First Latina appointed to represent Madigan’s Chicago district
By SARAH MANSUR Capitol News Illinois smansur@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Former Speaker Michael Madigan chose a second replacement to fill the House seat he vacated last week after he publicly urged his first appointee to step down for “alleged questionable conduct,” the exact details of which remain unclear. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar was nominated by Madigan on…
Read MoreState announces new federal funding to feed low-income students
By SARAH MANSUR Capitol News Illinois smansur@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday, February 23, announced new federal funding to expand the state’s food assistance program for school-age children who would normally receive free or reduced-price meals. Pritzker said the additional funds to the existing Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Program will help feed 200,000…
Read MorePritzker calls for $15 million loan program to assist areas hit by record-high gas prices
By GRACE BARBIC Capitol News Illinois gbarbic@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker announced a low-interest loan program Tuesday, February 23, to help alleviate the unprecedented financial burden from soaring utility costs for certain Illinois municipalities and their residents. The extreme weather that devastated Texas’ electrical grid last week has resulted in skyrocketing natural gas prices…
Read MoreMadigan’s handpicked successor resigns after serving three days
By SARAH MANSUR Capitol News Illinois smansur@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Edward Guerra Kodatt, who was appointed Sunday, February 21, to replace Former Speaker Michael Madigan, resigned abruptly Wednesday, February 24, after Madigan and Chicago Alderman Marty Quinn issued a statement Tuesday night, February 23, urging Kodatt to step down in light of unspecified “alleged questionable…
Read MoreLaw enforcement groups respond to landmark criminal justice reform
By RAYMON TRONCOSO Capitol News Illinois rtroncoso@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Law enforcement groups have decried the Monday, February 22, signing of a massive criminal justice reform bill into law by Gov. JB Pritzker, referring to the legislation as anti-police with provisions that will lead to unintended consequences. House Bill 3653, referred to as the “Safe-T Act,”…
Read MoreFor Your Health: Reduce heart disease and cancer risk at the same time
By Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center Even in parts of the country experiencing an early thaw, winter starts to feel a bit long come February, particularly during the ongoing pandemic. The days are still short. The temps are still low. And the trees are still mostly bare. Yet, even amidst all that, we can take…
Read MoreLame Duck Look Back: Education bill to revamp social studies classes
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing “Lame Duck Look Back” series in which Capitol News Illinois is following up on the major bills that passed both chambers of the General Assembly in the January 8-13 lame duck session. SPRINGFIELD – Social studies classes in…
Read MoreLame Duck Look Back: The end of cash bail in Illinois
By RAYMON TRONCOSO Capitol News Illinois rtroncoso@capitolnewsillinois.com Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing “Lame Duck Look Back” series in which Capitol News Illinois is following up on the major bills that passed both chambers of the General Assembly in the January 8-13 lame duck session. This is one of several stories examining…
Read MoreIllinois aims to boost flagging tech economy with public-private research network
UI says development key to fighting brain drain, racial disparities in private sector By RAYMON TRONCOSO Capitol News Illinois | Report For America rtroncoso@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — University of Illinois faculty say an ongoing statewide investment in a public-private research network is key to boosting the state’s economy. The Discovery Partners Institute, a UI-led research and…
Read MoreTammy Carpenter
Tammy Jo Carpenter, 51, of Freeburg, Ill., passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020, in Shiloh, Ill. Mrs. Carpenter was born August 23, 1969, in Belleville, Ill., the daughter of Gary and Margaret, nee Howie, Lopez. She was the office manager for Freeburg Printing and Publishing. She served on the Freeburg Community Consolidated School District…
Read More