Illinois Quick Hits: ICE asks Pritzker not to release accused kidnapper
(The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer asking Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other Illinois officials to not release a Venezuelan national who was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl in Kane County last month.
According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, Janio Gionel Velasquez Muro entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was arrested through forensic evidence on June 30.
GOVERNOR SIGNS TWO UTILITY-RELATED BILLS
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation that requires the state to publish a report that details charges on residential monthly electric bills. House Bill 5524 passed both houses of the General Assembly with unanimous support last spring.
The governor also signed House Bill 4456, which provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission may approve a low-income discount that applies to electric and natural gas customers’ entire bill and not just certain charges.
REPORT RANKS ILLINOIS COMMUTES AMONG NATION’S SAFEST
A new report says Illinois ranked among the top 10 safest states to commute in America despite recording one of the nation’s highest average crash rates.
Beck and Beck, a car accident law firm, analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine which states had the safest commutes from 2020 to 2024. Illinois placed tenth on the list.
Andrew Rice contributed to this story
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District for January 26, 2026
Land Use Committee: ‘Clean Fill’ Proposal Stalls After Unauthorized Tree Removal Sparks Environmental Concerns
Manhattan School District Approves Tax Abatement and Fund Transfers
Contracts Approved for New West Principal and District Technology Director
Manhattan-Elwood Library Officially Adopts “Library of Things” Policies and Patron Waivers
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for February 17, 2026
Board Approves New Chief of Staff and Dean Roles; Trustees Clash Over Hiring Transparency
Green Garden Township Residents Threaten Incorporation to Block 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
Library Board Proposes Land-for-Services Swap with Village of Elwood for Mississippi Lot
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Jackson Township Board for January 14, 2026