
PRITZKER TO CALL SPECIAL SESSION AFTER SCOTUS ABORTION RULING
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times June 25, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Governor J.B. Pritzker to call a special session of the General Assembly to focus on legislation to strengthen abortion laws in Illinois. Pritzker announced Friday after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 abortion rights case RoeContinue reading “PRITZKER TO CALL SPECIAL SESSION AFTER SCOTUS ABORTION RULING”

Comedian Trevor Noah Will To Headline Illinois State Fair Lottery Grandstand
By The Chicago Times Staff June 20, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Trevor Noah, Emmy Award-winning host of the “The Daily Show”, will bring his stand-up comedy to the Illinois Lottery Grandstand stage on Friday, August 19. Noah has written, produced, and starred in 11 comedy specials, including his most recentContinue reading “Comedian Trevor Noah Will To Headline Illinois State Fair Lottery Grandstand”

Pritzker Signs Legislation Increasing Mental Health Workforce In Illinois
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times June 12, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3617 on Friday which is hoped to address the shortage of mental health professionals in Illinois and increase access to high-quality mental health services across the State. According to the Governor’s Office “TheContinue reading “Pritzker Signs Legislation Increasing Mental Health Workforce In Illinois”

Pritzker Signs Bill to Expand Use of Expressway Cameras for Law Enforcement Investigations
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times June 4, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Governor J. B. Pritzker signed two pieces of legislation on Friday that expand the use of expressway cameras for law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal activities along expressways and State highways. This legislation is effective immediately. “There isContinue reading “Pritzker Signs Bill to Expand Use of Expressway Cameras for Law Enforcement Investigations”

Pritzker Signs Bills Aimed To Combat Carjackings
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a series of bills designed to combat the ever-rising level of carjackings and vehicle thefts. According to the Governor’s Office, the bills target the use of key-fob-hacking, allocate $6.5 million in law enforcement grants, and waiveContinue reading “Pritzker Signs Bills Aimed To Combat Carjackings”

Pritzker To Place Grocery Sales Tax On A Diet
by Horace Douglas, The Chicago Times April 8, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker announced plans to suspend grocery taxes and freeze the state’s fuel tax. According to Pritzker’s office, $1.8 billion have been earmarked in the new budget for taxpayer relief. “Over the last few weeks,Continue reading “Pritzker To Place Grocery Sales Tax On A Diet”

Killer Nurse Convicted
By Janice Cameron, The Chicago Times March 24, 2022 EDWARDSVILLE, IL – A licensed practical nurse has been convicted on charges of reckless conduct for failing to administer life-saving measures to a Collinsville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center patient. According to Madison County prosecutors, Christy McCall, 45, of Belleville was convictedContinue reading “Killer Nurse Convicted”

Alvarez Resigns From Illinois Tollway
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times March 15, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Another political appointee of Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker has resigned from the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. According to Pritzker’s office, Jose Alvarez submitted a letter of resignation that stated his departure would be effective immediately. AlvarezContinue reading “Alvarez Resigns From Illinois Tollway”

FORMER ILLINOIS HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE ‘APPLES’ MADIGAN INDICTED
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times March 2, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan was indicted Wednesday on 22 criminal counts including racketeering and bribery. According to federal prosecutors, for decades Madigan, 79, used the power of his elected offices and professional position to furtherContinue reading “FORMER ILLINOIS HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE ‘APPLES’ MADIGAN INDICTED”

Springfield To Address Teacher Shortage
By Janice Cameron, The Chicago Times March 2, 2022 SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers presented legislation last Thursday that proposes to solve the alarming teacher shortage that is plaguing Illinois. The proposed legislation will extend the number of days retired teachers would be able to teach within a given school year, lowerContinue reading “Springfield To Address Teacher Shortage”

Illinois Judge Dismisses Pritzker’s School Mask Mandate
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times February 18, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Governor J. B. Pritzker’s appeal of a Sangamon County’s ruling over school mask mandates has been dismissed by an appellate court early on Friday. In earlier February, a Sangamon County judge ruled that Pritzker’s mask mandate was invalid. Continue reading “Illinois Judge Dismisses Pritzker’s School Mask Mandate”

