(SPRINGFIELD) The fact that a majority of state legislative primaries in Illinois feature either a single candidate or no candidate at all is alarming to political science officials around the state. In 12 of 23 races in the State Senate, the winning party is already determined because either no Republican or no Democrat filed to get on the ballot. The same is true in 67 of the 118 races in the State House. The number of primaries with a single person running is now over 50%. Of those state races, 8 Senate districts have only a Democrat running where 4 have only a Republican on the ballot. In the State House, 44 races have only Democrats running where 23 districts have only a Republican, plus there are multiple races with write-in candidates as well. Illinois’ primary election is March 19th.
(CARBONDALE) Three federal judges in Illinois have standing orders for their courtrooms allowing extra time for oral arguments only for young lawyers who are either female or a member of a minority race. A recent complaint against the practice alleges the orders are unconstitutionally discriminatory in nature. The watchdog group “America First Legal” filed the complaint against three judges from the Southern District of Illinois with the Chief Judge of the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Tourism has announced its new outdoor video series featuring stories from Illinois adventurers spotlighting the range of outdoor recreation & activities available throughout the state. The series of videos titled “Real People, Real Stories, Real Outdoors” aims to capture genuine experiences of Illinois residents and visitors exploring the outdoors, while highlighting the state’s outdoor adventures.