A pivotal legal battle over Illinois’ ban on semi-automatic firearms is now on track to reach the U.S. Supreme Court, with a possible final decision expected by mid-2026. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has scheduled oral arguments for September 22 in a case that could determine whether any state can legally prohibit commonly owned firearms.
Illinois State University has introduced its first-ever undergraduate certificate in Queer Studies, building off its existing concentration within the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies...
A proposed ban on natural gas in Illinois could saddle homeowners with tens of thousands of dollars in added costs, according to a new analysis by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA). Legislation introduced by state Sen. Celina Villanueva and backed by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson aims to prohibit natural gas hookups in new buildings, but critics warn it could devastate household budgets and the state economy.
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.
