Senate Republicans again block legislation to guarantee women’s rights to IVF
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Senate Republicans again block legislation to guarantee women’s rights to IVF

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have blocked for a second time this year legislation to establish a nationwide right to in vitro fertilization, arguing that the vote is an election-year stunt after Democrats forced a vote on the issue. The Senate vote was Democrats’ latest attempt to force Republicans into a defensive stance on women’s health issues…

David Olson
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A year after end of cash bail, early research shows impact less than many hoped or feared

Jail populations down, no change in failure to appear rate, analysis shows   SPRINGFIELD – One year after Illinois became the first state in the nation to eliminate the use of cash bail, the impact on the state’s criminal justice system appears to have been far less dramatic than people on either side of the…

In bribery trial, AT&T lobbyists detail contentious meeting with Madigan ally
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In bribery trial, AT&T lobbyists detail contentious meeting with Madigan ally

Feds allege AT&T boss bribed Madigan with contract for political ally Eddie Acevedo CHICAGO – On an afternoon in late April 2017, recently retired state Rep. Eddie Acevedo was called to a meeting in the state Capitol in Springfield. The 20-year veteran lawmaker had joined his sons’ lobbying firm and was looking for work. Meeting…

Paul La Schiazza
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Trial of former AT&T Illinois boss accused of bribing Madigan begins

Feds claim AT&T won big in Springfield only after hiring ex-Illinois House speaker’s political ally CHICAGO – As the federal corruption trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza formally kicked off on Wednesday, prosecutors and defense attorneys painted two very different pictures of a political hire the telecom giant made in 2017. La…

Harris and Trump debate
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Illinois politicians fired up after Harris -Trump debate

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris faced each other on the debate stage Tuesday night for the first and possibly the last time. The Democratic vice president opened the debate with a power move, marching across the stage to Trump’s lectern to shake his hand. The exchange set the tone for the next 90 minutes. Harris…

Voice of the Voter: Spirituality playing role in ballot decision as Harris enters Presidential race
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Voice of the Voter: Spirituality playing role in ballot decision as Harris enters Presidential race

There are mixed feelings with Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden bowed out in July. Some residents in central Illinois are excited. Others are undecided. Traditionally, candidates running for President have been male and white, Harris is the first Black and South Asian woman to top the ticket. That excites Nina…

CTA train

State law banning concealed carry on public transit ruled unconstitutional

Limited ruling applies only to plaintiffs; both sides considering next steps A federal judge in Rockford has declared a state law banning concealed firearms on public transit systems unconstitutional – at least as it applies to four individuals who challenged it in court.  But the law remains in effect for everyone else as the parties…

Voice of the Voter: 18 & Eligible to Cast Ballot
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Voice of the Voter: 18 & Eligible to Cast Ballot

Before President Joe Biden left the race in July, IPM’s David Pierce checked in with young people as part of our “Voice of the Voter” series to get their thoughts on having to pick between Biden and Former President Donald Trump as they cast their ballot for the first time.  Voting is an important part…

Jack Smith
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Jack Smith files superceding indictment against Trump in Jan. 6 case

Prosecutors filed a superceding indictment in the federal criminal case against Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, after the Supreme Court granted the former president substantial immunity, according to a new court filing. Court papers said the superseding indictment was presented to a new grand jury one that had not previously heard evidence in the…