Capitol News Illinois

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit news organization run by the Illinois Press Foundation, dedicated to reporting on state government for newspapers across Illinois. Its funding comes from contributions made by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. The goal of Capitol News Illinois is to deliver trustworthy and impartial news about state government to over 400 daily and weekly newspapers that are part of the Illinois Press Association. They offer continuous, daily updates on the Legislature, including committee meetings, state agencies and topics, state officials, as well as the Illinois Supreme Court and legal issues.

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Prisoner Review Board reform, changes to police hiring clear General Assembly

2 weeks ago | capitolnewsillinois.com | Bridgette Fox |Ben Szalinski

SPRINGFIELD — A long-awaited bill to reform the Prisoner Review Board will soon go to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk after receiving approval in the legislature Tuesday. The House voted 74-37 to approve Senate Bill 19, which contains a series of reforms designed to include victims’ participation in Prisoner Review Board decisions. The measure now needs only a signature from the governor to become law.
Healing Illinois Project Archives

3 weeks ago | capitolnewsillinois.com | Bridgette Fox
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly joins Democratic primary to fill Durbin’s Senate seat

1 month ago | capitolnewsillinois.com | Ben Szalinski

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly is the second Democrat to step into the 2026 primary race to succeed U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Kelly, a resident of south suburban Matteson, has represented Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District since 2013 and recently served a short stint as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. “This moment requires proven leaders who have the experience to take on the toughest battles,” Kelly said in a statement.
Senate leaders split on community college bachelor’s degree proposal

1 month ago | capitolnewsillinois.com | Peter Hancock
Crimo sentenced to consecutive life sentences; high court upholds ‘venue shopping’ law

1 month ago | capitolnewsillinois.com | Jerry Nowicki |Peter Hancock

The man who pleaded guilty to a mass shooting in 2022 in Highland Park that left seven people dead and prompted the passage of a ban on assault-style weapons in Illinois, has been sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences. Robert Crimo III pleaded guilty on March 3, the day his trial was set to begin in Lake County, to 69 counts of murder and attempted murder stemming from that shooting.
‘They Still Deserve More’ protesters seek support for caretakers of people with disabilities

1 month ago | capitolnewsillinois.com | Maggie Dougherty |Tom O'Connor

SPRINGFIELD — Protesters flooded the rotunda of the Illinois Statehouse earlier this month, urging legislators to increase wages for caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The ‘They Deserve More’ coalition — representing advocacy organizations, families and over 90 agencies providing community care — is asking that these direct support personnel, or DSPs, receive at least 150% of Illinois’ minimum wage.
Prosecutors say Sen. Emil Jones III’s alleged bribery was ‘crystal clear’ as the case goes to jury

1 month ago | capitolnewsillinois.com | Hannah Meisel

CHICAGO — As prosecutors gave their closing arguments Monday in the trial of state Sen. Emil Jones III, they cast doubt on Jones’ testimony last week that red-light camera entrepreneur Omar Maani made him “uncomfortable” when he hinted at a bribe in the summer of 2019, asking the jury why — if that was true — did he keep meeting Maani for dinner and answering his calls and texts?
Sen. Jones sent spending money to former intern before getting him job feds say was a bribe

1 month ago | capitolnewsillinois.com | Hannah Meisel

CHICAGO — Christopher Katz didn’t question why he began receiving $300 weekly payments from an executive at Chicago-based red-light camera company SafeSpeed in the summer of 2019 — despite not yet having sat for a formal interview or done any work. He didn’t question why his first check was made out from an entirely different company, Presidio Capital LLC.
At Jones trial, jury hears lawmaker bringing colleague into fold of ‘personal benefits’

1 month ago | capitolnewsillinois.com | Hannah Meisel

CHICAGO — On a warm Tuesday evening in late June 2019, state Sen. Emil Jones III walked out onto the patio at a suburban steakhouse and into an hourslong dinner that would set the table for alleged bribes — and subsequent federal corruption charges. Jones, D-Chicago, dressed in a polo shirt that matched the orange rind in one of his dinner companion’s condensation-glazed cocktails, had been asked to the meal by his colleague, state Sen.
Lawmakers approve bills easing driving tests on seniors, limits on student fines

1 month ago | capitolnewsillinois.com | Ben Szalinski |Peter Hancock

SPRINGFIELD — Road tests to renew driver’s licenses could be a thing of the past for many seniors in Illinois under a bill unanimously approved Wednesday by the Illinois House. The House voted 114-0 to approve House Bill 1226, which would raise the age that seniors must take a driving exam to renew their licenses from 79 to 87.