The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is backing plaintiffs in a major constitutional challenge to Illinois’ sweeping ban on semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines, asserting the law violates the Second Amendment. A panel of the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals is reviewing the case, which originated in the Southern District of Illinois where a federal judge ruled the 2023 law unconstitutional.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker faced sharp criticism during a U.S. House hearing Thursday over his state's sanctuary policies and ongoing population decline. Republican lawmakers pressed the Democrat on whether the state's migrant policies are politically motivated, citing the state’s loss of a congressional seat and continued outmigration.
A group of Illinois Republican lawmakers is suing Democratic legislative leaders, accusing them of violating the state constitution by rushing through the newly approved state budget without allowing proper review or public input. Filed in Sangamon County Circuit Court, the lawsuit targets the process used to pass the $53 billion spending plan and related bills.
Illinois legislators are set to receive yet another pay raise as part of the state’s massive $55.2 billion budget, the largest in Illinois history. The 3,300-page spending plan was filed late Friday, just a day before the vote deadline. The budget includes a $7,000 pay bump for lawmakers, pushing the total pay raise under Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration to more than $30,000 since he took office.
Illinois lawmakers gathered Tuesday to highlight the rise of antisemitism in the state, pointing to a 59% increase in incidents this year, with over 335 cases reported. The #StopTheHate campaign, championed by Democrat legislators like state Sen. Laura Fine and Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl, urged citizens to "communicate with empathy" to combat hate. However, questions remain about the lack of specific action against antisemitic violence, particularly on college campuses.
Illinois lawmakers are facing pushback from small business owners as the state’s spring legislative session nears its end. Proposals to expand gambling by allowing internet casinos appear to be stalling for now, but one key legislator says the idea isn’t dead yet.
The Memorial Day 2025 Wall of Remembrance is now on display at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, offering a powerful tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation. Unveiled by Illinois Senate Republicans on Thursday, the display features photos and remembrances that cycle on a large screen in the Capitol rotunda.
Proposals to expand Illinois’ gambling laws to allow internet casinos are facing resistance as the spring legislative session nears its end, but some lawmakers say there’s still a chance it could happen. State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, a key figure in previous gambling expansions, noted that with just days left before adjournment, “anything is possible.”
Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield Tuesday with just 11 days left to finalize the state's annual budget. Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed a nearly $55 billion spending plan—the largest in Illinois history. Despite revenue coming in lower than expected, Pritzker claims his administration is crafting a "tight budget."
Illinois gun shops are bracing for disruption as the Illinois State Police (ISP) prepares to take down its Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) verification system for maintenance. The planned outage, set from 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, through 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, will prevent retailers from validating FOID cards — effectively halting all legal ammunition and firearm sales during that time.
