The Latest Breaking News from Kwame Raoul

Illinois governor, sheriffs spar over semiautomatic gun law

To the scores of sheriffs in Illinois who reportedly have sworn not to enforce the ban on semiautomatic weapons that took effect this week, the governor has a succinct answer: Yes, you will

The Independent UK · Jan 13, 2023

From free college to universal preschool, Pritzker pledges second-term ‘agenda as ambitious and bold as our people are’

In a speech that paid respect to everyone from a nurse who died from COVID-19, to victims of gun violence, to former Gov. Dwight Green, Gov. J.B. Pritzker vowed to “fight against a rising tide of hate,” protect women’s reproductive rights and finally get an assault weapons ban passed.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 9, 2023

Illinois Supreme Court halts plans to eliminate cash bail and other pretrial court changes

CHICAGO — Just hours before the elimination of cash bail and other pretrial policies were supposed to go into effect, the Illinois Supreme Court on Saturday halted the implementation of the landmark policies statewide.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 1, 2023

Judge Rules Illinois' Elimination of Cash Bail Unconstitutional

The governor and attorney general say they’ll appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Reason · Dec 30, 2022

Despite legal limbo, Illinois' elimination of cash bail set to take effect Jan. 1

CHICAGO — The Illinois criminal justice system is set for a major makeover beginning Sunday, replacing a cash-bail structure with one that requires judges to more carefully weigh who among the accused should be held in custody before trial without using money as a factor.

Chicago Tribune · Dec 30, 2022

Cook County still poised to end cash bail Sunday despite uncertainty after Kankakee County judge’s ruling

A judge deemed a provision of the SAFE-T Act unconstitutional as part of a lawsuit involving 64 other counties, but reform will move ahead as planned in Chicago and its immediate suburbs.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 29, 2022

Critics expect chaos under Illinois bail ban despite ruling

Critics of a law to eliminate cash bail in Illinois starting Sunday fear a judge’s ruling that the plan is unconstitutional will create a chaotic system of pretrial release unless urgent action is taken

The Independent UK · Dec 29, 2022

Judge rules portion of SAFE-T Act ending cash bail is unconstitutional

Kankakee County Chief Judge Thomas Cunnington sided with prosecutors and sheriffs from across Illinois in ruling that the cash bail section of the legislation violates the Illinois Constitution. Attorney General Kwame Raoul has vowed to appeal.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 29, 2022

EPA gives Sims a passing grade on air; expert critic says testing is flawed

A UIC chemist calls the analysis from air monitoring around Sims Metal Management problematic, providing “no useful information for many important pollutants.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 28, 2022

South Side center for LGBTQ+ residents under financial probe

The Illinois attorney general’s office confirmed it is reviewing an independent report on Brave Space Alliance’s finances.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 25, 2022