A measure passed in the Illinois Senate would remove some hurdles for farmers to hunt nuisance deer on their land. [Paul Danese, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons]

Illinois’ deer population has been steadily increasing since 2021, and Illinois farmers say they’re feeling the impact. The Illinois Senate unanimously approved a measure Thursday that aims to improve population control in the state. 

After years of negotiations, a bill banning the use of polystyrene foam — commonly known as Styrofoam — takeout containers was approved by the Senate Wednesday. 

The Senate Executive Committee meets Wednesday in Springfield. 

Illinois’ public university leaders and Illinois lawmakers are split on a funding model similar to Evidence-Based Funding proposed in the Senate. 

Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) presents Senate Bill 1723 to the House Energy and Environment Committee Tuesday. [BlueRoomStream]

The Illinois House Energy and Environment Committee approved bills Tuesday including protections for the Mahomet Aquifer, increasing the Illinois Environmental Protection Agencies authority over drinking water standards and the creation of a climate-displacement task force. 

The Illinois Senate Transportation Committee passed a measure allowing electric or hydrogen powered vehicles to exceed weight limits. Advocates say the measure prevents companies from taking multiple trips and prevents negative environmental impact. 

Labor union leaders gathered in Springfield Monday to honor worker's killed on the job with a memorial. [BlueRoomStream] 

Illinois labor unions honored workers killed or severely injured at work Monday, while advocating for a bill union leaders say will help protect workers in Illinois.  

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul – along with New York, California and Minnesota’s attorneys general – shared their insights Friday on why they and other attorneys general sued President Donald Trump’s administration over withholding federal funding to the states for kindergarten through high school education.

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at the site of the new Vantive headquarters Friday in Deerfield. 

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday that healthcare company Vantive will invest $23 million to build its new U.S. headquarters in Deerfield. 

The House Judiciary Criminal Committee heard subject matter on three bills that aim to encourage compassionate release of sick or aging incarcerated people in Illinois. 

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin speaks at a committee meeting in Chicago in October [U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee]

After months of anticipation, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill) announced he will not be running for reelection in 2026. The decision has far-reaching implications for Illinois’ politics.