by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois August 3, 2026 Article Summary Illinois will offer a sales tax reduction on school supplies from Aug. 7-16. The state sales tax will be reduced from 6.25% to 1.25% during that time and local sales taxes will still apply. School supplies, as well as clothing and shoes under $125, are eligible for the lower tax rate. This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story. Parents starting on back-to-school shopping will get a tempo...

by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois August 4, 2026 Article Summary Two new laws give the Illinois Department of Insurance more regulatory authority over homeowners and automobile insurance rates. The legislation comes on the heels of large rate increases for Illinois consumers in recent years. Insurance industry groups say the bills do not address the root causes of rate increases and warn they could lead to higher costs and fewer choices in the insurance market. This summary was written ...

Marion County's new Junior Miss is Paisley Meyer of Centralia. She was one of 20 candidates for the title and was crowned at the end of the Junior Miss Pageant on Tuesday. "I was very, very, very shocked. I don't believe it still. I don't have words." Meyer is 12 years old and a student at New Horizon Christian School in Centralia. She's looking forward to her role as Marion County Junior Miss. "Working for the community and helping out as much as I can around the fair.&q...

State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) sponsored legislation recently signed into law to strengthen transparency and accountability in Department of Children & Family Service (DCFS) investigations involving allegations of child abuse or neglect. "DCFS has repeatedly failed Illinois children and families, and a lack of transparency only makes those failures worse," said Senator Plummer. "When the state makes a determination in a child abuse or neglect case, the people ...

The Illinois State Police (ISP) opened its newest Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) kiosk, providing real-time, in-person assistance to Illinoisans who need help with their Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) cards and Concealed Carry Licenses (CCL). The newest kiosk, located at the ISP Troop 9 headquarters in Effingham, was created to assist individuals experiencing difficulties with the online FOID and CCL website, or those without online access. The location and hours of service for t...

Salem Recreation Director Jed Casburn says the Salem Aquatic Center has reopened as issues with the filters that were creating cloudy water have been resolved. He feels the pool should be good for all scheduled activities, including early morning and general swim as well as parties, through the close of the season on Sunday.

The Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce has announced the hiring of Siretha Howe as its new part-time executive director. She is no stranger to the chamber, being past chamber president, four-year board member and ambassador. Howe says as a Salem native, she has a deep love for the community and is passionate about supporting our local businesses and helping the chamber to grow and thrive. "Bringing more programs to the business leaders in Salem and surrounding areas," Howe said. &...

The Wamac Board of Aldermen has asked its attorney to prepare an ordinance that would require e-bikes or motorized bikes that can travel more than 21 miles per hour to be licensed. Mayor Butch Mathus says the bikes are creating issues in the city he'd like to control. The proposed ordinance will be brought back at the next meeting for possible action. The board wants to look at IMRF as a retirement plan for city workers. Mathus feels a better retirement plan might help keep city workers who...