Shared Sentence: Illinois Moves To Help Kids Of The Incarcerated
A pair of laws recently enacted in Illinois were designed to take into account how children are affected by their parents’ incarceration and to find…
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U.S. Kills Top Iranian Military Leader In Airstrike
Gen. Qassem Soleimani was killed Friday in Baghdad. The U.S. secretary of defense said Soleimani “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members throughout the region.”
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Flash Index Shows Continuing Steady Growth
The Illinois economy continues to grow at a steady rate. The University of Illinois Flash Index ticked up to 105.6 in December, slightly higher than November’s 105.4. Any number above 100 indicates economic growth.
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On Eve Of Legal Marijuana In Illinois, Governor Pardons 11,017 Past Convictions
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday issued pardons for more than 11,000 low-level marijuana convictions.
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Voices In The News 2019
As we close the book on 2019, we thought we’d take a few minutes to listen back to what has been a most consequential year in Illinois government and…
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State Minimum Wage Increases January 1
SPRINGFIELD – The minimum wage in Illinois is about to go up by a dollar. According to the Illinois Department of Labor, it will be $9.25 per hour on January 1, 2020. It will rise to $10 per hour on July 1, 2020. State lawmakers approved the wage hike in February, and it’s the first…
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New Year, New Illinois Laws: What’s Coming In 2020
The more than 255 new Illinois laws taking effect on New Year’s Day may affect everything from your car to your paycheck. We took a look at some of the biggest changes coming in 2020. Higher Wages, Tip Ownership Illinois minimum wage is going up by a dollar, from $8.25 to $9.25, starting New Year’s Day…
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Illinois Officials Review State Ethics Laws
A group of Illinois officials met Monday to begin a review of the state’s ethics laws for lobbyists and elected office holders. The meeting comes in the wake of a remarkable year for corruption allegations, even by Illinois standards. Several state and local lawmakers, lobbyists, and municipalities have either been charged with crimes, had their…
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Illinois Congressional Delegation Sticks To Party Lines On Impeachment Vote
House Democrats in large part supported two impeachment articles against President Donald Trump, charging him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois was one of three lawmakers who missed the historic House votes The Republican from the 15th congressional district is not seeking reelection and was on a long-planned…
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Raoul Sues JUUL For Role In “Youth E-Cigarette Epidemic”
Illinois’ Attorney General is suing e-cigarette maker JUUL Labs, alleging the company intentionally hooked teens on vaping.
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House Judiciary Committee Approves 2 Articles Of Impeachment Against Trump
After an abrupt end to a contentious day of debate, the panel reconvened Friday morning to pass the articles on party-line votes. The full House of Representatives is expected to vote next week.
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Revamped Trade Deal Offers ‘Hope’ To IL Farm Bureau
Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert says the new trade agreement the U-S has brokered with Canada and Mexico offers hope after a tough year for the state’s farmers. Guebert says Canada and Mexico were already strong trading partners for Illinois farmers, but the ongoing trade dispute with China has made U-S’ neighbors to the…
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Credit Rating Agencies Issue Warnings About Illinois
A pair of credit rating agencies issued warnings Tuesday on the finances of both the state of Illinois — and its largest city. Moody’s Investors Service looked at whether America’s 25 biggest cities are prepared for a recession. Among them, just two were rated notably “weaker” than their peers: Detroit and Chicago. Moody’s warns that high debt…
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Sexual Harassment Training Required In Illinois Starting In January
Beginning in January, all Illinois employers will have to start providing sexual harassment training for their employees. It’s part of a new law called the Workplace Transparency Act. Every employer of any size, whether public or private, will now have to provide training based on a model the state’s Department of Human Rights will come…
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Ban On Belittling Illinois Inmates Now Includes Transgender People
An Illinois Department of Corrections’ policy prohibiting disparaging language on social media about inmates went into effect November 1. Beginning December 1 transgender individuals were included among protected groups. The original policy forbid department employees from posting vulgar, obscene, intimidating, harassing; or disparaging content to a person or group based or race, religion, sexual orientation…
