Politics

Illinois Politics

Pritzker's election year budget address promises temporary election year tax discounts

The promised tax breaks are small and temporary, and critics highlighted the election year rhetoric. Still, the Governor's own aides admit finances are at a “tread water point.”

Politics

Kinzinger continues to flail against Trump, encourages "Party Raiding"

One year after launching his Country First PAC, Kinzinger is now actively encouraging "party-raiding." Kinzinger is not seeking reelection in Illinois' 16th District.

Weather

Weather and risky travel cancels legislative work

The NWS said that rain and sleet were expected Tuesday night, freezing rain and snow with as much as 7 inches by Wednesday morning. Up to 8 more inches of snow predicted on Wednesday and 5 inches on Thursday.

Illinois Politics

Pritzker's budget includes $1B in sales, property tax relief

Just in case you weren't sure it is an election year...

Chicago Journal

Biden calls for release of Lombard native Mark Frerichs, being held hostage in Afghanistan

Frerichs, a civil engineer and contractor from Lombard, Illinois, was kidnapped in January 2020 from the capital of Kabul. He is believed to be in the custody of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network.

Chicago Journal

Ethics watchdog says Illinois Democrat Party Rep. Marie Newman may have violated federal law

Newman settled a lawsuit brought by an adviser and both signed NDAs, but the OEC detailed "substantial reason" for the House committee to subpoena Newman's former adviser as it conducts its review.

Illinois Politics

Rumored for weeks, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin officially announces bid for governor

Irvin is the fifth candidate seeking the GOP spot on the November ballot. If elected, Irvin would be the first black governor of Illinois.

Chicago Politics

Fast Eddie seeks prison release over COVID concerns

Attorneys said the 84-year-old suffers from medical conditions including dementia and has a compromised immune system that would put him at higher risk for severe illness or death.

Chicago Journal

Former LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo making bid against Rep. Mrvan for Indiana seat

The 1st District hugs the NW Indiana shore where Democrats have typically won for decades. Milo is a Navy veteran and won her first election as LaPorte’s mayor in 2011 at age 28 and was reelected in 2015.

Law

7th Circuit rules Kankakee and McHenry Counties must end ICE contracts

Officials in McHenry and Kankakee counties, who didn’t return messages Thursday, have previously said they'd continue to appeal.

Chicago Journal

Veteran Indiana legislator Mrvan stepping down from seat

The 88-year-old Democratic Sen. Frank Mrvan of Hammond didn’t give a reason for his resignation but he has been absent from legislative sessions for weeks at a time in recent years for undisclosed health reasons.

Chicago Politics

Lori Lightfoot tests positive for COVID

The Mayor last received a vaccine booster shot about two months ago.