(SPRINGFIELD) Downstate lawmaker Adam Niemerg of Effingham County is introducing legislation in Springfield aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from obtaining drivers’ licenses. House Bill 4184 would ban non-U.S. citizens from getting or renewing driver’s licenses or permits, and require license and permit applicants to affirm their ability to read and write in English. The measured is referred to as “Claytons’ Law” in remembrance of Cole County Board member Mike Clayton and his wife, who died in a recent Clark County crash involving an illegal immigrant charged with DUI and reckless homicide, plus who has a history of many violations.
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) An Illinois congresswoman says the public is right to be alarmed about elected officials enriching themselves through insider trading. The U.S. House Administration Committee held a hearing in Washington this past Wednesday to discuss legislation aimed at restricting stock trading by federal lawmakers and their families. Representative Mary Miller of Oakland said during the hearing that fellow lawmakers lack the “fear of God” when it comes to putting self-gain over the needs of their constituents. It was earlier this year that the Restore Trust in Congress Act was introduced in Washington, but no action has been taken on it so far.
(CHICAGO) The National Fraternal Order of Police reports that through October 31st, a total of 285 police officers have been shot in the line of duty across the United States this year, with the number down 5% from the same period a year ago in 2024. Illinois tied for tenth on the list of most officers shot this year with nine, with all but two surviving their injuries.
(SPRINGFIELD) According to the annual survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation, Thanksgiving dinner prices in Illinois mirrored national trends by declining for a third straight year. Volunteer shoppers taking part in the survey reported a statewide average price of $49.20 for a classic holiday feast for ten people, which equals out to around $4.92 per person.