Illinois Democrats pass budget in final minutes with sports betting hike

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers approved a $55.2 billion state budget package minutes ahead of a key constitutional deadline Saturday night, relying on tax hikes that would hit smokers, gamblers and big out-of-state companies to help seal an estimated $1 …

Kelsey Hart @ The Riverfront Park In Dixon Illinois – Dixon, IL

Illinois lawmakers pass $55B state budget, but no mass transit funding yet

Just minutes before a crucial midnight deadline, Illinois state lawmakers approved a $55 billion state budget plan for the next fiscal year. But while the Illinois Senate advanced a measure to overhaul and provide hundreds of millions of dollars in funding …

Illinois FY2026 budget heard in Senate committee: receives backlash from GOP Senators over lack of funding for ...

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A day after the budget was passed in the Illinois House, the Senate held their own subject matter hearing on the proposed FY2026 budget which received significant backlash from Republican lawmakers. The budget will spend $55.16 …

Illinois lawmakers work to pass budget, transit funding plan before end of spring session

WATCH: Illinois lawmakers pass prescription drug pricing legislation

(The Center Square) – A bill that seeks to control the rising cost of prescription drugs while also offering financial help for many small, independent pharmacies has passed both chambers of the Illinois legislature.    The Prescription Drug Affordability …

Eastern Illinois softball loses four to NCAA transfer portal

Former Eastern Illinois softball pitcher McKenzie Oslanzi committed to transfer to the University of Kentucky on Friday. The NCAA softball transfer portal opened May 18 and will remain open until June 16. Four players have entered the portal to leave the …

Illinois EPA launches grant program to help communities combat sewer overflows and improve water quality

SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has announced a new funding opportunity through its Overflow and Sewer Grant (OSG) program aimed at supporting local governments in tackling sewer overflows and …

Push to revive Illinois horse racing spurs debate over racinos, gambling market saturation

DECATUR, IL (Chambana Today) – In the final stretch of the Illinois legislative session, lawmakers and horse racing advocates are pushing a renewed effort to revive the state’s long-declining horse racing industry. Backed by Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), …

Arts Alerts: Check out what’s going on in central Illinois during the month of June

ART EXHIBITS Visit local galleries for studio tours and opening receptions for “First Friday” on June 6. Artwork from “Paint The Path” events will be exhibited at the Community Gallery Wall at Five Points Washington through June 22. Also, a Student Art …