Springfield
E-bikes faster than 28 mph will need insurance, registration under bill passed by Illinois lawmakers
The bill awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature would classify speedy electric bikes and scooters as motor vehicles starting Jan. 1 and subject their operators to the state’s drunken driving laws.
Now headed to the governor’s desk, the bill has Illinois joining California and Massachusetts in pioneering collective bargaining rights for independent rideshare contractors.
The advocacy groups, including the Citizens Utility Board, are seeking a $54 million cut to the proposal, according to filings to the Illinois Commerce Commission. The Illinois Commerce Commission is set to rule on the company’s request later this year.
The progressive Chicago mayor can finally count some wins in the Capitol after the latest session, and not just because the Bears left Springfield without any help moving to Arlington Heights.
A bill awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature would bar new immigration detention centers from being built within 1,500 feet of certain community buildings.
The governor said he and top Illinois Democratic legislative leaders have stuck to their principles in protecting taxpayers’ interests over those of an NFL franchise.
The retirement of the Regional Transportation Authority began Monday as its board was granted new powers by the landmark Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.
A Hail Mary proposal that would allow Chicago, Arlington Heights and other Cook County municipalities to create stadium financing authorities cleared the Illinois Senate but didn’t get a vote in the House.
The state spending plan includes increased funding for food assistance in the wake of federal cuts, but it didn’t go far enough for some progressive lawmakers.
Lawmakers were still holding out hope of passing legislation by Sunday night providing economic incentives for the team to stay in Illinois.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ report conveniently ignores or breezes past a few very important things.
It’s fourth down and the clock is ticking in Springfield, but Buckner is confident that lawmakers will “find a deal that works to keep the Bears in the state of Illinois” and prevent Chicago’s NFL franchise from accepting a more lucrative offer from Indiana.
Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who worked as a federal prosecutor, called the actions of U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros “shameful” and a “low point in the history of this otherwise esteemed office” — but she stopped short of pushing for his ouster.
After passing long-sought regulations on the insurance and AI industries, lawmakers’ highest profile topics to tackle will also be the toughest.
The legislation adds an additional level of oversight over insurance companies by giving the state Department of Insurance authority to review rate increases and reject them if they are found unfair.
The Springfield native, 81, came to the Capitol for a rare joint session for state lawmakers to salute his years of public service.
Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office estimates legislation under consideration in Springfield would save the Bears some $1.5 billion that would otherwise go to local taxing bodies.
Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget cuts have been circulating in Springfield as some continue to argue for “progressive revenues.”
Following a 27% rate hike by State Farm last summer, Gov. JB Pritzker and the state legislature have taken multiple stabs at regulating insurance rates.
There are just 10 days left before state legislators are scheduled to adjourn for the spring session, with May 31 marking a crucial deadline for a bill the Bears say must pass if they are to consider keeping the franchise from going to Hammond, Indiana.
The nine class-action lawsuits were filed under Illinois’ strongest-in-nation biometric data privacy law.
Sometimes a spark occurs and stuff starts moving again. Sometimes, stuff is set aside until more talks can be held over the summer. Sometimes, stuff just dies.
Senior mayoral adviser Jason Lee said even if the Illinois General Assembly approves the massive property tax break and the roughly $855 million in infrastructure money needed to ready Arlington Heights’ former racetrack site for development, building a domed stadium there is no sure thing.
The governor’s office said JB Pritzker visited a doctor but did not stay overnight at a Springfield hospital.
Often it’s for fundraisers or meetings, or as a thank-you to election volunteers. But it’s sometimes difficult to know whether political figures are living high on the hog off their campaign funds, which isn’t allowed.
CPS board members are considering a resolution that calls on Illinois lawmakers to raise taxes on corporations and wealthy residents and to pursue other measures that could boost funding for the state’s largest school district.
A baby hasn’t been illegally surrendered in Illinois since July 2023, according to the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation. That’s a total of more than 1,000 days and counting, nearly double the previous record.
It’s not yet clear how many teaching positions might be lost, though a WBEZ/Sun-Times analysis estimates it could be more than 700. CPS also plans to cut some assistant principal positions, but will increase spending on special education teachers.
Other prominent states like New York and California have taken the first steps in regulating AI. Now Illinois wants to follow suit.
After five years, the team’s quest for a new dome has been narrowed to two choices in two states, with a lot at stake for Illinois politicians.