Illinois Lawmaker Files Bill To Abolish Abortions
(Springfield, IL) — An Illinois lawmaker wants to end abortions in the state. Republican State Senator Neil Anderson filed a bill that would define preborn children at any stage of biological development as people. The measure also says that anyone who has an abortion could be charged with murder. Anderson also filed a bill to reinstate the death penalty for first-degree murder. As a result of both proposals, he was forced to resign from Senate Republican leadership.
First Measles Case In Illinois In 2026 Confirmed In Metro East
(Collinsville, IL) — The first case of the measles in Illinois this year is being reported in the Metro East Area. The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the first case is an adult who recently returned from traveling out of state. The IDPH is working with local, state and federal health officials to investigate all potential locations where others may have been exposed to the person while they were infectious. One community location that has been identified is the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville. People attending church on February 8th between 8 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. were potentially exposed to measles.
Shinedown to Play the 2026 Illinois State Fair
(Springfield, IL) — Shinedown is coming to the Illinois State Fair this summer. The multi-platinum rockers will take the Grandstand Stage on August 23rd. The band boasts over eight-billion global streams, 24 number-one rock hits and ten-million albums sold worldwide. They’re known for hits like “Second Change,” “Simple Man” and “Sound of Madness.” The 2026 Illinois State Fair is being held August 13th through 23rd in Springfield.
Pritzker To Deliver State of State, Budget Addresses
(Springfield, IL) — Governor Pritzker will deliver the 2026 State of the State and 2027 Budget addresses today. The governor is also hosting a roundtable discussion on his Affordability Agenda for housing in Illinois. The roundtable takes place at the Ceremonial Office in the Illinois State Capitol.
Illinois Has Erased More Than $1.1B In Medical Debt
(Chicago, IL) — Illinois is touting a growing amount of medical debt relief in the state. The Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program has erased more than one-point-one-billion-dollars in medical debt through the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program. That has benefited hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans across all 102 counties.