Legislation would charge teachers and others for sexually abusing 18-year-old students
(The Center Square) - In Illinois, it is not illegal for an educator or staff member to have a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student, but some Republican lawmakers want to change that. State Rep. Amy Elik, R-A...
May 18, 2024
Revisions to Illinois' biometric privacy law pass the legislature
(The Center Square) - The Illinois legislature has approved changes to the state's strict Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), but some say they didn't go far enough. Currently, a company that violates BIPA's prote...
May 17, 2024
Bill defines 'woman' as legislators oppose Illinois sponsoring teen drag show
(The Center Square) - The Illinois Freedom Caucus is promoting the Women's Bill of Rights to define biological sex and respect women. House Bill 5830 from state Rep. David Friess, R-Red Bud, would define terms like "wom...
May 17, 2024
Illinois quick hits: West Nile virus detected; monster truck show, rodeo announced for state fair
West Nile virus detected The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the first two batches of mosquitoes to test positive in 2024 for West Nile virus in Illinois, one in Hoffman Estates in Cook County and one...
May 17, 2024
Legislators aim to modify pensions with Tier 2 discussions lingering
(The Center Square) - With Fitch Ratings issuing a report about the impacts of Illinois possibly enhancing Tier 2 pension benefits, some at the statehouse are urging caution to not go overboard. Fitch said Thursday one ...
May 17, 2024
Prosecutors charge 6 with faking robberies to get U.S. visas for 'victims'
(The Center Square) - Federal prosecutors have charged six people with staging armed robberies to help purported victims get U.S. immigration visas reserved for crime victims. Prosecutors said Parth Nayi, a 26-year-old ...
May 17, 2024
Illinois quick hits: Body found in river; O'Hare parking controls
Body found in river A missing Calhoun County teen's body has been found in the Illinois River. The Jersey County Coroner reports the body of Bryar DeJaynes was found in the river near Pere Marquette Stat...
May 17, 2024
Opponents call measure 'union propaganda' that could be taught in Illinois schools
(The Center Square) - A measure seeking to allow high schools around Illinois to observe an annual "Workplace Readiness Week" is ready to be sent Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk. House Bill 4417 passed the state Senate along ...
May 16, 2024
Measure allowing 20 minutes of relaxation in Illinois schools headed to the governor
(The Center Square) - The Illinois General Assembly has advanced a measure that allows students to get the opportunity to take part in relaxation activities, including yoga, 20 minutes a week. Some warn it could lead to lawsuits. ...
May 16, 2024
Illinois quick hits: Unemployment rate increases; summer food assistance approved
Unemployment rate increases The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.8% in April. The national unemployment rate was 3.9% in April, up a percentage point fro...
May 16, 2024