Archive for July 2025
Former ComEd CEO sentenced to 2 years for bribery scheme targeted at Madigan
Article Summary Former Commonwealth Edison CEO Anne Pramaggiore has been sentenced to 24 months in prison in addition to a $750,000 fine — the second of the “ComEd Four” to face sentencing after their 2023 convictions on bribing ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan via jobs and contracts for his political allies. Despite his tossing most…
Read MoreFederal housing credit expansion could increase affordable rental units in Illinois: report
Article Summary The latest federal domestic policy plan increases funding for the Low-Income Tax Housing Credit by 12%. The expanded tax credit could allow construction of 34,700 new affordable housing units in Illinois, according one report. Supporters of the tax credit say Illinois should enact its own tax credit for housing developers to help increase…
Read More‘The public deserves to know.’ State agency withholds details in girl’s death
Capitol News Illinois Article Summary An 18-year-old girl died in a foster home in Fairview Heights, Illinois, where she lived for four years. The state’s Department of Children and Family Services is refusing to release a timeline of her case until a criminal investigation and trial are completed. A decades-old state law requires the agency…
Read MoreStudy: Education still pays, but barriers to upward mobility persist in Illinois
Capitol News Illinois Article Summary A new study shows there are barriers to upward mobility in Illinois, especially for women and people of color. People who grow up in lower-income families tend to earn less as adults than those from wealthier families, even after earning similar degrees and going to work in similar fields. Educational…
Read MoreCook County Dems back Croke for comptroller, no endorsement for Senate race
Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The Cook County Democratic Party, one of the most powerful political organizations in the state, chose to back Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, in her bid to be the next state comptroller. The comptroller endorsement sparked an intraparty fight, with House Speaker Chris Welch on one side and Senate President Don…
Read MorePritzker seeks more regulatory authority over homeowners insurance business
Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Gov. JB Pritzker is asking lawmakers to pass legislation this fall to give the state more control over the rising cost of homeowners insurance. State Farm, based in Bloomington, recently announced it is raising premiums by an average of 27.2%, due mainly to the risk of losses from severe weather.…
Read MoreWho is contributing to Illinois’ U.S. Senate candidates?
Capitol News Illinois Article Summary U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi raised the most money in the first quarter of fundraising for the 2026 Illinois Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and has already launched a TV ad. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton received money from some of the most politically connected donors in state politics, from Gov. JB…
Read MoreComptroller Mendoza won’t run for reelection, opening up statewide office
Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Susana Mendoza will not run for reelection as Illinois comptroller, the state’s chief financial officer. She is rumored to be considering a run for Chicago mayor. Mendoza held the comptroller’s office during the worst budgetary crisis in state history and through the COVID-19 pandemic. A key step in how Cook…
Read MoreIllinois bet on solar to meet its climate goals. Trump has the industry in his crosshairs.
Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Congress’ latest budget package slashed federal tax incentives for solar developments. Industry insiders said the latest federal policies create “a lot of uncertainty.” Illinois facilitates significant funding for the renewables industry, particularly for solar, which provides some insulation against the federal action. Still, advocacy groups fear energy prices will rise…
Read MoreIntoxicating hemp remains unregulated in Illinois following legislative inaction
Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Industrial hemp production was legalized in the U.S. and in Illinois in 2018. The industry was largely expected to produce items like industrial textiles and non-intoxicating CBD products. Since then, a legal “gray area” has allowed for hemp to be used in the production of unregulated, intoxicating and synthetic THC…
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