Illinois Quick Hits: Freedom Caucus urges DOJ investigation of Illinois

Illinois Quick Hits: Freedom Caucus urges DOJ investigation of Illinois

May 21, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether the Illinois Department of Human Services facilitated noncitizen voter registration.

The Freedom Caucus’ move follows IDHS officials’ recent testimony during an Illinois Senate hearing that voter registration packets were mailed to individuals who were not U.S. citizens as part of an immigrant benefits program.

State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, said on the Illinois House floor that noncitizens could easily fill out the documents and send them to county clerks, who by state law are not allowed to check immigration status.

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES TAX BREAK FOR UC OWNERS

The Chicago City Council has approved $54.7 million property tax breaks for the Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls owners to develop the area around the United Center.

The incentives apply only to the first phase of The 1901 Project that was announced in 2024. After Wednesday’s council meeting, Mayor Brandon Johnson refused to rule out additional property tax breaks for future phases of the development.

MAYOR INDICATES NO VETO OF CHICAGO TIP CREDIT FREEZE

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has indicated that he will not veto a two-year freeze on the city’s plan to sunset its tipped wage structure, even though he would prefer to ensure pay raises for workers.

The Illinois Restaurant Association thanked the city council for approving the ordinance on Wednesday. A

ccording to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago’s full-service dining sector lost 2,100 jobs over the last year.

BAILEY APOLOGIZES TO CHICAGO, PRITZKER

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has apologized to the people of Chicago after he called the city a “hellhole” during his 2022 campaign for governor.

Bailey spoke during the city council’s public comment period on Wednesday and said he recently moved to Chicago.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s campaign said in a statement that Bailey has a long way to go.

NO LIONS, TIGERS, BEARS IN TRAVELING ACTS

The Illinois legislature has passed a bill banning the use of big cats, primates and bears in circuses, fairs and other events.

House Bill 4255 cleared the state Senate on Wednesday by a vote of 51-4 and now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk.

In 2017, Illinois became the first state in the country to ban the use of elephants in circuses and other traveling acts.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Democrats grill Kennedy, Wright, Rollins on 2027 budget requests

Democrats grill Kennedy, Wright, Rollins on 2027 budget requests

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Democratic lawmakers grilled major Trump administration officials in a series of congressional hearings Thursday, questioning the millions in federal program cuts proposed by the president’s...
Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State legislative leaders from both parties spoke to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce about the broad state...
Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State legislative leaders from both parties spoke to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce about the broad state...
Consumer advocate: Following Kansas’ lead to prevent ‘lawfare’ is ‘imperative’

Consumer advocate: Following Kansas’ lead to prevent ‘lawfare’ is ‘imperative’

By Tate MillerThe Center Square After Kansas passed legislation to prevent “lawfare” – or the making of policies apart from the legal process – a consumer protection organization said other...
Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he hopes the federal government does what’s best for consumers and businesses as...
Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he hopes the federal government does what’s best for consumers and businesses as...
New York loses $73M in federal funds tied to CDL failures

New York loses $73M in federal funds tied to CDL failures

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Federal funds totaling $73 million will be withheld from New York by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation said Thursday....
New York loses $73M in federal funds tied to CDL failures

New York loses $73M in federal funds tied to CDL failures

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Federal funds totaling $73 million will be withheld from New York by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation said Thursday....
Struggling DHS agencies plead with Congress for funding security

Struggling DHS agencies plead with Congress for funding security

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Department of Homeland Security agencies are requesting a total of $63 billion in fiscal year 2027 appropriations from Congress – even as Congress continues to...

WATCH: U.S. military strikes continue daily along Pacific drug routes

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. military's recent surge against suspected drug traffickers in the Eastern Pacific has underscored President Donald Trump's aggressive anti-drug strategy, with five deadly strikes...
law and authority lawyer concept, judgment gavel hammer in court courtroom for crime judgement legislation and judicial decision, judge having justice of punishment guilt and criminal verdict legal

Indiana Man Faces Federal Indictment, Potential Death Penalty for Momence Bar Owner’s Murder

Article Summary: State prosecutors have officially transferred the first-degree murder case against Julius Burkes to the U.S. Department of Justice. The 47-year-old Indiana man now faces federal charges, including the...
Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate reached 5% in February, up 0.1...
Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate reached 5% in February, up 0.1...
U.S. House extends Haiti TPS three years, sends to Senate

U.S. House extends Haiti TPS three years, sends to Senate

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure, 224-204, to extend temporary protected status to Haitian nationals living in the United States. Ten House Republicans...
U.S. House extends Haiti TPS three years, sends to Senate

U.S. House extends Haiti TPS three years, sends to Senate

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure, 224-204, to extend temporary protected status to Haitian nationals living in the United States. Ten House Republicans...