“Ma’am I’ve got some good news for you. Your grandson is being released from prison.”
Get the latest news headlines from around Illinois.
Daily Herald: Proposal on inheritance taxes would devastate Illinois farmers
With an effective state and local tax rate of 15 percent, Illinois has the highest state and local taxes — almost 39 percent higher than the average U.S. household. It’s no surprise then, that Kiplinger voted Illinois the least-friendly state for middle-class Americans to move to.
According to Illinois Policy’s August jobs data analysis, Illinois’ unemployment rate has flatlined while national unemployment rates have decreased.
Quad-City Times: Column: Illinois considers parole for lifers
I made that phone call about 20 years ago after covering a session of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and seeing the board members vote to parole a long-serving inmate.
ABC 7 Chicago: Medical marijuana, more popular than ever, could still cost you your job in Illinois
Medical marijuana is more popular than ever in Illinois, despite the fact that recreational marijuana has been legal for more than a year. In fact, data indicates the spike in medical marijuana usage may be because of recreational marijuana, which is taxed at a much higher rate.
But it’s also a resource for doctors and patients struggling with chronic conditions and looking to avoid using opiates.
The Center Square: Another minority group challenges Illinois’ legislative maps
Another group is protesting the Democratic-drawn legislative maps in Illinois.
The Illinois African Americans for Equitable Redistricting (IAAFER) has filed a complaint with the Department of Justice to ensure that the maps optimize opportunities for minority voters to elect candidates of their choice. IAAFER also shared concerns regarding prison gerrymandering and how the practice will divert over $800 million from Black communities to prison towns between now and the next Census.
Telegraph: August sees higher sports wagering in Illinois
Sports betting volume rose in Illinois during August, foreshadowing what gaming experts say could be a busy fall.
Illinois sportsbooks in August posted an 8.5% gain in betting volume from July, the first month-over-month gain in wagering since March, according to PlayIllinois.com. The boost to more than $400 million in wagering was welcome ahead of a critical time of year for the industry, according to the firm.