SHOCKING: 17 - What They Never Told You

State lawmakers fail to finish budget, school district map, so they plan to try again next week

The General Assembly had planned to adjourn Friday, but Democratic leaders blew that self-imposed deadline. So lawmakers will return to Springfield on Wednesday to wrap up unfinished business, which includes the state budget and the elected school board map.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 20, 2023

Native American history would be latest public schools requirement under bill Gov. J.B. Pritzker expected to sign

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois public schools would be required to teach lessons on Midwestern Native American history beginning in the 2024-25 school year under a measure passed by state legislators that is expected to be signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Chicago Tribune · May 18, 2023

Bears finding it’ll take more than two-minute offense to win Springfield help for new stadium in Arlington Heights

State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, told lawmakers he needs more time — and more support — to clinch a deal that he says would freeze a property tax assessment for up to 40 years for the Arlington Heights stadium and create a $3 admission tax on all events held…

Chicago Sun-Times · May 18, 2023

‘Culture war’ legislation leads to anger, foolishness in Springfield

Perhaps the least controversial was House Bill 1591, which deletes some anti-miscegenation laws still on the books since 1915. Even so, nine Republicans voted against the bill.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 5, 2023

Illinois dust storm: Drivers describe blind terror of 72-car pile-up on Interstate 55 that killed seven

Shirley Harper, 88, was named as the first victim killed in the dust storm accident on interstate 55 near Springfield, Illinois

The Independent UK · May 3, 2023

ComEd verdicts jolt Illinois political world — sparking strong reactions from Republicans (and a few Democrats)

“This guilty on all charges verdict has proven what Republicans have already known. We need real ethics reform,” Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie said at a news conference in Springfield after the verdict.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 2, 2023

Death toll rises to 7 in massive downstate chain-reaction crash

A massive pileup Monday morning south of Springfield caused by a windstorm left seven people dead and involved 72 vehicles. Nearly 40 people were injured.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 1, 2023

Lawmakers can keep health care and prescription drugs affordable

Our representatives in Springfield should turn their attention to the big drug companies that continue to profit off the backs of hard-working families.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 24, 2023

Mayor-elect Johnson pitches unity to state legislators in Springfield: ‘Our challenges are not that unique’

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said he didn’t come to Springfield to “dictate” what Chicago needs when it comes to public safety dollars. “How do I call myself a collaborator and then I’m dictating?” Johnson asked reporters. “These are ongoing conversations.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 19, 2023

One of the nation’s largest solar energy projects, being built near Springfield, will provide electricity to Chicago city properties

Construction has begun on the Double Black Diamond Solar farm, which City Hall plans to buy from to provide most electricity used at O’Hare, Midway and two water-purification plants.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 14, 2023