042226 POOR STATE (copy) | Illinois
Illinoisans ‘ought be concerned’ report ranks IL 45th for economic outlook 042226 POOR STATE IRN JIM TALAMONTI POOR STATE VERSION 1 (without wrap) A tax and fiscal policy task force director says Illinois residents ought to be concerned about the state’s low rankings in a new report. The American Legislative Exchange Council’s Rich States Poor […]
Illinois law at center of normal township BDS referendum | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A central Illinois township is advancing a ballot question tied to Illinois’ anti-BDS law, underscoring how international issues are increasingly surfacing in local governance. Leaders in Normal Township voted 31–21 to advance a BDS-related referendum, similar to efforts in other Illinois cities. A 2015 law signed by former Gov. Bruce Rauner already […]
Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Supporters of Illinois’ proposed “Homes for Good Act” say the measure could reduce recidivism and improve public safety by addressing one of the biggest barriers facing people leaving prison – stable housing. Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director of the John Howard Association, said the initiative goes beyond simply providing housing assistance to formerly incarcerated […]
Illinois proposal aims to improve detection of potentially staged deaths | Illinois
(The Center Square) – State Sen. Craig Wilcox, R-Woodstock, says too many deaths initially ruled as suicides may actually be homicides, and he is pushing legislation to change how those cases are handled across Illinois. Wilcox’s proposal, Senate Bill 1781, would require additional training for law enforcement and stricter scrutiny of deaths when there is a […]
Inspector: Chicago finance department lacks tools to collect $8.1 billion owed | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Chicago’s inspector general says the city is owed at least $8.1 billion and lacks the tools to collect the money. A new report from Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg said the city’s finance department is responsible for managing the debt but is not well-equipped to manage it. “Department of Finance lacks […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Feds put card swipe fees prohibition on hold | Illinois
(The Center Square) – The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has released notice of a pending order to preempt the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act. The state law scheduled to take effect on July 1 would prohibit banks and credit card companies from charging swipe fees on the tax and […]
Illinois unions seek to kill Waymo-friendly bill in Springfield | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Leadership and rank-and-file from multiple labor unions called on lawmakers to kill legislation aimed at welcoming autonomous vehicles onto Illinois roads Tuesday, saying it could have severe impacts on the economy. Companies behind the driverless car technology claim their systems make roads safer, and present fewer accidents compared to human drivers. […]
Illinois Quick Hits: $3M in taxpayer funds go to Chicago neighborhood center | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers have provided $3 million for a new neighborhood center on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Gov. J.B. Pritkzer and several state legislators attended the ribbon cutting for the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council on Monday. The governor said the council was on the front lines of the battle when the community faced […]
Illinois Quick Hits: Federal data shows Illinois economy grew in fourth quarter | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis says Illinois’ gross domestic product grew 1.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025. The only state bordering Illinois to show more growth was Iowa at 1.8%. North Dakota led the nation with 3.8% growth in the fourth quarter. CHICAGO CARJACKER SENTENCED A federal […]
Illinois bill would mandate infant allergy coverage, with unclear cost impact | Illinois
(The Center Square) – An Illinois proposal to require insurance coverage for infant allergy prevention is raising questions about potential costs, even as supporters argue it could reduce long-term health spending. State Sen. Darby Hills is backing Illinois Senate Bill 4182, which would require most insurance plans to cover a six-month supply of egg and peanut […]