Illinois news in brief: Department of Transportation reviews CTA spending plans; Illinois manufacturers kick off 'Makers on the Move' tour; Hearings continue on energy legislation

Illinois news in brief: Department of Transportation reviews CTA spending plans; Illinois manufacturers kick off ‘Makers on the Move’ tour; Hearings continue on energy legislation

October 3, 2025/
Spread the love

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

Department of Transportation reviews CTA spending plans

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued an interim final rule barring race- and sex-based contracting requirements from federal grants. In a statement, the federal agency singled out the Chicago Transit Authority with two projects for the Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Program put under review totaling $2.1 billion. DOT said the review will ensure no federal dollars go toward discriminatory, illegal and wasteful contracting practices.

Illinois manufacturers kick off ‘Makers on the Move’ tour

The fourth annual “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour has kicked off. The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center announced visits to facilities, educational institutions and community centers across the state to highlight the manufacturing industry. The first stop Friday was at The Will Group in Chicago, a minority-owned technology producer.

Hearings continue on energy legislation

Hearings continue into sweeping energy legislation that could come up at the Illinois Statehouse later this month. The Illinois House Executive Committee met for a second time to discuss a House amendment to Senate Bill 25, legislation modifying the state’s energy policy with a focus on renewables. A Senate committee heard testimony Thursday.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Murphy, Dhillon go to bat for players in baseball's Pride Night black eye

Murphy, Dhillon go to bat for players in baseball’s Pride Night black eye

By Alan WootenThe Center Square How Major League Baseball can force one viewpoint upon players and “attack” them for expressing another is a puzzler to a North Carolina congressman. Three...
Republicans compete to face Neguse in congressional race

Republicans compete to face Neguse in congressional race

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes the city of Boulder, will elect partisan candidates in the U.S. House during the June 30 primary....
Vance says 'progress' made in talks with Iran

Vance says ‘progress’ made in talks with Iran

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following what appeared to be a bumpy weekend between the U.S. and Iran, Vice President J.D. Vance said progress is being made. Vance, leading a...
Report: Eight Michigan counties among most vulnerable to Social Security cuts

Report: Eight Michigan counties among most vulnerable to Social Security cuts

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square More than one in five Michigan residents could see their Social Security benefits reduced by 2032 if Congress fails to address the program's looming insolvency....
Los Angeles schools superintendent resigns after FBI probe

Los Angeles schools superintendent resigns after FBI probe

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has resigned from the Los Angeles Unified School District following an FBI investigation. Carvalho announced his resignation Sunday night via a letter...
Illinois Quick Hits: Tornado kills 2 in Jefferson County

Illinois Quick Hits: Tornado kills 2 in Jefferson County

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two people are dead and at least five are injured after a tornado touched down in the...
Although 95% lower than Biden era, illegal entries, apprehension up in May

Although 95% lower than Biden era, illegal entries, apprehension up in May

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Illegal entries and apprehensions were slightly up in May compared to April but remain at historic lows and 95% lower than they were under the...
‘Half-baked’ Illinois social media tax poised to tee up court challenges

‘Half-baked’ Illinois social media tax poised to tee up court challenges

By Jonathan Bilyk | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois is poised to be headed back into court to defend another constitutionally questionable law, as tech companies and internet freedom...
DHS thwarts Iranian terrorist threats at the northern border, World Cup ties

DHS thwarts Iranian terrorist threats at the northern border, World Cup ties

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Iranian terrorist threats continue at the northern border, this time the threat also is connected to the World Cup and the Iranian National Guard Corps....
Minnesota man ordered to pay $2.5M in fraud case, faces no criminal charges

Minnesota man ordered to pay $2.5M in fraud case, faces no criminal charges

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A Minnesota court has ordered a man to pay nearly $2.5 million in damages, penalties and legal fees after a jury found he submitted nearly...
Everyday Economics: A new chair, a shorter statement, a Fed that stopped talking cuts

Everyday Economics: A new chair, a shorter statement, a Fed that stopped talking cuts

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The Federal Reserve left interest rates alone last Wednesday, holding its benchmark in the 3.50%–3.75% range for a fourth straight meeting – after standing pat...
Illinois congressmen worry as DHS Secretary seeks to ‘protect election integrity’

Illinois congressmen worry as DHS Secretary seeks to ‘protect election integrity’

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A potential plan to deploy federal immigration agents to polling places this fall is illegal and would...
Poll: 70% of Americans 'concerned' AI will take jobs

Poll: 70% of Americans ‘concerned’ AI will take jobs

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Roughly 70% of Americans said they were at least "somewhat concerned" that artificial intelligence could replace their jobs, according to a new poll. The Center...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for June 11, 2026

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 The Will County Board Executive Committee met Thursday, June 11, 2026, in Joliet, advancing a slate of items to the...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Will County Mental Health Board Touts Crisis Program in Quarterly Report

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Community Mental Health Board's quarterly report to the Executive Committee on Thursday, June 11, 2026,...