Fiscal differences remain as Illinois lawmaker urges for transit special session | Illinois
(The Center Square) – An Illinois state senator from Chicago has urged for a special legislative session to be called to fund public transit, but a Republican colleague says solutions should not place excessive tax burdens on residents. State Sen. Mike Simmons, D-Chicago, made the call Monday during a ceremony to mark the reopening of […]
‘Sicko’ released under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act arrested by ICE in Chicago | Illinois
(The Center Square) – After U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested a criminal suspect who had been released in Lake County, elected officials are calling for changes to Illinois’ SAFE-T Act. According to an ICE statement, Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, 52, was arrested in Chicago on Saturday. In April, the Mexican national was charged with […]
NIU takes verbal lashing from audit commission over timekeeping findings | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Northern Illinois University, which state taxpayers fund with nearly $100 million annually, took a verbal lashing for a repeated audit finding about time keeping for faculty. The Legislative Audit Commission heard audit reviews for three public universities throughout the state. For Northern Illinois University, there were 15 findings officials said were […]
Former ComEd CEO next defendant to be sentenced in federal corruption case | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Sentencing is scheduled Monday for former ComEd Chief Executive Officer Anne Pramaggiore, who was convicted of corruption in a scheme to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. In May of 2023, a federal jury convicted Pramaggiore and three others of conspiracy, bribery and falsifying records. Last Monday, U.S. District Court […]
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs letter to power grid operator | Illinois
Pritzker signs letter to power grid operator Gov. J.B. Pritzker has joined a group of nine governors around the country calling on a power grid operator to implement governance reforms. Pritzker said PJM Interconnection is undermining Illinois’ efforts to have clean, reliable and affordable energy. The governors sent a letter calling on PJM to fill […]
Illinois quick hits: Deer poachers sentenced; National Guard soldiers return | Illinois
Deer poachers sentenced Five Mississippi men have been sentenced to probation and ordered to pay fines and restitution after using spotlights to illegally hunt white-tailed deer in southern Illinois. Prosecutors said the five men engaged in a calculated, five-year operation in Massac, Jefferson, Union, Pope and Clark counties. Restitution amounts ranged from $2,000 to $75,000. […]
Illinois quick hits: Carjacker sentenced to 15 years | Illinois
Carjacker sentenced to 15 years A man who committed multiple carjackings and robberies in Chicago has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Prosecutors say Dwight Hasberry, 32, of Chicago, and three others engaged in a series of crimes, including carjacking a vehicle with an infant in the back seat, on Sept. 28 and […]
Democratic attorney generals call for demasking ICE agents | California
(The Center Square) — California, Arizona, Colorado and Nevada joined a coalition that asked Congress to prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from wearing masks. The states also want Congress to require the federal agents to show their identity and wear agency insignia. In making the request, the coalition is citing public safety concerns. […]
IL’s highest-in-nation cell phone taxes rise more in latest state budget | Illinois
(The Center Square) – With the latest tax increase imposed on July 1, Illinois cell phone users are paying a combined tax rate of nearly 38%. Before the new state budget took effect, Illinois already had the highest local wireless tax in the country at 7%. The tax rate went up to 8.65% on July […]
Illinois congressman pushes for NWS funding as Trump’s budget faces scrutiny | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Amid staffing shortages and public concern over natural disasters, the National Weather Service is defending its ability to fulfill its core mission—even as it operates under the strain of past budget cuts and ongoing reorganization. Illinois U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Rockford, a former meteorologist, said he and others are pushing bipartisan […]