The Latest Breaking News from Illinois

Pritzker signs bill expanding abortion access in Illinois to help ‘overwhelmed clinics,’ and protecting patients and providers

“We have an obligation to support and protect reproductive freedom for our residents, and those who seek safe haven, and we must protect our doctors and nurses, too.,” the governor said.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 13, 2023

Why the assault weapons ban might not hold up in court, the Gaming Board’s about-face and more in your Chicago news roundup

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 13, 2023

Illinois Medicaid contractor Centene Corp. under federal scrutiny over foster kids’ medical care

An Illinois Answers Project investigation found that the insurance giant fell short in providing basic care. Now, federal officials want answers from state agencies overseeing the program.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 13, 2023

Illinois Gaming Board OKs gaming license for clout-heavy lawyer James J. Banks in an about-face

But the state agency won’t say what new evidence prompted it to approve James J. Banks — an Illinois Tollway board member under five governors — for video poker machines and other gambling devices.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 13, 2023

Commentary: Wildly inconsistent safe haven laws put surrendered infants, parents at risk

The NBC series “Chicago Fire” is under fire from safe haven law advocates worried that viewers might be misled by a recent episode involving a baby box. The problem, as they see it, is that while some states allow the boxes, Illinois doesn’t.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 13, 2023

Greatest slips? Madigan’s ‘bandits’ remark could join list of ‘golden’ oldies caught spilling from pols’ loose lips

“Some of these guys have made out like bandits,” the former Illinois House Speaker was allegedly recorded saying of associates who benefited from what prosecutors describe as a scheme for jobs and contracts. He’s far from the first Chicago pol to trip over a federal wire.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 12, 2023

Illinois fines health insurance company $500,000 for violations

Illinois has fined health insurance company Quartz $500,000 for failing to cover substance use disorder and mental health treatments at adequate levels.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 12, 2023

Illinois Just Banned 'Assault Weapons' Because Their 'Only Intent' Is Mass Murder

The law is hard to defend on logical, practical, or constitutional grounds.

Reason · Jan 12, 2023

The 9 states with laws restricting assault weapons after Illinois enacted ban

Assault weapons have been inked to some of the deadliest mass shootings in the the U.S in the past decade.

Axios · Jan 12, 2023

Welcome warning? Illinois Senate president’s message to newly sworn senators: Fly right or get lost

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon quoted both his late mother, who worried “that Springfield will change your notion of what the right thing is,” and former Chicago Police Supt. James Rochford, who once warned officers “If you lack integrity, get out — get out now.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 12, 2023