by Nikoel Hytrek and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois April 6, 2026 Article Summary A new Illinois bill would establish a state grant program to pay for abortions for uninsured or underinsured people. The grant money would come from funds set aside from Affordable Care Act plans that cover abortions beyond cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is in danger. Illinois Medicaid and private insurance plans are already required to cover abortion services. The bil...

State Representative Charlie Meier and disability advocates held a Tuesday news conference in Springfield to spotlight a series of reform bills aimed at addressing critical failures within the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Guardianship advocate Danita Dorsey, President of the Murray Parents Association Rita Winkeler, and Phoenix Horizon Psychology co-founders Krystal Oswald and Whitney Aubrecht joined Meier to call for immediate action on three key pieces of legislation. "...

The St. Clare Foundation (SCF) on Tuesday announced the recipients of its inaugural grant cycle, deploying over $500,000 to high-impact programs poised to deliver systemic change in youth and adolescent behavioral health across Southern Illinois. "The response from our community of healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations was inspiring," said Clare Kessler, Executive Director. "These initial investments are not just checks, they are the fuel for innovative, ...

A 56-year-old Wamac man has been arrested by Wamac Police on an outstanding felony no bond failure to appear warrant. Roger Parker was taken to the Marion County Jail to await a court appearance. Two people were arrested for driving on a suspended license. Odin Police arrested Joseph Rodgers of South Cherry in Centralia and Illinois State Police arrested 33-year-old Jimmy Strauch of Lynwood Drive in Salem. Both were later released on notices to appear.

The City of Salem confirms that Police Chief Todd Boles has been placed on paid administrative leave effective Wednesday (today) as part of an ongoing investigation. In a news release, the city says the action has been taken in accordance with standard procedures and does not represent a determination of wrongdoing. The release says the decision ensures that all matters can be reviewed thoroughly and objectively. An investigation is required regarding any allegation of potential internal p...

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS AP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP) - Deere & Co. has agreed to pay $99 million as part of a settlement that would resolve a class action lawsuit accusing the farm equipment giant of monopolizing repair services. The Moline, Illinois-based manufacturer, which does business under the John Deere brand, has faced a handful of "right to repair" complaints over the years. The deal announced Monday - which still needs final approval from the court - would settl...

The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce is asking the City of Centralia to use Fairview Park to host the 37th Annual Balloon Fest on August 21st through the 23rd. The decision to move to an alternative location was made after the Chamber discovered that the utility services in Foundation Park could no longer meet the event's needs. With the event scheduled less than five months away, the Chamber began work on a new plan of action to ensure that Balloon Fest would continue. The Chamber searc...

The Salem City Council Monday night approved a new ten-year comprehensive plan and the fiscal year budget that begins May 1st. Jim Arndt of Arndt Municipal Services presented the comprehensive plan, noting the plan develops a vision and targets for the city. "The plan includes insights about the community and an analysis of the community," Arndt said. "The most important crux of the plan is the elements of the plan. That's basically breaking it down into the administration, hou...