(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois is the only state in the nation that still requires a behind-the-wheel driving test, based on age, however that may soon change. The Secretary of State’s office has filed the Road Safety & Fairness Act, that if approved, would raise the age for driving tests to 87 from the current 79. Officials say senior citizens are among the safest drivers of any age category and this proposal will align Illinois’ senior driving standards with the rest of the nation while increasing safeguards along with a few other changes as well.
(SPRINGFIELD) For the third year in a row, the number of shootings on Illinois interstates has dropped. In fact, the Illinois State Police is reporting interstate shootings statewide decreased a whopping 31% in 2024, compared to 2023. Since a record high in 2021, there has been a drop in interstate shootings every year, down 71% over the past three year period.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Attorney General’s Office is joining a lawsuit against Deere & Company, arguing the agricultural equipment manufacturer’s use of unfair practices has driven up equipment repair costs for statewide farmers, while also depriving farmers of the ability to make timely repairs on critical farming equipment, including tractors. In the lawsuit, the coalition seeks to order the company to make available to owners of Deere’s equipment access to its fully functional Service ADVISOR Repair Tool, along with other repair resources available to authorized dealers across the state and nation.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Revenue has announced it will begin accepting and processing 2024 tax returns on Monday, January 27th, the same date that the Internal Revenue Service begins accepting federal income tax returns. Illinois will take part in the IRS Direct File program this year, where eligible taxpayers will be able to use the program to electronically complete their federal tax returns free of any charge. More information and details are availble online at the state’s website tax.illinois.gov or federally at irs.gov.