(WASHINGTON, D.C.) The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 7 to 2 decision, says an Illinois congressman does have the right to sue the state over counting federal election ballots beyond Election Day. U.S. Representative Mike Bost of Murphysboro filed a lawsuit against the state in 2022 for counting ballots postmarked on Election Day, but not received up to two weeks later. The high court affirmed Bost had legal standing to sue without addressing whether states could allow mail-in ballots received after Election Day to be counted. The Supreme Court now has the chance to set the record straight, that federal law clearly says that ballots must be received by Election Day, although some states continue to allow absentee ballots to arrive much later.
(SPRINGFIELD) A new report says Illinois auto insurers are lowering premiums by 4.26% in 2026 while providers are raising rates nationally by less than one percentage point (0.67%). While the information was compiled by data from S&P Global RateWatch, related analysis came from rate data from Quadrant Information Services. The Secretary of State’s Office and many lawmakers around the state are making lower auto insurance rates a priority this year.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Police has recovered 243 stolen or hijacked vehicles, plus made 24 arrests and seized five firearms during the past three-month period, October through December. With special grant funding, the State Police targeted vehicle theft, hijacking, and related crimes. In fact, the ISP was awarded an initial $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, followed by $677,000 in June of 2024 and just over $637.000 in July of last year, 2025.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced $36 million in grant funding for 67 state park projects through a cost-sharing program between state and local governments. The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program has awarded $675 million for projects throughout Illinois since its inception in 1986. The state is investing millions to revitalize outdoor spaces, from playgrounds & walking trails to native landscaping & more.