(SPRINGFIELD) A proposal backed by Illinois Democrats to expand voter registration opportunities for high school students is raising concerns among parents and education advocates. House Bill 4339, known as the Jesse Jackson, Sr., Young Voter Empowerment Law, would require public high schools to offer voter registration to eligible students before they graduate, a move supporters say would boost civic engagement. Opponents warn the proposal would add strain to already overburdened schools, plus duplicate existing state programs.
(SPRINGFIELD) Many downstate lawmakers are calling on the General Assembly to reject outrageous legislation aimed at requiring permits for open burning. Recently introduced House Bill 4459 would mandate that anyone engaging in open burning, including home trash barrels and recreational campfires, must obtain a permit and pay a fee of up to $5.00. Under the bill, counties and municipalities would be able to create their own burn-permit regulations and establish an online platform for residents to access local requirements. The bill would impose hefty fines as well, with penalties of up to $100,000 for burning without a local permit and up to $500,000 for burning on designated “no-burn day” without a permit. Look for a lot of debate.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Judicial Watch Group has filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Filed in Sangamon County circuit court, the suit claims the Governor’s office failed to adequately respond to a FOIA request regarding a September 2025 event at which Pritzker was photographed with anti-violence worker Kellen McMiller. It was days later that McMiller was charged with murder in connection with a smash-and-grab robbery and crash in Chicago that left one person dead. McMiller had several warrants out for his arrest at the time of the photograph with the Governor.
(CHICAGO) The Illinois Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments at Western Illinois University in Macomb next month as part of the high court’s “Riding the Circuit” program. The justices will hear two cases March 11th with a limited number of seats available to the public.