Illinois lawmaker supports EPA rollback; AG opposes | Illinois
(The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker is praising the Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump for repealing the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, calling the move a win for Illinois businesses — even as Attorney General Kwame Raoul warns the rollback ignores decades of law and climate science and threatens public health. State Rep. […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago advances in bid for 2028 DNC | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Chicago is one of five cities in the running to hold the 2028 Democratic National Convention. The Democratic National Committee announced on Monday that Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Denver and Philadelphia advanced in the application process for the convention scheduled from Aug. 7 to Aug. 10, 2028. Chicago has held the DNC […]
Illinois diversity commissioner did not properly disclose $23K side job | Illinois
(The Center Square) — A member of Illinois’ highly-paid diversity commission disclosed a side job to state officials in a manner that masked the $22,500 she earned for it, an investigation by The Center Square found. Certain state officials are required by law to disclose secondary sources of income that exceed $7,500 in any year. […]
Physicians assistants leave for Iowa due to licensing wait times in Illinois | Illinois
(The Center Square) – State lawmakers say physician assistants are leaving for Iowa because it takes so long to get licensed in Illinois. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation leaders discussed audit findings with members of the Legislative Audit Commission at the Illinois Capitol last week. State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said physician assistants […]
Black Chicagoans disproportionately face force by CPD | Illinois
(The Center Square) – American Civil Liberties Union Director Alexandra Block argues a new study showing black city residents disproportionately face aggression at the hands of Chicago police much more than whites should be viewed as an indictment against the whole system. Researchers from the University of Texas San Antonio and the University of Pennsylvania studied […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Indiana governor signs Bears stadium bill | Illinois
(The Center Square) – The Chicago Bears say they are grateful for the leadership shown by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun after he signed legislation creating a framework for a new stadium in Hammond. Senate Bill 27 provides for a 1% food and beverage tax in Lake and Porter counties, a 5% hotel tax in Lake […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago suffers credit rating downgrades | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Two credit agencies have downgraded Chicago’s general obligations bond rating to BBB+. Fitch Ratings cited consecutive operating deficits since 2023 and high dependence on non-structural solutions and assumptions. KBRA cited deteriorating fund balance, narrowing liquidity, and exceptionally high and rising fixed cost burden, including the state legislature’s passage of Tier II […]
Illinois Democrats dispute Trump statements during State of the Union | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump spewed lies and attempted to gaslight the American people during the State of the Union address on Tuesday night. “We endured two hours of baseless claims, shameless propaganda and the ramblings of a wannabe dictator outlining his plans to steal American elections,” Pritzker said […]
Illinois quick hits: Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting; migrant accused of murdering church volunteer; Illinois Liquor Control Commission launches new system | Illinois
Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting A Chicago man is facing aggravated firearm charges after an alleged road-rage shooting on the Kennedy Expressway. Police say Rene Garica, 52, fired a weapon at another vehicle and struck a 14-year-old passenger on I-90 near Ogden Avenue last Wednesday. The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Migrant […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Road fund could help renovate Soldier Field | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Chicago Park District officials are reportedly planning to use Illinois gas tax revenue to help transform Soldier Field into a concert and special event venue. Fox 32 Chicago reports that the $630 million proposal would break down to $130 million in stadium renovations and half a billion dollars in surrounding infrastructure. […]