(SPRINGFIELD) The National Weather Service says at least nine tornadoes impacted portions of northern Illinois last Friday afternoon and evening. Authorities say the Village of Lena in Stephenson County suffered widespread damage, but there were no deaths or serious injuries reported. The same is the case elsewhere with three tornadoes confirmed in Winnebago County, two in Iroquois County and others in the counties of LaSalle, Livingston, Kendall, and Ford.
(SPRINGFIELD) An U.S. District Court Judge has dismissed a state lawsuit against President Trump over his deployment of National Guard troops to Illinois. Yesterday’s ruling said the matter is now “moot” after the President announced the removal of the troops in December. While Governor J.B. Pritzker said the President’s move was reckless and an illegal abuse of power, others note that the Governor himself made no attempt at all to protect Illinois citizens.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois House passed legislation late last week to strengthen protections for child victims of abuse during court proceedings. The main focus of House Bill 3393, which was sponsored by State Representative Adam Niemerg, is to extend the speedy trial process by 30 days, if a judge denies closed circuit testimony, allowing victims additional time to submit evidence before the trial. Supported by most all downstate lawmakers, the bill applies to most all cases involving criminal sexual assault, abuse, and/or battery. It now goes to the State Senate.
(SPRINGFIELD) A two-year extension of Illinois’ COLA pension buyout program is headed to the State Senate. The voluntary program allows retirees in Illinois’ four statewide retirement systems to receive a lump-sum payment in exchange for forgoing future 3% compounded cost-of-living adjustments. The State House unanimously passed Bill 5196 last Friday. Supporters say the buyouts have reduced Illinois’ pension liabilities by an estimated $2.6 billion so far.