Illinois Capital News
GOP leaders call out House Dems for redistricting ‘hypocrisy’ – Dems say behind-closed-door process is ‘normal’
By GRACE BARBIC and SARAH MANSUR Capitol News Illinois gbarbic@capitolnewsillinois smansur@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Illinois House Republicans continue to demand a “fair” redistricting process, following a news report depicting Democratic lawmakers meeting behind a closed door to discuss the map-making process. The “secretive” room on Capitol grounds where House Democrats are said to be drawing maps…
Read MoreState lawmakers consider lifting ban on betting on in-state colleges, universities
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – State lawmakers are considering a number of changes to Illinois gambling laws, including a measure that would lift the prohibition on gambling on in-state colleges and universities. Other measures discussed by the House Executive Committee Wednesday, April 28, would legalize and regulate certain internet gambling programs,…
Read MoreHigh court: Petition circulators confined to gathering signatures for one party
Cannot serve one party in primary then an independent in general election By SARAH MANSUR Capitol News Illinois smansur@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — An Illinois Supreme Court decision Wednesday clarified that the state election code prohibits a person from collecting signatures for both a party candidate in a consolidated primary and an independent candidate in the consolidated…
Read MoreState drops most child support interest charges
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The state is no longer charging interest on late child support payments that are made through the Department of Healthcare and Family Services unless it’s ordered by a court, and all of the outstanding interest charges that those parents owed have been zeroed out. A spokesman…
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 MoreState gambling revenues plummet during pandemic
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Revenues flowing into state coffers from legalized gambling operations plummeted during the fiscal year that ended June 30 as casinos, racetracks and other video gambling venues were forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people also slowed down on buying lottery tickets, according to a…
Read MoreStatehouse statues of Stephen Douglas, Pierre Menard to be removed from exterior
Office of the Architect board plans future discussion on statues, artwork inside Capitol By REBECCA ANZEL Capitol News Illinois ranzel@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD — Statues of two slave-owning men with historical ties to Illinois will be moved from the Statehouse grounds in Springfield to a secure storage site, a panel of four officials voted Wednesday morning, August…
Read MoreLink charged with felony tax evasion
State senator accused of filing false 2016 return By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Terry Link was charged in federal court Thursday with a felony count of tax evasion. In a one-page document, federal prosecutors allege that Link filed a return for tax year 2016 in which he reported income…
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