Leaders ‘close’ on budget agreement as GOP says ‘details’ lacking on capital plan

My Suburban Life 5/24 3:05A Jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ four legislative leaders met with Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker in an hour-long conference which covered a broad range of issues, according to the two Republicans present. Republican Senate Leader Bill Brady, of...

Illinois House sends bill increasing fines for Scott’s Law violations to governor

My Suburban Life 5/24 3:03A lsalvatelli@capitolnewsillinois.

SPRINGFIELD — A bill that would increase penalties for Scott’s Law violations has passed both chambers of the General Assembly. Democratic Rep. Marcus Evans, of Chicago, said the 2002 “Slow Down or Move Over Law” was passed in memory of the death...

Raoul sues U.S. attorney general for withholding funds over immigration policy

My Suburban Life 5/23 3:09P phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a federal lawsuit May 23 against U.S. Attorney General William Barr over a Trump administration policy requiring state and local law enforcement agencies to cooperate in federal immigration enforcement....

Supporters of new bill urge passage of tougher FOID processes

My Suburban Life 5/23 4:14A Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers and supporters of a bill that would strengthen the Firearm Owner’s Identification system chanted “Fix the FOID” on Wednesday in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln outside the Capitol. Speakers such as Milagros Burgos...

Entertainment options abound in DuPage and Cook

My Suburban Life 5/22 10:36A

MAY 23 LIZZADRO MUSEUM MOVING: Closing May 31, 220 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. The museum prepares to move to a larger space in Oak Brook and reopen in the fall. It opened in Elmhurst in 1962, and houses one of the largest collections of...

Glen Ellyn troupe to dig deep in 'Luna Gale' at Village Theatre Guild

My Suburban Life 5/22 8:52A

[Karlie (played by Kate Roberts, center) lashes out at Peter (Brian McLeod) while Caroline (Jackie Meara) observes the tense moment.] GLEN ELLYN – Who should decide the safest environment in which to raise a baby – parents, grandparents, social...

Advocates: Affordable housing needs far more than Pritzker’s allocation

My Suburban Life 5/22 3:21A ranzel@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD — Lawmakers and advocates praised Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker for allocating funds for affordable housing in his proposed capital plan, but said Tuesday his proposal is not nearly enough to properly address the infrastructure need...

Republicans question bills aimed at FOID card changes

My Suburban Life 5/22 3:15A Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans soon may have to be fingerprinted and pay an increased fee to be a licensed gun owner in the state. In the wake of a shooting at an Aurora workplace in February that left five people dead, lawmakers have debated how to...

Police Reports: Downers Grove, Westmont

My Suburban Life 5/21 6:04P

Information in Police Reports is obtained from local police departments. Individuals in Police Reports who have been charged with a crime have not been proved guilty in court. Downers Grove Deceptive practice Two counterfeit $20 bills reportedly...

Graduated tax amendment heads to House floor

My Suburban Life 5/21 3:00A Jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD – A constitutional amendment that would allow the state to impose higher tax rates on greater margins of income needs only a vote from the full Illinois House to be brought to voters after passing committee Monday.   Discussion at the...

$1 billion proposed for I-80

My Suburban Life 5/20 3:36A bokon@shawmedia.com

The push to improve Interstate 80 got a boost Friday when Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed a state capital plan that includes $1 billion for Interstate 80. Local legislators called the Pritzker proposal a good start but cautioned that more needs to be...

Will County Board debates gun violence awareness proclamation

My Suburban Life 5/20 3:34A aortiz@shawmedia.com

A proclamation to recognize the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day sparked a debate between multiple Will County Board members at their meeting on Thursday. Amanda Koch, D-Frankfort, read the proclamation during the...

Pritzker outlines draft $41.5 billion ‘Rebuild Illinois’ capital plan

My Suburban Life 5/18 8:47A phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD — Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday briefed lawmakers on a proposed capital improvements plan that calls for spending $41.5 billion on transportation, education, public health and other infrastructure projects over six years,...

Free Berwyn concert to present winning Ukranian violist, Serbian pianist

My Suburban Life 5/17 11:43A

BERWYN – Project 88, the free Berwyn concert series showcasing acclaimed musicians from around the globe, continues its second season at 6 p.m. May 18 with a performance by Ukrainian violist Nikita Haas and Serbian pianist Stefani Babic. The pair...

More needed to move people with disabilities into community homes, advocates say

My Suburban Life 5/17 3:21A gmorgan@capitolnewsillnois.com

SPRINGFIELD – DeKalb County resident Tony Stahl said he waited five years for the state to put his disabled daughter, Allison, in the selection process that would allow her to live in her own home in a community. It took an extra three years...