Lawmaker, officer: ‘Blue Envelope” could help navigate autism during stops | Illinois
(The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker who also serves in law enforcement says proposed legislation creating a “Blue Envelope” program for autistic drivers could improve communication during traffic stops, though questions remain about training and implementation. State Rep. Dennis Tipsword, R-Metamora, said the proposal appears to be a positive step in helping officers recognize […]
Chicago FOP boss: Mayor’s ICE on Notice order is ‘piece of toilet paper’ | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order directing members of the city’s police department to investigate federal law enforcement and refer evidence of felony violations for prosecution. The mayor signed the “Ice on Notice” order on Saturday and said it was a step toward justice. “This executive order will […]
Illinois quick hits: New Illinois Supreme Court justice installed | Illinois
New Illinois Supreme Court justice installed The newest member of the Illinois Supreme Court has been installed. Former appellate court justice Sanjay T. Tailor was sworn in by Chief Justice P. Scott Neville at a ceremony in Chicago on Friday. Tailor joined the court after the retirement of Mary Jane Theis earlier this month. IDPH […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Grayson gets 20 years for murder | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting Sonya Massey at her Springfield home in July 2024. After a jury convicted Sean Grayson of second-degree murder Oct. 29, Judge Ryan Cadigan handed down the maximum allowed sentence Thursday. Sonya Massey’s cousin, Sontae […]
Remote marriage license bill faces skepticism from former clerk | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A new Illinois proposal aimed at expanding access to marriage licenses for people with disabilities or serious health conditions is drawing skepticism from a state lawmaker and former county clerk. House Bill 4508 would allow people with disabilities or serious health conditions to apply for a marriage license through a real-time video call […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois gains population for third straight year | Illinois
(The Center Square) – According to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Illinois’ population has risen for the third straight year. Data released on Tuesday showed Illinois with an estimated 12,719,141 people on July 1, 2025, up from 12,703,033 the previous year. The state’s number is 16,108 higher than a year ago but 76,207 […]
Three Democrats seeking Illinois U.S. Senate seat debate in Chicago | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Immigration and taxation policies are front and center for Democratic Party candidates seeking to replace Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. The University of Chicago Institute of Politics hosted the debate for three of the 10 Democrats seeking the seat currently held by Durbin, D-Springfield. Illinois U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly, D-Matteson, and […]
‘They deserve their story’: Bill aims to open foster care files | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are moving to ensure families adopting children from the state’s foster care system receive complete information about a child’s history, including medical, educational, and counseling records, at least 30 days before an adoption is finalized. The bill, recently introduced by state Sen. Darby Hills, R-Barrington Hills, also guarantees former foster youth […]
Attorneys review Chicago Teachers Union audits following congressional request | Illinois
(The Center Square) – The Chicago Teachers Union says it has complied with a U.S. House committee’s request to release financial audits, but attorneys challenging the union in court say they are still reviewing the documents. On Oct. 8, 2024, the Liberty Justice Center filed a lawsuit in Cook County circuit court on behalf of […]
Illinois lawmakers clash over ICE funding as DHS bill advances | Illinois
(The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman broke with a faction of moderate Democrats recently by voting against a Department of Homeland Security funding bill that includes billions for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, drawing sharp criticism from a Republican state lawmaker as immigration enforcement remains a flashpoint in Illinois. U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Rockford, said he […]