The Latest Breaking News from Illinois

Illinois COVID-19 cases rising: ‘Critically important’ for immunocompromised to get vaccinated, boosted

Coronavirus cases have increased in Chicago by 27% since last week. And for the first time in about a month, four southern Illinois counties have hit the “high transmission” threshold set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meaning masks are recommended for people gathering…

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 8, 2022

More Chicago residents in 2020 census identify as Native American

But Dorene Wiese, president of the American Indian Association of Illinois and a longtime Chicago resident, says it’s an undercount that could hurt Native American communities.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 8, 2022

Feds finally charge former Ald. Danny Solis — ‘Alderman A’ — with bribery

The bribery count leveled against Solis in a one-page, lightly detailed document at least confirms that Solis will face public charges. A lengthy investigation into his own alleged misdeeds prompted him to turn on some of the state’s most powerful politicians.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 8, 2022

Buzzkill: Clouted pot company can’t legally move dispensary to site of old Rainforest Cafe

State law prohibits the shop from opening at 605 N. Clark St. because three other dispensaries are already nearby.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 7, 2022

'It really is a life-or-death matter': Illinois considers funding for a college mental health bill

CHICAGO -- Cree Medley, 24, struggled with depression and anxiety throughout her time in college. While she was a student at the University of Illinois Chicago, the struggles started in 2015 and came to a head in 2016 in a suicide attempt.

Chicago Tribune · Apr 7, 2022

House Democrats pitch nearly $1.4 billion in tax relief, but Republicans see election-year stunt

The tax relief in the plan announced by Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris falls squarely in the middle of the $1 billion in cuts Gov. J.B. Pritzker highlighted in his February budget proposal and the $1.8 billion that state Senate Democrats pitched last week.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 6, 2022

Illinois’ Kwame Raoul among state attorneys general warning NFL to improve treatment of women

The letter outlines concerns of gender discrimination ranging from the NFL’s treatment of women who have experienced domestic violence to the hiring and promotion of women in NFL offices. It comes as Congress investigates how the league has handled claims of sexual harassment in the front office of…

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 6, 2022

Illinois Cannabis Revenue On The Rise, But Then There's That Darn Lawsuit

After rebounding in February from a weak January, adult-use cannabis sales got back on track in March. Sales of $131 million rose 15% from February, as compared to a year ago when growth fell from 41% to 20%.

Benzinga · Apr 6, 2022

COVID-related paid leave for fully vaccinated teachers and staff now guaranteed in Illinois

Fully vaccinated teachers and school staff are guaranteed pandemic-related paid leave under a bill Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law Tuesday.

Chicago Tribune · Apr 6, 2022

Chicago fishing, Midwest Fishing Report: Trout opening day, coho, browns, steelhead, largemouth, (smelt?)

The opening of Illinois’ trout season leads this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report; plus there’s coho, brown trout and steelhead on southern Lake Michigan with largemouth bass and crappie bites building inland.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 5, 2022