The 217 Today Podcast

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

Kimberly Schofield and Stephanie Mosqueda
 
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

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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.