Law
Illinois Senate bill to crack down on smash-and-grab thefts has bipartisan support
The bill seeks to lift jurisdictional problems that can prevent prosecution and allow any state's attorney to prosecute all aspects of an organized retail crime.
Illinois Politics
Illinois State Politics from the Chicago Journal.
Illinois Politics
Illinois Dems praise themselves for paying bills, GOP highlights federal money and unemployment shorted
The federal government provided Illinois with $8.1 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Nearly two-thirds of the reduced arrears — $2.7 billion — is coronavirus remediation money from Washington.
Illinois Politics
Civic Federation praises parts of Pritzker's budget, criticizes others
Civic Federation leaders say parts of Governor Pritzker's budget proposal mark significant progress in eliminating debt problems but say more is necessary.
Illinois Politics
Madigan pleads not guilty in racketeering, bribery case
In describing the charges and potential penalties on Wednesday, assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Singh Bhachu identified seven counts alone that each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Chicago Journal
Former State Senate Democrat Tom Cullerton officially pleads guilty to embezzlement
Former state Sen. Thomas Cullerton, a Democrat from Villa Park, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement, admitting that he improperly took more than $240,000 from the Teamsters labor union.
Chicago Journal
Madigan indictment certain to loom large over 2022 election
When he resigned a year ago, the Chicago Democrat was the longest serving legislative leader in U.S. history, with decades-long control of the House of Representatives, the Democratic Party, and the disbursal of tens of millions of dollars in campaign funding.
Illinois Politics
Illinois' ex-House speaker, Mike Madigan, charged with racketeering and bribery
Madigan, 79, is charged with 22 counts, according to the indictment.
Illinois Politics
Pritzker seeks state pension review for divestment in Russian interests
Pritzker's action follows similar overtures in other states to protest Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to invade its neighbor last week.
Chicago Journal
Take off your masks today, Illinois
The sun is shining and we'll see some warm air this week, so take off those masks and let's see those smiling faces.
Chicago Journal
Supreme Court declines appeal and Gov. Pritzker continues to pretend he controls mask mandates
The Governor appealed a temporary restraining order from Judge Raylene Grischow to the Illinois Supreme Court but IDPH rules had expired so they declined.
Illinois Politics
Suburban Democrat Sen. Tom Cullerton resigns before guilty plea in federal embezzlement case
His trial was originally scheduled for early 2020 but had been repeatedly postponed. Cullerton previously plead "Not Guilty" and, until today, had denied any wrongdoing.
Illinois Politics
Remaining immigrant detainees cleared from Illinois jails
The Illinois law was celebrated by activists who argue that detaining people awaiting immigration hearings is inhumane and costly. They’ve pushed to have detainees released nationwide.