Illinois Quick Hits: Benton pulls name from ballot after resignation

Illinois Quick Hits: Benton pulls name from ballot after resignation

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – Former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, who resigned from his seat in the Illinois House of Representatives at the start of this month following investigations into alleged misconduct while he was in office, has followed through on his promise to withdraw his name from November ballots.

The Will and Kendall County Democrats shared an open call for residents of the 97th district to apply to replace Benton, both for the remainder of his term and separately on the Democrat line of the ballot. The application closed Monday, but a candidate could be appointed by the chairs anytime before August 21, the day ballots are finalized.

Sean Reed contributed to this story

PRITZKER SIGNS SERVICE MEMBER, VETERANS-RELATED BILLS

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation related to military service members and veterans.

Senate Bill 3737 requires universities to promptly readmit students after academic military leave.

Senate Bill 3818 incentivizes Illinois National Guard recruitment by providing financial compensation for successful referrals.

Senate Bill 3926 moves the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council under the Department of Public Health.

All three measures take effect Jan.

IL DEPT. OF LABOR RELEASES PREVAILING WAGE RATES

The Illinois Department of Labor has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in each county across the state.

The rates took effect on Wednesday, following IDOL’s annual statewide survey pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.

The law requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to be paid wages that reflect local standards.

The rates can be found the the Illinois Department of Labor’s Prevailing Wage Act Rates webpage.

FINANCIAL CONDITIONS INDEX DECREASES

The Chicago Fed’s National Financial Conditions Index decreased to –0.54 in the week ending July 10, suggesting looser financial conditions where credit is considered to be easier and cheaper for businesses and consumers.

Beecher Weather Full forecast →
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 2:22PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 11:14AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 4:12AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
⚠️ Air Quality Alert issued July 16 at 1:28PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jul 16
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
87° 72°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

💨 10 mph 💧 59%

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Plaintiff in redistricting lawsuit predicts Supreme Court fight

Plaintiff in redistricting lawsuit predicts Supreme Court fight

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square The lead California legislator heading up the federal lawsuit challenging congressional redistricting expects the case to land in the U.S. Supreme Court. “If this has...
Texas leaders propose solution for northern border, national security

Texas leaders propose solution for northern border, national security

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A coalition in Texas, including law enforcement, policy experts and lawmakers, is working on solutions for northern border security. The effort is being spearheaded by...
Illinois quick hits: ICC strikes some utility rate requests; Bears suggest Indiana option

Illinois quick hits: ICC strikes some utility rate requests; Bears suggest Indiana option

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square ICC strikes some utility rate requests The Illinois Commerce Commission has struck $25.4 million from ComEd’s $268.5 million 2024 rate reconciliation...
State rep calls out violent rhetoric after Pritzker commission rips federal officers

State rep calls out violent rhetoric after Pritzker commission rips federal officers

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After the first meeting of the Illinois Accountability Commission, a Republican state representative says Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s...
Report: Phoenix, Salt Lake City top airports for holiday travel

Report: Phoenix, Salt Lake City top airports for holiday travel

By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport rank as the nation's top two airports for smooth travel during the holiday season,...
$3.5M verdict tossed; Judge shielded evidence of plaintiff’s dishonesty, crime

$3.5M verdict tossed; Judge shielded evidence of plaintiff’s dishonesty, crime

By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A state appeals panel voided a $3.5 million verdict awarded to a man who claimed he was hurt while working for Union...
Illinois quick hits: Increased energy prices expected; IHSA changes approved

Illinois quick hits: Increased energy prices expected; IHSA changes approved

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Increased energy prices expected The Citizens Utility Board says ComEd customers can expect continued high prices after grid operator PJM Interconnection released the results...
Pritzker disputes Trump claims, says Illinois GOP backs president '100%'

Pritzker disputes Trump claims, says Illinois GOP backs president ‘100%’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois Republicans are letting President Donald Trump get away with boasting about higher...
WATCH: Pritzker reacts to Trump’s address; Immigration enforcement continues

WATCH: Pritzker reacts to Trump’s address; Immigration enforcement continues

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 shares highlights from...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for Dec. 2025

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | December 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Land Use and Development Committee met on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, addressing a range...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Board Committee Approves Rate Hike for Private Pay Residents at Sunny Hill Nursing Home

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025 Article Summary: To address operating deficits and rising costs, the Executive Committee approved a rate increase for private pay residents...
Washington Township Graphic.2

Board Approves Pay Raises to $19/Hour to Retain Staff

Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: To remain competitive with other local entities, the Washington Township Board voted to increase the starting pay for the...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board for Dec. 8, 2025

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Beecher Village Board of Trustees met on Monday, December 8, 2025, addressing key financial and public safety matters....
Illinois quick hits: Bovino thanks police; fire assistance grants available

Illinois quick hits: Bovino thanks police; fire assistance grants available

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Bovino thanks police U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino has expressed his appreciation to police officers in Chicago and...
IL House Speaker: 'not even close' to school choice legislation

IL House Speaker: ‘not even close’ to school choice legislation

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The speaker of the Illinois House says he would put school choice legislation up for a vote...