Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Sun-Times: John Lausch keeps his job as Chicago’s top federal prosecutor for now
John Lausch will remain on the job as the Chicago-based U.S. attorney until his successor is chosen and will not be forced to resign at the end of the month, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.
Illinois Democratic Senators Dick Durbin, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, and Tammy Duckworth won the rare exception to the blanket order of President Joe Biden to fire the remaining U.S. attorneys nominated by former President Donald Trump by Feb. 28.
Daily Herald: Editorial: Madigan's departure does not by itself signal 'new day,' but suggests one is possible
For those of us who have long advocated for an end to the Michael Madigan era, the former House speaker’s announcement Thursday that he would retire this month from the seat to which his Chicago-district constituents elected him only last November cannot help but stir some degree of satisfaction and relief.
Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, said Madigan’s resignation inaugurates a “new day” in Illinois government. The conservative Illinois Policy Institute, one of Madigan’s most persistent and long-running critics, declared that his legacy would be one of population loss, corruption and constantly escalating debt.
Crain's Chicago Business: Chicago restaurants win early court victory in bid for COVID claims
State Journal-Register: Illinois governor announces 2 programs to assist residents with high utility bills, food insecurity
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced plans on Tuesday to provide relief to Illinois residents dealing with food insecurity and high utility bills after last week’s arctic blast.
Speaking at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Pritzker announced the Illinois Finance Authority would be finalizing $15 million of low interest loans on Thursday to help municipalities that saw natural gas prices skyrocket as a result of extreme winter weather in Texas so they don’t have to burden residents with massive utility bills.
The Center Square: Bill on Gov. Pritzker’s desks pits trial lawyers and health care industry against each other
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is facing a decision on legislation that will either anger a group of those he’s politically allied with or others who represent the front line in the pandemic response.
Illinois lawmakers sent an amended House Bill 3364 to Pritzker on Feb. 4.
State Journal-Register: McCann pleads not guilty in campaign fund fraud case, receives public defender
Former state senator and gubernatorial candidate Sam McCann of Plainview pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal charges that allege he illegally spent more than $200,000 in campaign funds on cars, debts, other personal expenses and pay for himself.
McCann, 51, a Republican state senator from 2011 to early 2019, was appointed a public defender during a hearing after he told U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Eric Long that he was unemployed, being supported by his wife, a traveling nurse, and had credit card debt and loans totaling more than $30,000.
News-Gazette: Urbana council approves resolution prioritizing police de-escalation
The Urbana City Council unanimously approved a resolution that would encourage police de-escalation and transparency regarding officers’ use of force.
The resolution requires that de-escalation be prioritized in the department’s use-of-force policy and that the chief present any proposed changes to the policy to the council.