Articles filed under Capitol News Illinois
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Illinois climate law meant to aid nuclear plants now cutting electric bills insteadApr 13, 2026 6:10 pm - A law originally enacted to keep the state’s nuclear fleet profitable is instead giving relief to energy customers due to rising power costs and increased federal subsidi...
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After Trump’s EPA reverses landmark climate change ruling, what does it mean for Illinois?Apr 12, 2026 8:45 pm - Illinois government and environmental organizations fear new federal policy changes could change the calculus for plant operators and potentially slow planned plant closures. On Feb. 12, the Trump administration announced the repeal of the “endangerment finding,” which provides the backbone for federal government environmental regulations on greenhouse gas emissions.
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Illinois House approves ban on junk fees, Pritzker’s abortion fund proposalApr 12, 2026 11:49 am - For the second time in three years, the Illinois House voted to ban hidden “junk fees” that are often added to the total cost of ticketed events, hotel rooms and other goods and services. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Bob Morgan, a Democrat from Deerfield, passed 77-18. It was among more than 80 bills the House approved Thursday afternoon.
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Illinois farmers ease critical labor shortages through this agricultural visa programApr 11, 2026 2:12 pm - A lack of domestic workforce participation in agriculture pushes Illinois farmers to employ foreign workers through the temporary H-2A non-immigrant visa program. Illinois’ employment of farmers through the visa program has grown rapidly, filling 4,488 positions in 2025.
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License suspension or speed control? Lawmakers explore alternative for reckless driversApr 08, 2026 6:00 pm - Illinois drivers who have their license suspended for speeding or reckless driving violations could have an alternative under legislation being considered in the Statehouse.
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Waymo begins testing in Chicago as bill seeks to legalize autonomous vehiclesApr 07, 2026 12:43 pm - Autonomous vehicles, known as AVs, currently are being tested on the streets of Chicago. A bill in the legislature would eventually allow such driverless vehicles to operate in Illinois counties that have more than 1 million residents, plus Sangamon and three downstate jurisdictions. They could replace rideshare and taxi drivers.
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CEJA workforce hubs deliver hope, but will they deliver jobs?Apr 06, 2026 1:36 pm - Of the 805 students who have graduated from CEJA workforce hubs, only 124 had found employment in the renewable energy sector or adjacent industry as of March 2026, according to figures supplied to Capitol News Illinois by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a rate of roughly 15%.
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Illinois considers abortion assistance for people with little or no insuranceApr 06, 2026 1:10 pm - Gov. JB Pritzker and Democrats have added a new abortion access measure to their agenda that would allow people with limited or no insurance to get financial assistance for abortion care in Illinois.
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Pritzker calls for year-round E15 gasoline in letter to CongressApr 02, 2026 8:36 pm - Gov. JB Pritzker is calling on Congress to allow the permanent year-round use of E15 gasoline, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline that is cheaper than regular fuel and increases demand for corn.
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Republicans, Pritzker point fingers over cause of rising property taxesApr 01, 2026 6:30 pm - Illinois Republicans say Democratic policies are to blame for rising property taxes in the state, after Gov. JB Pritzker said earlier this week school districts bear part of the responsibility.