Illinois Quick Hits: Freedom Caucus urges DOJ investigation of Illinois

Illinois Quick Hits: Freedom Caucus urges DOJ investigation of Illinois

Spread the love

(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

Court OKs $45M verdict in talc asbestos case, including $30M for ‘reduced lifespan’

Court OKs $45M verdict in talc asbestos case, including $30M for ‘reduced lifespan’

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square (Legal Newsline) - An Illinois appeals court has thrown open a new avenue for personal injury lawyers and others to claim potentially...
Taxpayers to fund $424.9M soccer stadium infrastructure

Taxpayers to fund $424.9M soccer stadium infrastructure

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Fire may be building their own soccer stadium, but city taxpayers will be on the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Benton pulls name from ballot after resignation

Illinois Quick Hits: Benton pulls name from ballot after resignation

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, who resigned from his seat in the Illinois House of Representatives...

Everyday Economics: Inflation may have peaked. That does not mean the Fed is ready to cut

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged last month, but its latest projections showed a committee that is increasingly divided over what comes next. The...
Zillow analyst names culprit of flat home sales, high housing prices

Zillow analyst names culprit of flat home sales, high housing prices

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Home sales are increasing slightly and mortgage costs are dropping across the nation, a new Zillow report reveals. Yet both the price of sold homes...
Senate to vote to confirm Blanche, other key nominations next week

Senate to vote to confirm Blanche, other key nominations next week

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Both chambers of Congress will return to Capitol Hill this week after more than a week away for the July 4 recess, and the Senate...
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness

Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness

By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square South Carolina U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s strongest allies in the U.S. Senate and a former presidential candidate, died Saturday night...
Healthcare leaders urge caution in fraud enforcement

Healthcare leaders urge caution in fraud enforcement

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square As healthcare affordability continues to persist as a top concern for voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, the Trump administration has pursued Medicare and...
School reviews paraprofessional’s social media post about Trump

School reviews paraprofessional’s social media post about Trump

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Putnam County Community Unit School District #535 paraprofessional is facing criticism after a social media...
USDA: California owes $1.4 billion because of SNAP errors

USDA: California owes $1.4 billion because of SNAP errors

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square California saw $1.4 billion in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program errors for Fiscal Year 2025. That accounts for $3.8 million every single day. That's part of...
Victor Marx wins Colorado Republican primary for governor

Victor Marx wins Colorado Republican primary for governor

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square First-time candidate Victor Marx narrowly beat out veteran state lawmaker Barb Kirkmeyer to win the Colorado Republican primary for governor. The results came more than...
Op-Ed: Parents deserve open banking without extra fees

Op-Ed: Parents deserve open banking without extra fees

By Alleigh Marré | American Parents CoalitionThe Center Square Every parent makes hundreds of decisions each day to keep family life moving. Paying for the things your family needs shouldn't...
Federal deficit reaches 'astounding' levels

Federal deficit reaches ‘astounding’ levels

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Only nine months into fiscal year 2026, the U.S. government has already borrowed $1.4 trillion, surpassing the entire federal deficit of the previous fiscal year....
Special investigation petition filed in Springfield after rep’s indictment

Special investigation petition filed in Springfield after rep’s indictment

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House will convene a special investigative committee after 11 House Republicans filed paperwork Friday. House...
Illinois Quick Hits: Carbondale store owner sentenced for SNAP fraud

Illinois Quick Hits: Carbondale store owner sentenced for SNAP fraud

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Carbondale store owner has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison after he admitted to...