Pritzker Touts Reelection Year Tax Relief
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times January 31, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Governor J.B. Pritzker plans to present on Wednesday a reelection year budget proposal with $1 billion in one-time tax relief. Many critics see this proposal as a reelection gimmick to buy votes. Pritzker was set to present hisContinue reading “Pritzker Touts Reelection Year Tax Relief”
Plainfield Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase In Indiana
By David Slavik, The Chicago Times January 21, 2022 LAPORTE COUNTY, IN – A Plainfield man was arrested Thursday after leading Indiana State Police in high pursuit chase in LaPorte County, Indiana. According to Indiana State Police, state troopers were following a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with stolen plates southboundContinue reading “Plainfield Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase In Indiana”
Pritzker Announces Next Phase Of Houbolt Road Project In Joliet
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times January 20, 2022 JOLIET, IL — Gov. J. B. Pritzker announced Thursday the next phase of construction on the new Houbolt Road bridge and interchange which is part of Pritzker’s $1.2 billion commitment to improve and modernize Interstate 80 through the bipartisan Rebuild IllinoisContinue reading “Pritzker Announces Next Phase Of Houbolt Road Project In Joliet”
Decatur: Man Arrested In Connection Of Carjacking A Good Samaritan
By Janice Cameron, The Chicago Times January 20, 2022 DECATUR, IL — A man wanted for the carjacking of a good Samaritan in Indiana was arrested in Decatur, Illinois. Decatur police reported that Randy Terrell Brown-Watkins was arrested on January 13 in Decatur on separate charges and is awaiting extraditionContinue reading “Decatur: Man Arrested In Connection Of Carjacking A Good Samaritan”
DURKIN TO COMBAT ‘SMASH AND GRAB’ ROBBERIES
By Horace Douglas, The Chicago Times January 4, 2022 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois State Representative Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, has proposed a bill to target the rise of “smash-and-grab” robberies. Durkin, Minority Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives, proposed House Bill 4275 which will make organized retail theft aContinue reading “DURKIN TO COMBAT ‘SMASH AND GRAB’ ROBBERIES”
Four Suspects Arrested In Bradley Hotel Shooting That Killed Police Officer
By The Chicago Times Staff December 31, 2021 BRADLEY, IL – Four suspects in connection with the murder and wounding of police officers at a hotel in Bradley Illinois have been arrested. According to Bradley police, Darius D Sullivan, 25, wanted in connection to the shooting, was taken into onContinue reading “Four Suspects Arrested In Bradley Hotel Shooting That Killed Police Officer”
Secretary Of State To Close Driver Services Facilities For 2 Weeks
By The Chicago Times Staff December 30, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Secretary of State Jesse White ordered all driver services facilities to close for two weeks in January due to COVID-19. According to a press release on Wednesday, the closure will be from Jan 3 through Jan 17. White’s officeContinue reading “Secretary Of State To Close Driver Services Facilities For 2 Weeks”
Alleged Murderer of Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Captured
By The Chicago Times Staff December 30, 2021 FAIRFIELD, IL — The suspect in the murder of a Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy has been captured. Ray Tate, 40, of Kentucky, allegedly hijacked a semi-truck after the murder of Deputy Sean Riley. Tate held the driver of the semi-truck at gunpointContinue reading “Alleged Murderer of Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Captured”

Illinois Loses 122,000 Residents In 2021
By Horace Douglas, The Chicago Times December 29, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL – According to the latest census figures for Illinois, nearly 122,000 residents have left the state. According to the data, the net loss of 122,000 inhabitants has not been seen since the year 2000. Population loss is due toContinue reading “Illinois Loses 122,000 Residents In 2021”
University Of Illinois To Go Remote For Spring
By Horace Douglas, The Chicago Times December 22, 2021 CHICAGO – University officials at University of Illinois Chicago and Northwestern University announced they will be joining other colleges that return to remote learning when students return from holiday break. According to a press release, the remote session will last theContinue reading “University Of Illinois To Go Remote For Spring”
Illinois: Minimum Wage To Increase On New Year’s Day
By John McPhaul, The Chicago Times December 21, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois’ minimum wage will be raised to $12 per hour on January 1, 2022. The $1 raise will be applied to every hour worked in the New Year and is part of legislation passed into law by Gov.Continue reading “Illinois: Minimum Wage To Increase On New Year’s Day”

Pritzker Officially Repeals Parental Notice Of Abortion Act
By Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times December 17, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Just before heading off for the weekend this Friday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation repealing a law that required parental notification before a minor receives an abortion. The repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act alsoContinue reading “Pritzker Officially Repeals Parental Notice Of Abortion Act”
Edwardsville: Workers Killed In Amazon Warehouse Collapse
by The Chicago Times Staff December 11, 2021 EDWARDSVILLE, IL – It has been confirmed that several Amazon workers have died after an Amazon warehouse roof collapsed as a result of severe weather in the Edwardsville area on Friday night. There are also several workers trapped in the collapsed building.Continue reading “Edwardsville: Workers Killed In Amazon Warehouse Collapse”
Illinois General Assembly To Vote On Banning Ghost Guns
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times December 10, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois General Assembly is expected to vote on new legislation prohibiting so-called “ghost guns” in the state next year. “If we don’t get ahead of this, there will be a significant increase in the already severe violence,”Continue reading “Illinois General Assembly To Vote On Banning Ghost Guns”
Schakowsky Supports Bill That Would Force Online Sellers To Identify Themselves
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times December 8, 2021 CHICAGO – Rep. Jan Schakowsky is sponsoring a new bill to help protect consumers from purchasing stolen goods from “organized retail crime.” Large-scale smash and grabs have been on the rise across the country, in which a large group of peopleContinue reading “Schakowsky Supports Bill That Would Force Online Sellers To Identify Themselves”

Illinois To Crackdown On Disability Parking Abuse
by The Chicago Times Staff November 27, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White aims to crack down on the misuse of disabled parking placards at shopping malls over the holiday season. Parking lot stings will target drivers who abuse placard use, as well as those whoContinue reading “Illinois To Crackdown On Disability Parking Abuse”

Pritzker Signs New U.S. House District Map
by Frank Conklin November 25, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL – On Monday, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the new U.S. House district map that reflects Illinois’ diversity and preserves minority representation in Illinois’ delegation in accordance with the federal Voting Rights Act after reviewing the General Assembly’s congressional maps drawn with 2020Continue reading “Pritzker Signs New U.S. House District Map”
IDES Moving To Direct Deposit
by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times November 22, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Monday that debit cards will no longer be accepted as a payment method for unemployment insurance benefits. IDES is encouraging claimants who receive benefit payments by debit card to switch toContinue reading “IDES Moving To Direct Deposit”