ILLINOIS STATE NEWS BRIEF (11/12/2024)

(EAST ST. LOUIS) After hearing challenges to the state’s gun and ammunition magazine ban by several consolidated cases back in September, Southern District of Illinois Judge Stephen McGlynn issued his ruling last Friday, which included a permanent injunction against the law, although held from taking effect for 30 days. As a result, the state has filed a notice of appeal with the federal court. Judge McGlynn said in his ruling late last week that the state’s ban is “an affront to the Second Amendment and must be enjoined.”

(SPRINGFIELD) An insurance research company says Illinois is becoming increasingly vulnerable to a growing insurance crisis. Insurify says Americans have seen premiums climb to unsustainable heights and that Illinois is one of at least 15 states where insurance storm clouds are appearing on the horizon. The company says homeowners are facing rising costs and shrinking coverage options, which put their financial stalility at risk.

(SPRINGFIELD) Over 1,000 classrooms across the nation are taking part in a reading program aimed at connecting service members and students. The group United Through Reading is hosting its third annual “Story Time with a Service Member” event, which began yesterday and continues the rest of this week. The group sends a Veterans Day video package to participating schools with a library of video recordings of service members reading an age-appropriate story to nationwide classrooms. United Through Reading Story Stations are available around the world for Veterans, National Guard, reserves, and active duty members. Since 1989, more than 3.4 million military family members have benefitted.

(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield today after last week’s general election for the state’s Fall Veto Session. While a wide range of issues are looming before the General Assembly, such as increased education funding, ethics reform, mass transit reform, and more, no real action is expected until the new Legislature is seated in January.