A Senate committee on Thursday heard from witnesses who encouraged lawmakers to support a bill that would change the way certain state-led transportation and infrastructure projects are done in Illinois.

A Senate committee on Thursday heard from witnesses who encouraged lawmakers to support a bill they said would speed up some state-led transportation and infrastructure projects. 

Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday signed into law an omnibus housing bill (HB 2621) and separate measure (SB 265) that will expand a utility assistance program for low-income families.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday signed into law an omnibus housing bill (HB 2621) and separate measure (SB 265) that will expand a utility assistance program for low-income families.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed the bill to set up an eventual elected school board in Chicago. Republican lawmakers called for more scrutiny of the Illinois Department of Employment Security after a new audit. And the Illinois Republican Party is hoping to join one of two pending redistricting lawsuits. 

Native American images, such as this one by German immigrant Gustav Fuchs in the 1880s, are found throughout the Illinois Capitol. Fuch’s painting is found on the third floor of the Capitol outside the House and Senate chambers. (Joel Ebert/The Daily Line)

As lawmakers continue to review statues and monuments on state property, a historian told a House committee on Wednesday legislators need to revisit depictions of Native Americans inside the state Capitol. 

Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday signed two bills into law giving special needs students more time in school.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday signed two bills into law giving special needs students more time in school.  

Gov. JB Pritzker announced a $200 million investment in early childhood education workforce. Secretary of State Jesse White reimposed a mask requirement at his facilities. And the first cannabis dispensary lottery is set for Thursday.  

Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed four bills aimed at helping members of the LGBTQ+ community into law, including a measure to repeal Illinois’ HIV criminalization law. 

Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed four bills into law aimed at helping members of the LGBTQ community, including a measure to repeal Illinois’ HIV criminalization law.  

Illinois health officials announced their adoption of new Centers for Disease Control guidance, including on wearing masks indoors. Gov. JB Pritzker urged the need for vaccinations while downplaying potential new mitigations. Attorney Thomas DeVore launched a bid for downstate appellate court. And the Department of Human Services announced new naloxone funding.  

Former State Sen. Rickey Hendon speaks outside Dirksen Federal Courthouse on Tuesday [Justin Laurence/Block Club]

A lawsuit targeting the state’s process for granting cannabis dispensary licenses was dropped Tuesday after pushback from people who want to see more diversity and equity among state pot businesses.

Gov. JB Pritzker, seen here on July 22 at a bill signing ceremony, signed off on 56 measures approved by the legislature on Friday and another seven proposals on Monday. 

Last week, Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law dozens of bills the General Assembly approved during the spring session. On Monday, he signed seven more bills into law.