WATCH: Pritzker says he’s willing to be arrested defending sanctuary policies | Illinois
(The Center Square) – In defending the state’s migrant sanctuary policies, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he’d rather be arrested than to have Illinois residents arrested improperly. Joining the governors of New York and Minnesota Thursday in front of the U.S. House Oversight Committee, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Florida, asked the three governors for their response […]
Illinois quick hits: Mt. Vernon statute controversy; Chicago cinematic history auction | Illinois
Mt. Vernon statute controversy The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a group of Jefferson County residents in an effort to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the lawn of the county’s courthouse in Mt. Vernon, citing concerns over religious neutrality and constitutional violations. The monument, which stands […]
Ex-Speaker Madigan’s net worth stricken, GOP leader questions use of campaign funds | Illinois
(The Center Square) – As former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s sentencing date approaches, a federal judge ruled to strike Madigan’s net worth from the public record. U.S. District Court Judge John Robert “Jack” Blakey ruled Tuesday in favor of a defense motion to seal Madigan’s net worth, previously reported to be around $40 million, […]
Illinois quick hits: Pedestrian killed on I-70; Pritzker signs Alzheimer’s treatment law | Illinois
Pedestrian killed on I-70 A person died Monday after being struck by a semi truck after exiting an ambulance in downstate Illinois. According to Illinois State Police, the incident occurred after authorities responded to a crash on Interstate 70 near Greenville. Police report after receiving treatment, the pedestrian involved in the crash exited the ambulance […]
Court to reconvene ahead of ex-Illinois House speaker’s sentencing | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A pre-sentencing hearing is scheduled Monday for convicted ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. U.S. District Court Judge John Robert Blakey is expected to consider post-trial motions when he meets with prosecutors and defense attorneys Monday afternoon at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. Blakey scheduled a second hearing Tuesday […]
Study: Illinois places last in the country for economic health | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A new study paints a bleak picture of the economic health of Illinois. The personal finance website WalletHub has released its findings of the best and worst state economies. Researcher Chip Lugo said Wallethub used three economic categories including economic activity, economic health and innovation potential. “Then we applied 28 relevant […]
Central Illinois struggles with massage parlor crackdown amid trafficking concerns | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Municipalities like Peoria, Springfield and Decatur have passed stricter massage licensing ordinances amid concerns over human trafficking. State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, a law enforcement officer, noted that while ordinances can help, most investigations begin with tips or complaints, not routine licensing checks. “We used to have quite a few […]
ICE says Chicago arrests had final orders of removal; Illinois officials cry foul | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Despite criticism from state and local politicians about immigrant detentions in Chicago, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say people detained Wednesday outside a Homeland Security office on the city’s Near South Side had final orders of removal by a judge. An ICE spokesperson provided The Center Square with a statement […]
As utility bills climb, IL lawmakers fail to address what some call a crisis | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Electricity bills for Illinoisans are expected to shoot up this summer as some lawmakers are saying the state is headed for an energy cost crisis. Rates for electricity are usually higher during the summer months. This year, they will be even higher due to reduced capacity for power generation. Midcontinent Independent System […]
Illinois’ swipe fee law put on hold while being challenged in court | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Banking groups are applauding the news that Illinois’ controversial Interchange Fee Prohibition Act is being placed on the back burner for a year. The law would prohibit interchange fees from being charged on portions of credit and debit card transactions that include taxes and gratuities. The law is currently being challenged in […]