Illinois Quick Hits: HHS: IL abortion referral rule violates federal law

January 22, 2026/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has notified Illinois officials that the state is violating federal law by requiring pro-life physicians and pregnancy centers to participate in abortion referral and promotion.

Thomas More Society attorneys have an open case challenging the law before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

The HHS Office for Civil Rights asked Illinois to respond within 30 days with assurance that the state would comply or face the suspension or limitation of certain HHS funds.

STATE POLICE: TROOPER STRUCK BY STOLEN CAR IN CHICAGO

Illinois State Police say a driver is facing multiple felony charges after the stolen vehicle he was driving struck a trooper’s squad car in Chicago.

ISP says the trooper’s car was stopped when 29-year-old Demarko T. Hill of Chicago disregarded a red light and crashed into the squad car and another vehicle.

Both Hill and the trooper were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. ISP says Hill was carrying a loaded firearm and was also charged with unlawful possession of cannabis.

RISING HOME SALES

According to Illinois Relators data, Illinois home sales increased 4.2% in 2025 over 2024.

The annual median price of $300,000 statewide was 3.4% higher than in 2024.

The statewide sales of 10,237 homes in December was 2% higher than the December 2024 total of 10,041.

Brett Rowland contributed to this story.

Latest News Stories

Federal Reconciliation Bill Targets Medicaid, SNAP Programs

Will County Legislators Briefed on Potential Local Impacts Federal legislation making sweeping cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs could significantly impact Will County residents and services, county legislators learned...

Will County Approves Modified $756 Million Transportation Plan Despite Terminology Debate

Will County's Public Works and Transportation Committee approved a five-year, $756 million transportation improvement plan on June 3, but not before a heated debate over whether to call it a...

Will County completes major projects while others move forward

Will County's facilities team has completed several major projects while advancing others throughout the county, officials reported during a Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting Monday. The Old Courthouse Plaza...

Will County Accepts $140,000 Developer Donation for Road Improvements

Will County's Public Works and Transportation Committee accepted a $140,143.90 donation from a developer in lieu of constructing traffic improvements along Laraway Road. The donation comes from the Lakes Park...

State Legislative Session Wrap-Up Shows Mixed Results

Will County's state legislative priorities saw mixed results as the Illinois General Assembly concluded its spring session on May 31, with several key bills advancing while others stalled. The Legislative...

Will County expands safety initiatives across facilities

Will County has implemented new safety protocols and training programs across its facilities, including the selection of department safety monitors and participation in community health education events. Each county department...

Leglislative Committee Meeting Briefs

Federal Grant Deadline Extended: The Surface Transportation Reauthorization deadline has been extended to May 30 for policy submissions, with both House and Senate committees actively seeking stakeholder input ahead of...

Speed Limits Reduced on Two Township Roads

The committee approved new speed zones for two township roads based on engineering studies showing current limits exceed safe driving speeds. Offner Road in Green Garden Township will have a...

Will County Finance Committee Approves Juvenile Detention Center Upgrades

Committee votes to keep facility operational, moves forward with compliance modifications Will County Finance Committee members voted unanimously Monday to recommend keeping the River Valley Detention Center operational and making...

Major Grade Separation Projects Advance with Engineering Contracts

The committee approved two significant engineering agreements for major railroad overpass projects totaling over $4 million. TranSystems Corporation received a $4,003,256 contract for construction engineering services on the Lorenzo Road...

County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project

The committee authorized the State's Attorney's Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80. Eight property parcels are...

Solar Farm Access Approved for Manhattan-Arsenal Road

The committee granted access approval for a solar farm development on Manhattan-Arsenal Road approximately 1,000 feet east of Cherry Hill Road. The MCH Solar 1 project, developed by Soltage LLC,...

Will County Finance Committee Meeting Briefs

Budget Transfers Approved: The Finance Committee approved transferring $18,643 within the Supervisor of Assessments budget to move funds from software licensing to computer hardware purchases. Animal Protection Services Funding: Committee...

Public Works Committee Briefs

Major Projects Update: Construction continues on several major projects including the 80th Avenue expressway overpass, Laraway Road widening near Cedar Road, and Bell Road improvements. The Bell Road project at...

Capital Improvements & IT Committee Briefs

Bed donation program: Will County donated old beds from Sunny Hill Nursing Home to Joliet Junior College and Project Cure after the nursing home received all new beds for residents....

« Previous
1
…
121
122
123
124
125
126
Next »