Illinois Politics
Gov. Pritzker signs new heavily Democrat gerrymandered Illinois congressional map into law
Interest groups and activists, many aligned with Democrats on most issues, criticized the secretive process and the result.
Illinois Politics
Illinois State Politics from the Chicago Journal.
Illinois Politics
ILETSB Director fired after giving improper law certificate to donor, the son of Warren Buffett
An investigation found that 3 hours after the ILETSB accepted a donation from Howard Buffett in 2019 for a canine training program, Fischer issued a waiver to allow Buffett to serve as a part-time undersheriff and a certificate to become a part-time law enforcement officer.
Illinois Politics
Pritzker signs amendment to Illinois conscience law
The law was adopted in 1978 and Democrat AG Kwame Raoul asked Pritzker to encourage legislation to make clear the law was not intended to cover a pandemic.
Illinois Politics
Illinois Democrats' attempt to remove "conscience" from vaccine decision faces legal uncertainty
Citing three federal statutes, Democrats claim their action had nothing to do with curtailing religious freedom but constitutional scholars question how accessible those statutes are. The state currently has 11 lawsuits pending.
Chicago Journal
Illinois Secretary of State unveils new web address to combat fraud
Don't worry too much, the old website, at cyberdriveillinois.com, will continue to redirect to the new website. Just don't be alarmed.
Chicago Politics
Ex-Illinois House Leader Luis Arroyo pleads guilty to bribery
The so-called blind plea, offered without knowing of the sentence he will receive, could land the 67-year-old Chicago Democrat in prison for 20 years and cost him a $250,000 fine. Sentencing was set for Feb. 18.
Opinion & Comment
Opinion: The amendment to SB1169 is an immoral power grab using COVID as convenient excuse
A pair of Illinois House Reps from some of the wealthiest districts in the state are out for your conscience. And they're going to take it from you, whether you like it or not.
Illinois Politics
Gov. Pritzker declares gun violence a public health crisis
In addition to the formal declaration, the Pritzker admin is establishing the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention and the Reimagine Public Safety Plan, providing $250 million in state and federal funding towards the initiative.
Politics
Adam Kinzinger won't seek reelection
Kinzinger announced his decision in a video early Friday, saying the "time is now" to move on.
Chicago Journal
Illinois Dems ignore promises and embrace gerrymandering, approve controversial maps
The Princeton Gerrymandering Project, a nonpartisan group that evaluates maps, gave Illinois' maps an "F" grade, saying they give Democrats a significant advantage and are "very uncompetitive."
Chicago Journal
Bill would remove 'conscience' as basis for refusing vaccine
The Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act states that Illinois will respect and protect the right of conscience of all persons who refuse to obtain, receive, or accept medical care as well as those providing it. Illinois Democrats are trying to "carve-out" an exception to that for COVID.
Law
Illinois Senate OKs repealing abortion parental notification
Despite support from nearly three-quarters of Illinoisans in favor of parental notification of under-18 abortion, Illinois Senate Democrats moved forward with a proposal to repeal the law requiring parental notification of an abortion under 18 years old.