Illinois has been at the forefront of significant developments in various sectors, from politics and education to environmental concerns and economic growth. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the latest news from the state.

The 2024 election in Illinois saw significant outcomes, with Vice President Kamala Harris winning the state's 19 electoral votes by a margin of 54.1% to 44.5% over former President Donald Trump[1][4]. In the U.S. House of Representatives, all 17 incumbent members were re-elected, maintaining the state's representation of 14 Democrats and 3 Republicans[1][4]. The Illinois General Assembly also saw Democrats retain their supermajorities in both the House and Senate, with Democrats prevailing in 77 races and Republicans winning 37 contests in the House, and Democrats retaining 40 seats in the Senate[4].

On the local front, the first-ever election for the Chicago Board of Education took place, with voters electing one person per district to serve on a new hybrid school board starting in January. Mayor Brandon Johnson will appoint 11 other members to the board, including the board president, with the board becoming fully elected in 2027[1][5].

In terms of policy changes, Illinois voters approved three advisory referenda: the Election Worker Protection Referendum, the Property Tax Relief and Fairness Referendum, and the Assisted Reproductive Health Referendum. The Election Worker Protection Referendum was approved by 88.8% to 11.2%, the Property Tax Relief and Fairness Referendum by 60.4% to 39.6%, and the Assisted Reproductive Health Referendum by 72.4% to 27.6%[1][4].

On the economic front, President Joseph R. Biden signed a federal Major Disaster Declaration for Illinois, authorizing FEMA's Individual Assistance program for seven counties affected by severe weather and flooding in July 2024. This move allows residents to access grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover[3].

In education, several school districts saw significant developments. The Indian Prairie School District 204 voters approved a $420 million bond issue, while Rockridge voters passed a $33 million bond referendum for a new elementary school. Lake County voters also favored spending money for improving forest preserves and schools[5].

In environmental news, Illinois has been dealing with the aftermath of severe weather events. The state experienced torrential rain and flash flooding in July 2024, leading to significant damages and prompting federal assistance[3].

Looking ahead, Illinois is set to see further developments in various sectors. The filing period for school board candidates ends on November 18, with many candidates preparing paperwork for their runs[5]. Additionally, the state will continue to work on recovery efforts from the severe weather events, with FEMA's Individual Assistance program providing crucial support to affected communities. The outcomes of the 2024 election will also shape the state's political landscape, with significant implications for policy and governance in the coming years. As Illinois moves forward, it will be important to monitor these developments and their impact on the state's residents and economy.