read more

Illinois House GOP districts get more money Read more

SPRINGFIELD — Vaping and other industry stakeholders opposing legislation banning flavored products said Thursday the bill would have negative health and economic impacts. Read more

Illinois will double the amount of money it spends on road-building and repair in the next five years. Read more

A new Illinois law requiring residents to upgrade smoke detectors will go into effect in 2023. Read more

EUREKA, Ill. (AP) — A 9-year-old central Illinois boy believed to have set a fire that led to the deaths of five family members has been arraigned on first-degree murder charges. Read more

Lawmakers will return to Springfield on Oct. 28 for the first three days of the veto session. Read more

The governor’s campaign did not release any tax return documentation regarding trust funds which benefit the Pritzkers. Read more

State officials used a worldwide earthquake drill this week to remind Illinois residents that there’s seismic activity in Illinois and that they should be prepared. Read more

CHICAGO — Chicago’s top police officer said his failure to take the proper blood pressure medication led to him falling asleep in his official police vehicle after he felt light-headed and pulled over while driving home from a late dinner. Read more

SPRINGFIELD — A task force Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker formed in February is recommending the state consolidate 649 suburban and downstate police and firefighter pension funds into just two, saying the move would generate billions of dollars in additional earnings over the next 20 years wh… Read more

SPRINGFIELD – Bipartisan support appears to be building in the Illinois General Assembly for a statewide ban on red-light cameras. Read more

EUREKA, Ill. (AP) — A prosecutor says a central Illinois 9-year-old will be charged with five counts of first-degree murder in connection with a mobile home fire that killed five people. Read more

The poll was conducted for the University of Illinois at Springfield in September. Read more