Legislation to save public transit from a $771 million budget shortfall passed the Illinois Senate Saturday but fizzled in the House, leaving concerns about massive cuts to Metra, Pace and the CTA.

A new plan to reform public transit that emerged Wednesday in the General Assembly would establish the Northern Illinois Transportation Authority in place of the Regional Transportation Authority and create one universal fare system.

Lawmakers apparently are close to a deal to resolve one of Springfield’s most hotly contested issues this session: transit reform

Two separate reform proposals for public transit got an airing Tuesday during a Senate Transportation Committee hearing that produced pointed questions.

The General Assembly’s bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability released a new fiscal year 2026 revenue projection that is $737 million short of the proposal Pritzker introduced last month

Funding for public transportation has become a top priority for some lawmakers over the past two years as transit agencies in Chicago area have sounded alarm bells on a looming financial crisis.

Illinois's ICash program aims to unite people with their unclaimed money or other assets. An ICash event is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 24, in Algonquin.

While the agencies are currently buoyed by pandemic-era funding and temporary allowances in state law, the agencies will face a cumulative annual budget gap of $730 million in operating costs beginning in 2026

Without a quorum, the 12-member panel was unable to take an official vote on the matter within the timeline specified under law for reviewing facility closures

State Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, has announced the opening of a second district office for the 33rd Senate District at 406 Surrey Woods Drive in St. Charles.

State Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, is partnering with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help local businesses receive recovery funding through a state grant program implemented to help those greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Sens. Dan McConchie and Don DeWitte will host a Conversations Untapped event Monday in Algonquin.

About 20,000 valentines were delivered in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day to residents of area nursing homes, assisted and memory care centers and long-term care facilities.

Several area legislators are participating in the third annual Valentines for Seniors card drive, designed to “brighten the days” of older residents in the area and “ensure they know they are a valued part of the community,” according to news releases.

The elimination of cash bail set to take effect Jan. 1 will no longer be happening in McHenry County, the county’s chief judge and top prosecutor said.

Unwanted and expired prescription drugs can be dropped off Saturday at the Algonquin Police Department.

DeWitte is offering a petition that Illinois residents can sign to urge the repeal of the act, which is set to go into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

He also is offering a petition that Illinois residents can sign to urge the repeal, according to a news release from DeWitte’s office.

A free Senior Health Fair set for Wednesday in Carpentersville will offer flu shots and health screenings and host a variety of local vendors who will be on hand to discuss programs and services that benefit seniors.

A constituent services expert from DeWitte’s office will be available to meet with constituents at several scheduled events.

State Sen. Craig Wilcox, R-McHenry, will host a series of Conversations Untapped events in May and June in an effort to “connect with his constituents in the 32th Senate District.”

DeWitte, a Republican, was appointed to the Illinois State Senate in 2018 and is the former mayor of St. Charles

To help remember veterans and honor their service this Veterans Day, local legislators are encouraging constituents to submit a tribute and photo to be displayed on the annual Veterans Day “Wall of Honor” in the Illinois Capitol.

The two lawmakers charged Gov. JB Pritzker with “overreach” for repeatedly invoking emergency powers and governing by executive order.

A bill sponsored by a St. Charles Republican and signed into law this month provides units of government with a wider variety of investment tools for reserve funds.

Three state senators will host a town hall later this month at Crystal Lake City Hall to mark the end of the spring legislative session and provide constituents with an update on legislation and the budget.

Three McHenry County state senators are among the 18 Republicans backing the legislation

Suburban lawmakers hold 33 seats across five committees related to appropriations or education and six seats on Senate ethics committee

Bill was sponsored by state Sen. Don DeWitte, who represents areas in McHenry and Kane counties

State Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, was appointed Tuesday to serve on the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus’ leadership team as assistant Republican leader.

The Kane County Coroner’s Office was recommended for re-accreditation by auditors of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners for its investigative practices, morgue facilities, laboratory service, forensic specialists and medicolegal practices.