Illinois Quick Hits: Freedom Caucus urges DOJ investigation of Illinois

Illinois Quick Hits: Freedom Caucus urges DOJ investigation of Illinois

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether the Illinois Department of Human Services facilitated noncitizen voter registration.

The Freedom Caucus’ move follows IDHS officials’ recent testimony during an Illinois Senate hearing that voter registration packets were mailed to individuals who were not U.S. citizens as part of an immigrant benefits program.

State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, said on the Illinois House floor that noncitizens could easily fill out the documents and send them to county clerks, who by state law are not allowed to check immigration status.

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES TAX BREAK FOR UC OWNERS

The Chicago City Council has approved $54.7 million property tax breaks for the Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls owners to develop the area around the United Center.

The incentives apply only to the first phase of The 1901 Project that was announced in 2024. After Wednesday’s council meeting, Mayor Brandon Johnson refused to rule out additional property tax breaks for future phases of the development.

MAYOR INDICATES NO VETO OF CHICAGO TIP CREDIT FREEZE

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has indicated that he will not veto a two-year freeze on the city’s plan to sunset its tipped wage structure, even though he would prefer to ensure pay raises for workers.

The Illinois Restaurant Association thanked the city council for approving the ordinance on Wednesday. A

ccording to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago’s full-service dining sector lost 2,100 jobs over the last year.

BAILEY APOLOGIZES TO CHICAGO, PRITZKER

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has apologized to the people of Chicago after he called the city a “hellhole” during his 2022 campaign for governor.

Bailey spoke during the city council’s public comment period on Wednesday and said he recently moved to Chicago.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s campaign said in a statement that Bailey has a long way to go.

NO LIONS, TIGERS, BEARS IN TRAVELING ACTS

The Illinois legislature has passed a bill banning the use of big cats, primates and bears in circuses, fairs and other events.

House Bill 4255 cleared the state Senate on Wednesday by a vote of 51-4 and now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk.

In 2017, Illinois became the first state in the country to ban the use of elephants in circuses and other traveling acts.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Sen. Kelly sues Hegseth over effort to reduce retirement pay

Sen. Kelly sues Hegseth over effort to reduce retirement pay

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated since its initial publication to include a comment from the White House. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, is...
Illinois interstate shootings decline

Illinois interstate shootings decline

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State police say the number of shootings on Illinois interstates dropped 31% to a total of 61...
WATCH: State sues Trump admin over enforcement tactics; No tax on tips proposal filed

WATCH: State sues Trump admin over enforcement tactics; No tax on tips proposal filed

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the latest...
Will the Clintons testify on Epstein relationship this week?

Will the Clintons testify on Epstein relationship this week?

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are supposed to sit for closed-door depositions this week as part of the ongoing...
Dems move to almost entirely block fed immigration enforcement in IL

Dems move to almost entirely block fed immigration enforcement in IL

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square After enacting state laws forbidding local police from cooperating with federal immigration efforts, and after winning a court case blocking President Donald...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Capital Imp Committee: Facilities Director Reports on VAC Progress and Critical Health Department Elevator Repairs

Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary:Facilities Director Bill Fern provided updates on major renovation projects, including the completion of the Court Annex and the...
Will County Board Graphic.01

‘Good Food For All’ Initiative Proposes Local Agricultural Asset Mapping for Will County

Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Article Summary: Bob Heuer of HNA Networks presented a "Good Food For All" initiative to the Public...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Public Works Committee Advances $3.2 Million Engineering Contract for Mills Road Reconstruction

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The committee forwarded a resolution to award a $3.2 million contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. for...
Theis abruptly retires from IL Supreme Court; Tailor to replace

Theis abruptly retires from IL Supreme Court; Tailor to replace

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois will have a new state Supreme Court justice at the end of January, after Justice Mary Jane Theis announced her sudden...
Colorado expands lawsuit over alleged Trump retaliation

Colorado expands lawsuit over alleged Trump retaliation

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is pushing back on what his office labeled an “unmistakable campaign of punishment” by the Trump administration against the state....
California leads suit to preserve U.S. Department of Education

California leads suit to preserve U.S. Department of Education

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a massive multi-state coalition, has expanded a legal challenge against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department...
WATCH: Arizona governor's State of State stresses economy

WATCH: Arizona governor’s State of State stresses economy

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is making affordability her top priority this year. The Democratic governor made the announcement Monday afternoon in her State of the...
Judiciary Comm. to take on bill targeting lawsuit investors

Judiciary Comm. to take on bill targeting lawsuit investors

By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The House Judiciary Committee is set to consider action against companies that invest in American lawsuits – an often-lucrative arrangement that encourages...
Trump announces 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran

Trump announces 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump on Monday said any nation that does business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on imports as massive protests in the...
Illinois congressman hails health care win, experts question Senate path, costs

Illinois congressman hails health care win, experts question Senate path, costs

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman praised a bipartisan House vote extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, framing the...