Illinois Quick Hits: Bill targets youth community participation

Illinois Quick Hits: Bill targets youth community participation

March 20, 2026/Newspaper Staff/

By The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A measure advancing at the Illinois Statehouse looks to strengthen civic participation among young people, according to the bill’s sponsor.

Chicago Democratic state Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet says her bill will provide eligible students with the opportunity to register to vote in a trusted, nonpartisan academic setting.

IHDA HONOR

U.S. Bank is honoring the Illinois Housing Development Authority as one of the nation’s top housing finance agencies.

The agency announced the honor during a IHDA board meeting, highlighting the agency helping more than 5,000 Illinois households buy homes in 2025, nearly 90% of which were first-time buyers.

COMFORT FOR KIDS

Springfield-area state senators are partnering with a local hospital foundation to collect donations for the “Comfort for Kids Drive.”

In partnership with HSHS St. John’s Foundation, the drive is accepting donations of new stuffed animals and blankets through April 3.

The gifts will be given to children recovering from serious illness or injuries.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

DeWine defends fraud safeguards at Ohio child care facilities

DeWine defends fraud safeguards at Ohio child care facilities

By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is defending the state’s child care spending, saying longtime safeguards are in place that help prevent widespread fraud uncovered in Minnesota....
Illinois quick hits: State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less

Illinois quick hits: State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less Across Illinois, local governments have lost more than $10.9 billion in state income...
U.S. House contests to decide control of Congress in 2026

U.S. House contests to decide control of Congress in 2026

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The 2026 midterm elections promise to bring fierce competition as Democrats and Republicans battle for control of Congress. All 435 seats in the U.S. House...
'Locked and loaded':Trump warns Iran

‘Locked and loaded’:Trump warns Iran

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following days of civil unrest in Iran, President Donald Trump issued a warning to the Iranian regime that the U.S. is prepared to take action...
First negotiated Medicare drug prices go into effect Jan. 1

First negotiated Medicare drug prices go into effect Jan. 1

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Negotiated lower Medicare costs for 10 popular prescription drugs went into effect Thursday. How much those savings will be passed on to Medicare Part D...
U.S. House vote on employee bargaining met with ‘political theater’ criticism

U.S. House vote on employee bargaining met with ‘political theater’ criticism

By Catrina BarkerThe Center Square )The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman praised a vote to restore collective bargaining for over one million federal workers while critics say the U.S....
Eight killed in U.S. military counter-narcotics strikes

Eight killed in U.S. military counter-narcotics strikes

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The U.S. military conducted five more strikes on drug boats in the Caribbean in the last days of 2025. This is according to the U.S....
Hog producer: 2025 was strong, but IL legislature needs to address estate tax

Hog producer: 2025 was strong, but IL legislature needs to address estate tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois hog producer says 2025 was a strong year, but state lawmakers need to address estate...
Trump to remove National Guard members from Chicago, LA, Portland

Trump to remove National Guard members from Chicago, LA, Portland

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – National Guard members deployed in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Ore., will head home after President Donald...
Illinois’ compact fluorescent bulb ban begins to take effect

Illinois’ compact fluorescent bulb ban begins to take effect

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – One of the nearly 300 new laws that took effect in Illinois New Year’s Day is a...
Illinois quick hits: SBA sues Chicago over online betting tax

Illinois quick hits: SBA sues Chicago over online betting tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois to receive rural health-care funding The federal government has awarded Illinois $193.4 million per year for five years to expand...
Illinois Congressman: Millions face higher premiums despite GOP health bill

Illinois Congressman: Millions face higher premiums despite GOP health bill

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although the U.S. House passed Republicans' “Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act” before leaving...
Jan. 1 law lets Illinois veterinarians skip rabies shots for at-risk pets

Jan. 1 law lets Illinois veterinarians skip rabies shots for at-risk pets

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Illinois law taking effect Jan. 1 will let veterinarians renew yearly medical exemptions for...
Chicago school board raises tax levy on families 'at a breaking point'

Chicago school board raises tax levy on families ‘at a breaking point’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Board of Education has raised its property tax levy to fund Chicago Public Schools, but...
Lake Co. Circuit Clerk can’t undo $2.5M verdict for workers fired over politics

Lake Co. Circuit Clerk can’t undo $2.5M verdict for workers fired over politics

By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal judge has agreed to preserve a jury’s verdict ordering the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office to pay more than $2.5...