Judge denies Trump administration access to Illinois voter data

By Peter Hancock|Capitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com A federal judge ruled late Friday that Illinois is not required to hand over its complete, unredacted voter registration data, including sensitive personal information, to the Donald Trump administration. In a 14-page opinion, Judge Colleen Lawless reached the same conclusion as judges in 18 other

New laws: No smart devices in schools, accepting cash payments

By Ben SzalinskiCapitol News Illinoisbszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois governor JB Pritzker signed sweeping regulations August 1 aimed at social media companies and cracking down on “addictive algorithms” that keep kids glued to their screens. House Bill 5511, known as the Children’s Social Media Safety Act, imposes a series of requirements on social

Sexual harassment by ex-rep. Benton, known since 2023

By Brenden Moore, Ben Szalinski, & Jerry NowickiCapitol News Illinoisnews@capitolnewsillinois.com Disgraced ex-Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, violated state law by committing two acts of sexual harassment, according to a summary legislative inspector general report made public Friday afternoon. LIG Mike McCuskey said the instances were “part of a pattern and practice

Illinois launches new program to provide food benefits to people who lost SNAP

By Ben SzalinskiCapitol News Illinoisbszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com A new Illinois state program took effect Saturday to provide food benefits to people who have recently become ineligible because of federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger, or FRESH, program started August 1 after state lawmakers

Diabetes Club of Fox Valley members to meet August 12; Diabetes Club’s first ‘Craft & Vendor Fair’, at Rosary High School Gymnasium, Sept. 12

By Russ George The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley will hold its August membership meeting Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street, in North Aurora. Meeting will be held in the East Banquet Room. Dinner is optional on members’ own from the menu at 5:30 p.m., and

Oswego Police Special Olympics fundraiser

The Oswego Police Department is partnering with Red Robin to host a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Illinois Tuesday, Aug. 11. Community members are invited to dine at Red Robin, 2860 Route 34, Oswego, where Oswego police officers and other first responders will trade in their badges for serving trays

Aurora Youth Services Division grants open for non-profits

The City of Aurora’s Youth Services Division has launched a new, one-time grant opportunity for local non-profits and specific taxing bodies to enhance existing, after-school programs and youth initiatives across the City. The Youth Programs Enhancement Grant will provide $206,000 in total, including $166,000 for after-school programming, equipment purchase grants,

Back to school starts at Aurora Public Library

It’s that time of year when many parents, including myself, start to feel the weight of back-to-school season. Every day brings another task: buy supplies, find activities, schedule haircuts, all while trying not to get buried under stress! Luckily, the Aurora Public Library District is ready to make that transition

Select Yorkville Library youth events

The Yorkville Public Library Youth Service Department will have many events in August. All events will take place at the Library, 902 Game Farm Road, unless otherwise noted. For more information, or to register, call 630-553-4354 or visit www.yorkville.lib.il.us. •Artful Beginnings (preschool), Monday, Aug. 10, 10:30 a.m..We will read a