Republicans criticize Democrats for inaction on ethics bills: ‘Just more of the same’  

Republican lawmakers on Thursday pumped up the pressure on their Democratic counterparts to pass ethics reform bills that legislators have proposed in the aftermath of recent federal indictments.  

Speaking at a news conference in Springfield, Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield), Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) and Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) pointed to a lack of substantive action on what they viewed as significant issues, ranging from property tax reform to an ethics overhaul.  

Chicago elected school board bill clears House as negotiations continue over ‘hybrid’ alternative 

Even as lawmakers engage in ongoing discussions with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the House of Representatives on Thursday voted largely along party lines to approve its version of a bill that would create an elected school board in Chicago.  

Introduced by Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago),  HB 2908 cleared the chamber in a 71-39 vote.   

News in brief: Welch announces task force to review statues on state property; Lightford tests positive for COVID-19  

News in brief: Johnson & Johnson vaccine halted; Welch, Pritzker staffers test positive; Pritzker announces postpartum Medicaid extension 

News in brief: Republicans looking for Pritzker’s input during redistricting; Department of Corrections reopening facilities to visitors  

News in brief: Hospitality industry calls for more help from state; Cook County outlines next phase of vaccination effort 

News in brief: Aldermen approve ordinance protecting Chicago’s 16 ‘traditional parades;’ Arwady: ‘Big drop’ in vaccine doses driven by ‘spoiled’ Johnson & Johnson batch   

News in brief: Dowell launches Secretary of State election campaign; Pritzker, Blackhawks make joint announcement 

News in brief: Dowell launches Secretary of State election campaign; aldermen to consider parade ordinance; Lightfoot announces 10 libraries with expanded Sunday hours 

News in brief: Pritzker signs safety net hospital bill; state to receive new federal COVID-19 vaccine funding; more rapid response teams deployed 

News in brief: Pritzker signs Chicago firefighter pension bill; Pritzker promotes program to combat learning loss 

News in brief: Pritzker signs Chicago firefighter pension bill 

News in brief: Pritzker signs nine bills on Friday; Pritzker, Welch push to host MLB All-Star Game 

News in brief: CTA tests electric buses; Pritzker signs CTU bargaining bill 

News in brief: Democrats launch House, Senate redistricting portal  

News in brief: Emissions decline from large buildings, but schools lag; Chicago ‘probably will’ see delay in Johnson & Johnson vaccine: Arwady 

News in brief: Former Sen. Annazette Collins indicted; Department of Corrections provides COVID-19 vaccine update 

News in brief: City opens ‘state of the art’ West Pullman firehouse; Lightfoot says she wants casino ‘entertainment district;’ BACP fires warning shot at businesses 

News in brief: Rabine launches bid for governor; ‘bridge’ phase delayed due to hospitalizations 

News in brief: Two new mass vaccination sites to open April 5; City launches human trafficking awareness campaign