The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Energy assistance in Illinois may fall short without a federal boost

 
Valerie Caroll plans to apply for funds to help pay her gas bill. The amount of money the state of Illinois will give low-income families is being reduced.

Valerie Caroll plans to apply for funds to help pay her gas bill. The amount of money the state of Illinois will give low-income families is being reduced. Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco / WBEZ

September 27, 2023

Today's headlines:

  • The Illinois Secretary of State office is implementing changes to motor vehicle centers — with a focus on senior drivers.
  • Thousands of migrants seeking asylum have been approved for expedited work permits and an extended Temporary Protected Status, but others are being left out.
  • Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan - who was indicted last year - has had his name removed from his old property tax appeal law firm.
  • A Decatur-born Tuskegee Airman is getting new recognition in the name of a Decatur public school.

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about the changes being made to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and how it will impact low-income families in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Alex Degman, Dave McKinney, Emily Hays and Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco.

Tags