The Latest Breaking News from Emanuel Chris Welch

County judge in Chicago area bars ICE from arresting people at court

Cook County’s top judge signed an order barring ICE from arresting people at court

The Independent UK · Oct 15, 2025

Illinois lawmakers quietly scaled back a popular tax credit; now a former governor wants it back

More than 11 million Illinois taxpayers who claim the standard exemption each year will not see an inflation-indexed bump for the 2023 tax year.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 11, 2024

An Illinois lawmaker wants to ban ex-Speaker Michael Madigan’s portrait from the Capitol

Madigan, the longtime Illinois House speaker, is charged with bribery and conspiracy. A lawmaker wants to ban his portrait from the House.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 2, 2024

President Joe Biden creates Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument in Chicago and Mississippi

‘What Emmett did, he gave up a lot, but it helped a lot of people. And he still speaks from the grave,’ Emmett Till’s cousin, the Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., who witnessed Till being kidnapped, told the Sun-Times.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 26, 2023

London calling? Pritzker gives UK trip update — hints Illinois in ‘final throes’ of electric vehicle deals

In a call with reporters Wednesday, the governor said he is actively pursuing Illinois partnerships with electric vehicle companies and original equipment manufacturers.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 19, 2023

Illinois Democrats celebrate court decision ending cash bail: ‘Monumental change is possible’

On the other side, Senate Republican Leader John Curran said the ruling warrants a special session to address key concerns before cash bail is eliminated in September.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 18, 2023

Pritzker signs $50.4 billion budget that boosts early education funding — and stops state officials’ raises from breaking the law

The governor’s office said line-item reductions of $192,700 were made after a review found that cost-of-living pay raises granted to constitutional officers, legislators and some appointed officials exceeded 5%, which they said was unconstitutional.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 7, 2023

State budget awaits Pritzker’s signature after clearing House without Republican support

Just after 2:30 a.m., the House voted 73-38 to pass the budget, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker touted as his “fifth balanced budget,” vowing to sign it.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 27, 2023

Pritzker, Democratic leaders take victory lap for reaching budget deal — and only drag their feet a bit in actually filing bill

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced agreement on a budget they said was balanced “without gimmicks.” Six hours later, Democrats filed the legislation, which must still pass both chambers before the governor can sign it.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 24, 2023

Mayor-elect Johnson pitches unity to state legislators in Springfield: ‘Our challenges are not that unique’

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said he didn’t come to Springfield to “dictate” what Chicago needs when it comes to public safety dollars. “How do I call myself a collaborator and then I’m dictating?” Johnson asked reporters. “These are ongoing conversations.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 19, 2023