Brushing off concerns of overspending, Pritzker signs $53.1 billion state budget
Illinois’ largest-ever spending plan increases education, human services, infrastructure funding.
Judge considering whether slated candidates can appear on November ballot
Would-be GOP candidates sued over new law Democrats pushed through legislature.
Sam Banks and Mark Holm selected to join Champaign Unit 4 school board after months of turmoil
The Champaign-Ford Regional Office of Education announced the selection Friday, after months of turbulence on the Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education.
Illinois legislative staff union sues Speaker Welch demanding recognition
ILSA filed a lawsuit against Speaker Welch in Cook County Circuit Court Friday, alleging he’s violating their right to organize under Article I Section 25 of the Illinois Constitution – the ballot measure voters approved.
Ban on ‘captive audience’ meetings, AI regulations among 466 bills to pass this session
Bill allowing digital driver’s licenses also clears General Assembly.
Guilty: Trump becomes first former U.S. president convicted of felony crimes
The verdict represents a stunning courtroom reckoning for Trump, who was indicted in three other felony cases but wasn’t convicted until now.
Trump could still vote for himself after New York conviction if he’s not in prison on Election Day
In Trump’s case, New York law only removes the right to vote for felony convictions when people are incarcerated. Once they’re out of prison, their rights are automatically restored, even if they’re on parole, per a 2021 law passed by the state’s Democratic legislature.
Illinois reaction to Donald Trump’s guilty verdict falls on party lines
Jurors convicted Trump on all 34 counts after deliberating for 9.5 hours. As the verdict was read, he sat stone-faced in court, looking down.
Once again working through the night, lawmakers finalize $53.1 billion budget
Democrats needed three tries to pass $1.1 billion revenue plan just before 5 a.m.
Lawmakers move to pause – then further regulate – carbon dioxide pipeline development
Deal brokered by governor’s office also creates state funds for training first responders SPRINGFIELD – After state regulators rebuffed several proposed carbon transport projects over the past year, lawmakers have moved to formally ban new projects until the federal government sets forth new safety rules. The technology is used to take carbon dioxide – a…
Senate Democrats send $53.1B spending plan to House
Representatives return next week for potential final approval.
Maternal health, abortion protection measures advance as session nears end
In the final days of their spring legislative session, Democrats in the General Assembly advanced measures aimed at expanding and protecting aspects of maternal and women’s health care. If signed into law, the measures would expand insurance coverage of pregnancy and postpartum services, maintain abortion as a viable treatment option for women experiencing certain emergencies,…
Budget negotiations will extend into next week as House leaves Springfield
Two chambers ‘very close’ on agreement, but further amendments expected.
Illinois could be 19th state to phase out subminimum wage for disabled workers
But some service providers say they’ll be forced to lay off staff without increased state and federal support After years of negotiations and continued opposition from service providers, Illinois appears poised to prohibit employers from using a federal exemption that allows them to pay individuals with disabilities less than the minimum wage. The federal Fair Labor…
Proposed Urbana City Council ward maps are available for review
The Urbana City Council is expected to review three proposed ward boundary maps at its June 3rd Committee of the Whole meeting. Meanwhile, the proposed maps are posted at the city’s website for public review and comment. A link on the website’s front page takes users to information on ward redistricting. The map that wins council approval will replace Urbana’s current ward map.