(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Police is reminding all motorists about the new school year and road safety. All drivers are required to slow down in all school zones, with a speed limit of only 20 miles-per-hour, in effect from 7:00 to 4:00 on school days when children are present. Plus driving while talking or texting on a hand-held cellular device is strictly prohibited. Motorists approaching a stopped school bus with its visual signals activated, lights, and extended stop sign, must stop their vehicle at least 20 feet before reaching the school bus and when a bus stops on a two-lane roadway and uses its visual signals, vehicles in both directions must stop. Drivers should especially be alert to buses in rural areas.
(SPRINGFIELD) Beginning November 1st, later this fall, Get Covered Illinois will officially become Illinois’ health insurance marketplace. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has approved the transition to a state-based marketplace where folks in Illinois can enroll in health care coverage. Those previously signed up through Healthcare.gov will now transition to Get Covered Illinois for their 2026 coverage.
(SPRINGFIELD) A new law that will take effect January 1st, 2026, will have Illinois State Police resources devoted to investigating internet crimes against children. Signed into law yesterday, the measure makes such cases a permanent function of the Illinois State Police.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Fair is continuing in Springfield as today is TwosDay with a $2 admission for all senior citizens and adults, along with $2 carnival rides, more livestock shows, tractor & truck pulls tonight, and on stage at 8:00 tonight is Sheryl Crow. Tomorrow is Governor’s Day with special harness racing, the Governor’s Sale of Champions, more tractor & truck pulling that night, and on the Grandstand stage at 8:00 is Snoop Dogg. Then Thursday will be Republican Day with more livestock shows, a free concert at the Grand Central Stage with Illinois native rock band Head East, and on the Grandstand stage at 8:00 it’s Brad Paisley with Tucker Wetmore. Plus each day of the fair, it’s many outdoor activities at Conservation World, with other live entertainment, carnival rides, & all the great fair food concessions. Learn more about all the activities on the statefair.illinois.gov website.