(The Center Square) – Illinois democratic lawmakers are looking at removing some mandatory sentence enhancements for crimes like shootings and unlawful possession of a gun. State Rep. LaShawn Ford’s legislation would give a sentencing judge discretion over whether to tack on more than a decade in prison for gun-related felonies. Ford introduced the bill, HB […]
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Illinois taking ‘aggressive action’ to address possible resurgence in COVID-19 cases, officials say
Illinois health officials said that they are taking “aggressive action” as COVID-19 cases increase in the state, and several counties seeing low vaccine demand are now authorized to vaccinate residents 16 and older. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said on Friday they are concerned about a trend in COVID-19 hospitalizations and case rates. […]
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Gov. Pritzker says Illinois moving rapidly towards Bridge Phase of reopening, possibly within days
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said on Monday that Illinois is rapidly moving towards moving to the “Bridge Phase” of reopening, which will allow for expanded capacity at businesses and venues. Pritzker appeared in Cook County Monday morning to discuss the opening of a new mass vaccination site in Forest Park. During the press conference, he said […]
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Gov. Pritzker announces updated reopening plan, says Illinois will fully reopen once 50% of residents are vaccinated
Gov. Pritzker announced major updates on Thursday, saying all Illinois residents will be eligible for the vaccine on April 12 and that the state will fully reopen to Phase 5 once 50% of residents are vaccinated. Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike announced the new framework to advance to […]
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Gov. Pritzker set to unveil new phased reopening plan for Illinois this week
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to announce a new revised COVID-19 reopening plan this week that will begin to loosen rules as the state moves towards a full reopening, but masks will continue to be “mainstay.” A year ago, Gov. J.B. Pritzker started ordering limits on gathering sizes to smaller and […]
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Gov. Pritzker says every adult in Illinois may be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine before May 1
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker said every Illinoisan might be eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination by the end of April as the vaccination supply continues to increase. President Joe Biden said Thursday that he would advise states to make a vaccine available to every adult by May 1. Pritzker said Illinois may […]
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Illinois sees lowest-ever number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital
The state of Illinois reported on Sunday its lowest ever number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital since the start of the pandemic as cases continue to decrease. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported 1,249 new cases of coronavirus and 22 additional deaths on Sunday. The statewide seven-day positivity rate was at 2.4% […]
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Illinois begins vaccine expansion to residents of all ages with underlying conditions
Gov. Pritzker announced that Illinois residents of all ages with pre-existing conditions are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, Lake and McHenry County health departments both said they won’t be expanding due to limited supply of vaccine. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Health said that the expansion of Phase […]
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‘Justice is being advanced once again’ Gov. Pritzker says before signing massive criminal justice reform bill into law
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a controversial and sweeping criminal justice reform bill into law on Monday that will end cash bail starting in 2023. House Bill 3653 — formerly House Bill 163 — passed by a 60-50 vote on January 13. The Senate passed the bill by a 32-23 vote. It will change use-of-force […]