ISU researcher: Sensors will reduce workplace injuries but need ethics safeguards
NORMAL — Illinois State University is studying data on whether wearable tracking devices could reduce workplace injuries. Sensors that workers wear around their waist can detect strained movement of the back and neck or repetitive motions that can lead to injury. https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s402/audio/2023/01/james-jones-safety-prevention.mp3 Listen to this story here. James Jones, executive director of ISU’s Katie School […]
Changes appear to be coming for how wind and solar arrays are sited in Illinois
The new law would preempt local ordinances more restrictive than the new state standards.
‘We’ve seen an uptick in some aggressive behaviors.’ State task force talks increase in school violence
ROCKFORD — Around one-third of teachers in the U.S. say they’ve experienced at least one incident of verbal harassment or threat of violence from students during the pandemic. That’s according to a 2022 survey from the American Psychological Association. It’s a big jump from before COVID, when 10% of teachers reported being threatened. https://cpa.ds.npr.org/s528/audio/2023/01/0118safef.mp3 Listen […]
Peoria Planned Parenthood clinic will be closed for months after Sunday’s arson fire
The Peoria health center doesn’t offer in-clinic abortions, but it does provide abortion pills and other sexual health services, including sexually-transmitted infection testing and treatment, pregnancy tests, and transgender hormone therapy.
Gun lobby, stores file federal challenge to assault weapons ban, arguing it violates ‘right to keep and bear common arms’
The Illinois State Rifle Association lawsuit appears to be the first in federal court to challenge Illinois’ new weapons ban, but it is part of a burgeoning legal effort aimed at undoing the new law. Other lawsuits have been filed in state court.
Many Illinois sheriffs oppose assault weapons ban
MACOMB — A number of sheriffs in Illinois –including those in McDonough and Knox counties — have issued statements saying they won’t enforce an assault weapons ban signed this week by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The Protect Illinois Communities Act The measure (HB 5471) became law upon the governor’s signature. It bans AR-15 style guns. However, […]
Gun sellers, after sales spike ahead of state assault weapons ban, say law won’t survive
But now that thousands of dollars of a Des Plaines gun shop owner’s inventory is illegal to sell, he and other retailers are navigating what steps to take next.
How 23-year-old Nabeela Syed wants to make space for more people in Illinois state politics
PALATINE — Nabeela Syed was a senior in high school when she decided to go into politics. It was 2016 and former President Donald Trump was campaigning on banning immigration from Mexico, African nations and Muslim-majority countries. “Just seeing how Trump was growing in popularity, and the kind of support he was getting,” Syed said. […]
Assault weapons to be banned in Illinois: House passes bill — and Pritzker vows to sign it ‘immediately’
“The people of the great state of Illinois have been waiting decades for legislation just like this,” said bill sponsor state Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield. “Let them wait no longer.”
Illinois lawmakers reach a deal on assault weapons ban
The legislation, which needs final Illinois House approval, would ban the sale, manufacture and delivery of assault rifles like the one used to kill seven people in Highland Park.
From free college to universal preschool, Gov. JB Pritzker pledges a second-term ‘agenda as ambitious and bold as our people are’
Pritzker also vowed to “fight against a rising tide of hate,” protect women’s reproductive rights and finally get the assault weapons ban passed.
GOP party leaders pick Tom Bennett to fill Barickman’s Illinois Senate seat
State Rep. Tom Bennett of Gibson City was chosen Saturday by local Republican party chairs to fill the state Senate vancy in the 53rd District that was created by the resignation of Jason Barickman.
Former Speaker Michael Madigan’s racketeering trial set for April 2024
Madigan is accused of leading a “criminal enterprise” for nearly a decade designed to enhance his political power and generate income for his allies and associates.
Words and Phrases Now Banished
Would-be guardians of the English language have spoken, and banished another list of words and phrases for mis-use, over-use, and general uselessness.
Supreme Court sets March timeline for oral arguments in cash bail appeal
Both sides agree to timeline that would further delay Pretrial Fairness Act’s implementation.
