Illinois Issues: New State Laws In 2019
State lawmakers approved hundreds of changes that are now Illinois law.
A regional journalism collaboration focused on expanding access to trusted, timely and relevant information across three key statewide topics: Education, Political Impact and Health/Environment
New Restaurant Grading System Aims To Better Inform, Protect Consumers
With the new year comes new changes to the way Illinois restaurants are graded after food safety inspections. Instead of receiving a numerical score, all food establishments will being assigned a color: red, yellow, or green.
New Law Allows Rape Victims A Friend Indeed
Statistics show that only about one-third of sexual assaults get reported to authorities. But a new Illinois law removes some of the barriers that could prevent rape victims from coming forward.
Pritzker Sees Bigger Role For Lt. Gov. Stratton
With two weeks until Illinois’ inauguration day, Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker is still filling key roles in his administration. He’s departing from tradition by including his lieutenant governor among them.
Parents’ Nonviolence Messages To Their Kids May Be More Powerful Than They Think
While some parents might worry their positive messages won’t stick throughout the pre-teen years, new research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign suggests otherwise.
Voices In The News 2018
As we get ready to welcome 2019, we thought we’d take a few minutes to listen back to the past year in Illinois government and politics.
Illinois Police Increasing Patrols Over New Year’s Holiday
Illinois authorities are stepping up traffic enforcement and reminding motorists to drive sober over the New Year's holiday.
No Charges In Inmate Death At Vermilion County Jail
The Vermilion County State’s Attorney says no charges will be filed in connection with the death of inmate Jamie Moore at the county jail inside the Public Safety Building in Danville.
Top Health Stories of 2018: Addictions, Workarounds And Solutions
In 2018, Side Effects covered community struggles with public health crises, barriers to treatment and clever workarounds to get vulnerable people the care they need. Here are our 10 most-viewed stories of 2018.
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Three Day Waits for Guns To Become Illinois State Law
The ongoing series of mass shootings across the country prompted Illinois lawmakers to pass a number of measures in 2018 aimed at preventing such tragedies. One of those --- an expansion of a handgun-purchase waiting period to include all firearms --- is taking effect on January 1st.
