Illinois quick hits: Ceremonies planned for new lawyers; energy efficiency grants announced

November 4, 2025/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Ceremonies planned for new lawyers

Bar admission ceremonies are scheduled across the state Wednesday for the 1,637 people who passed the July 2025 Bar Exam.

Illinois Supreme Court justices are scheduled to swear in the new attorneys in all five of the state’s judicial districts.

Ceremonies will be held in Carbondale, Chicago, Elgin, Joliet and Springfield.

Energy efficiency grants announced

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Acting Director James Jennings has announced additional funding for energy efficiency grant opportunities.

The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program has $350,000 in funding available for recipients to conduct assessments at properties where residents receive housing assistance from a state or federal program.

The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Program is offering $10 million to implement projects previously identified in an assessment at eligible properties where residents receive housing assistance.

Vendor summit Thursday

The 2025 State of Illinois Vendor Summit is scheduled Thursday, Nov. 6 at Malcolm X College in Chicago.

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services is hosting the event, designed to help business owners learn how to work with state agencies and universities.

CMS says the summit is a key outreach initiative in the state’s efforts to diversify its vendor pool and provide equitable access to contracting opportunities for disadvantaged firms.

Latest News Stories

IL Senate approves Department of Corrections director despite fierce opposition

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite a myriad of ongoing issues at the Illinois Department of Corrections, state senators approved the nomination...

Report: PJM power grid electrification faces bumpy transition

By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The nation’s power grid is entering a new era of soaring demand – the full extent...

Judge orders Trump to use emergency fund to disburse SNAP benefits

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A federal judge on Friday ordered the Trump administration to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, while a second...

Early morning vote advances Illinois’ ‘Terminally Ill Patients Act,’ sparks outcry

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A controversial bill allowing terminally ill patients in Illinois to self-administer life-ending medication passed the legislature...

91% of U.S. veterans concerned about food assistance amid shutdown

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square About 91% of veterans said they were concerned about losing access to food assistance because of the federal government shutdown, with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...

Indiana state police working with ICE at Illinois border to secure interstates

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers continue to arrest hundreds of drivers on interstates who are in the country illegally and have criminal histories. As...

Trump’s former National Security Adviser criticizes Ireland for ‘cozying up to China’

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Former U.S. National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien sharply criticized Ireland’s growing political split from the United States and its deepening ties to China in a...

WATCH: IL lawmakers pass consequential bills early Halloween

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop powers through on...

Trump calls on Senate Republicans to nuke filibuster

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With the ongoing government shutdown now entering its second month, President Donald Trump has had enough: he wants Senate Republicans to end the filibuster. “Majority...

FBI: ‘Potential’ Halloween terror plot foiled; multiple subjects arrested in Michigan

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The FBI says it thwarted a possible terror attack, arresting several individuals in Michigan, according to Director Kash Patel. “This morning the FBI thwarted a...

WATCH: Trick or treat: IL legislators pass tax increase, decoupling bill early Friday

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers are waking up Halloween morning to tax increases after the conclusion of fall veto session...

Noem refuses Pritzker enforcement pause request, IL passes sanctuary enhancement

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Both the executive and legislative branches of Illinois government have made attempts to address federal immigration enforcement...

WATCH: Energy bill opponents say increases IL electric bills by $8 billion passes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers have passed wide-ranging energy legislation, but opponents say it will lead to higher electricity bills....

WA Dems blame GOP for government shutdown; 1 million in state could lose SNAP benefits

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer say it’s not Democrats, but Republicans, who are responsible for keeping the federal...

Officials react to allegations of civilians impersonating ICE

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square One San Diego County supervisor is concerned about civilians posing as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents using fake ICE clothing and tactical gear and...

« Previous
1
…
85
86
87
88
89
…
137
Next »