The Illinois Department of Corrections has launched a program to scan incoming mail to prisoners in an effort to reduce drugs and contraband from entering prisons, but critics argue it violates prisoners’ civil rights and there is little evidence to suggest it will be effective.
Peter Hancock
Posted inEducation
New teachers’ union leaders in Illinois call for tax shift to fund K-12, higher education
Stacy Davis Gates, the new president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, has called for increased taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations to increase state spending on education and other public services.
Posted inHealth
State-based health insurance marketplace opens amid federal budget stalemate
Illinois residents will see premium hikes and many are expected to drop coverage due to the ending of enhanced tax credits, which is part of a federal budget change included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” of 2021.
Posted inEducation
Report offers mixed review of educational progress in Illinois
Despite billions of dollars in additional spending on K-12 education, proficiency rates in reading, writing and math have stagnated in Illinois, while overall educational attainment has improved.
Posted inNews
P. Scott Neville Jr. chosen as next chief justice on Illinois Supreme Court
Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. has been chosen as the 123rd Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, succeeding Mary Jane Theis, and will begin his three-year term on October 26.
Posted inPolitics
P. Scott Neville Jr. chosen as next chief justice on Illinois Supreme Court
He succeeds Mary Jane Theis for a three-year term to begin Oct. 26 By Peter Hancock Springfield– The Illinois Supreme Court announced Tuesday that Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. has been chosen to be the state’s 123rd chief justice, succeeding Mary Jane Theis, whose three-year term as head of the court expires Oct. 26. Theis, who was named […]
Posted inNews
Daley, LaHood discuss rebooted ‘fair maps’ campaign in Illinois
Bill Daley and Ray LaHood are relaunching an effort to amend the Illinois Constitution and end partisan gerrymandering in state legislative districts, with a simpler plan than the 2016 effort that was struck down by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Posted inLatest News
DOJ demands Illinois voter personal information by Sept. 1
The Justice Department is demanding Illinois’ unredacted voter registration database, which includes sensitive personal information, and has given state officials until September 1st to comply.
Posted inEducation
State education board to vote on new test scoring system
Illinois education officials expect to see an increase in proficiency rates in reading, writing and math, and a slight decline in science, due to a revised scoring system that more accurately reflects student performance.
Posted inPolitics
Texas Dems flee to Illinois to block redistricting vote
Governor JB Pritzker accused Donald Trump and Texas Republicans of “cheating” by attempting to redraw congressional maps ahead of the midterm elections, while Texas Democrats fled the state to prevent a vote on the plan.
