Soaring utility bills, solar federal tax credit cuts dominate Illinois energy debate | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Energy prices and clean energy policy took center stage during a senate energy and public utilities committee hearing as lawmakers sparred over rising summer energy bills and the future of Illinois’ energy mix. State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, and Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, published a video Friday blasting […]
WATCH: IL state reps challenge IEMA-OHS responses to local agencies | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security officials are promising to be more responsive to local emergency management agencies after state lawmakers raised concerns. IEMA-OHS has proposed rule changes involving accreditation and other issues which affect local emergency services disaster agencies. During a Joint Committee on Administrative Rules hearing on […]
State defends gun ban district court ruled unconstitutional | Illinois
(The Center Square) − Ahead of oral arguments over Illinois’ gun ban in the federal appeals court, attorneys for the state filed their final reply brief. Part of the state’s argument filed Thursday is that the firearms banned in 2023 are both dangerous and unusual. They cite that only 0.64% of the state’s population registered […]
Illinois quick hits: ‘Lawsuit inferno’ bill takes effect after Pritzker signed 267 measures Friday | Illinois
‘Lawsuit inferno’ bill takes effect Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation which led the American Tort Reform Association to label Illinois a “Lawsuit Inferno.” Senate Bill 328, sponsored by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, expands jurisdiction for claims alleging injury or illness resulting from exposure to toxic substances. Illinois House Minority Leader Tony […]
Illinois quick hits: Search continues for Gibson City suspect; manufacturing declines since 2000 | Illinois
Search continues for Gibson City suspect Illinois State Police continue their search for a suspect wanted in connection with a Gibson City shooting which left two law enforcement officers injured. ISP says a Gibson City police officer and a Ford County Sheriff’s deputy were struck by gunfire when attempting to make contact with David Jordan, […]
Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination | Illinois
Human trafficking law signed Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation requiring state agencies to develop a strategic unified plan to build a network of services for survivors of human trafficking survivors. According to Illinois State Police, Senate Bill 2323 addresses human trafficking through prevention, intervention and establishing standards for survivor support. If you suspect human […]
Illinois quick hits: Fatal crash involved Guatemalan national; tentative Chicago firefighters contract | Illinois
Fatal crash involved Guatemalan national The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Department says toxicology testing will be conducted to determine if alcohol was a factor in a rural Orangeville crash which claimed the lives of a Guatemalan national and a Freeport woman last Saturday. Deputies say the car driven by Rolando Ico-Choc, 30, of Guatemala crossed the […]
DCFS denies claim that agency uses uncertified interns to investigate families | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A state lawmaker says he has documentation to show that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services used uncertified interns to investigate families. State Rep. Jed Davis, R-Yorkville, said the investigations by interns have led to children being removed from homes. “Clearly, in statute, you need both a license and […]
Attorney argues IL should honor TX warrants for absconding Dems | Illinois
(The Center Square) – An Illinois state senator acting as local counsel for the Texas Republicans wanting to have that state’s warrants for absconding Democrats recognized by Illinois says it’s a simple case. Texas Statehouse Democrats arrived in Illinois Sunday and have held several news conferences and media appearances saying they are blocking a quorum […]
Dem, GOP candidates begin signature-gathering for 2026 | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Political candidates have begun gathering signatures on their nominating petitions for Illinois’ primary elections next March. Illinois State Board of Elections Public Information Officer Matt Dietrich said filing dates are Oct. 27 through Nov. 3 for Democrats and Republicans to submit their petitions for the March 17 primaries. “Depending on what […]