Closing Arguments To Begin Tuesday In Sonya Massey Murder Trial After Ex-Officer Sean Grayson Takes Stand

In July 2024, Massey called 911 to report a prowler. Grayson was among the officers who responded.

IL Gun Storage Bill Tightens Rules, Adds Fines For Lost, Stolen Guns

Violations of the new Illinois safe storage bill for firearms could result in fines of up to $10,000 if a weapon is used in a crime.

Jan. 6 Rioters Will Be Blocked From State Jobs In IL, Pritzker Says

“No one who attempts to overthrow a government should serve in government,” Pritzker said in a recent letter.

Seal Or No Seal? Voting Open In Illinois Flag Design Contest

Participants can vote online every day through Feb. 14 on whether to ditch the state's "seal on a bedsheet" or stick with tradition.

Illinois Aims To Offer Digital IDs By End Of Year For Apple Users Only

Despite blown deadlines, Patch has obtained a confidential agreement with Apple executives signed by the secretary of state in August 2024.

The Real Story Behind The Hemp Bill: Open Letter

News coverage has been drenched in hyperbole kindled by a powerful marijuana lobby seeking a monopoly.

Hemp Bill Backed By Big Cannabis, Illinois Governor Fails In House

The Illinois hemp industry and the mayor of Chicago mobilized against the governor to block broad new state regulations on hemp-derived THC.

Illinois Flag Designs: Questionable Crests, Cutting Room Classics

Take a look at some of the best (and worst) of the more than 4,800 submissions to the state flag design contest obtained by Illinois Patch.

Pritzker 'Passionate' About New Hemp Regulations, Urges House Approval

The proposal restricts the sale of "intoxicating hemp products" like Delta-8 THC to state-licensed cannabis dispensaries.

Flagged For Review: Commission Picks Finalists For New Illinois Flag

Officials plan a non-binding public vote next year, which may or may not pick a new design to replace Illinois' "seal on a bedsheet."

As Mobile Driver’s License Deadline Looms, No Updates From Giannoulias

With its effective date just 4 weeks away, state officials have yet to reveal any toward implementing Illinois' new digital ID law.

DoorDash Agrees To Pay $11.25M To Settle IL Driver Tip Fraud Lawsuit

DoorDash agrees to fund restitution for nearly 80,000 Illinois drivers after a suit alleging tips were used to lower company payroll costs.

Smell Of Weed Not Enough To Search Car, Illinois Supreme Court Rules

Justices ruled the odor of burnt marijuana doesn't constitute probable cause — but the smell of raw weed is enough for a warrantless search.

Religious Group Loses Court Battle Over Illinois Abortion Coverage Law

A Sangamon County judge found the Reproductive Health Act does not violate the religious freedoms of the Illinois Baptist State Association.

Illinois Commission To Accept Submissions For Designs For New Flag

Would-be vexillographers have until Oct. 18 to run their ideas up the flagpole to the Illinois Flag Commission ahead of a public vote.

National Monument To Mark Site Of 1908 Springfield Race Riots

Hundreds were injured, and dozens of Black-owned businesses and homes were destroyed.

Sheriff Resigns In Wake Of Sonya Massey Killing: Reports

Sheriff Jack Campbell announced he will retire days after Gov. JB Pritzker called for his resignation.

Gov. Pritzker Blasts Illinois Sheriff For Sonya Massey Killer Hire

Deputy Grayson shot her when she checked on a pot of boiling water in her own kitchen while saying, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."

Judge Rules Election Law Change Unconstitutional For 2024 Cycle

The ruling applies only to 14 Republican candidates who challenged a law that stops parties from slating people who don't run in primaries.

Illinois Child Tax Credit Offers $300 For Families With Kids Under 12

The new tax credit is projected to cut taxes for more than 800,000 households with 1.8 million children.

CBD products could be immediately banned in Big Cannabis bill

House Bill 4293 will likely force consumers to turn to black market

Illinois State Capitol Reopens After Being Placed On Lockdown For Bomb Threat

The threat was deemed not to be credible, and the Capitol reopened at 1:59 p.m., the Secretary of State's office said.

'REALAF,' 'IOWASUX': Banned 2023 Illinois License Plate List Released

Here are the more than 300 new names added to the secretary of state's list of permanently banned Illinois license plates so far this year.

NAACP Chief Sorry To Those Who "May Have" Been Hurt By Racist Remarks

Illinois NAACP president Teresa Haley was suspended by the national NAACP — the same day she says state branch heads all supported her.

'Like Savages,' Migrants 'Raping People': Illinois NAACP President

A video recording of racist remarks during a Zoom meeting has resulted in requests for Teresa Haley to resign as Illinois NAACP president.

Corrupt Public Officials In Illinois Can Now Be Reported Online

A new state police online form promises to "streamline the process" of reporting suspected corruption.

To Avoid Firing, Senior Illinois Emergency Officials Resign: Report

Two top operations officials and a legislative liaison resigned from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency under "unique circumstances."

Illinois Is First State To Pass 'Kidfluencer' Law

The law is designed to ensure the internet's youngest stars get paid.

Rep. Rosenthal Responds to Passage of FY24 State Budget

Following the passage of the fiscal year 2024 budget in the Illinois House, State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal issued the following response.

Rep. Rosenthal Recognizes Heroism of I-55 Dust Storm First Responders

Today, the IL House honored the first responders who jumped into action to save lives during the unprecedented dust storm that struck I-55.

Rep. Rosenthal Thanks First Responders for I-55 Dust Storm Response

Speaking at a press conference this week, Rosenthal thanked the first responders who quickly jumped into action to save lives on I-55.

Rep. Rosenthal Responds to Verdict in ‘ComEd Four’ Trial

Following the announcement of the verdict in the “ComEd Four” trial, State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal issued the following response:

Rosenthal Legislation to Memorialize Riverton Marine Passes House

HJR 4 designates the IL Route 54 Bridge crossing the Sangamon River near Riverton as the “PFC Daniel Lee Kick Memorial Bridge.”

Rep. Rosenthal Legislation to Support Veteran Small Biz Passes House

This week, the IL House passed legislation filed by State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal to improve opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses.

Rosenthal Backed Measure to Combat Fentanyl Epidemic Advances

Rosenthal is the chief co-sponsor of the legislation to combat the deadly fentanyl epidemic.

Rep. Rosenthal Responds to Governor’s Budget Address

Following today’s joint State of the State and Budget Address by Governor Pritzker, State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal issued the following response

Secretary Of State Releases 2022 Rejected License Plate List

Here are the 383 names added to the Illinois Secretary of State's ever-growing list of rejected vanity and personalized license plates.

Illinois Supreme Court Pauses Pretrial Fairness Act, End Of Cash Bail

The ruling maintains consistent pretrial procedures in Illinois while the justices hear an expedited appeal.

SAFE-T Act Amendment Filed In Final Days Of 2022 Veto Session

The 308-page amendment to the bill ending cash bail changes how pretrial hearings will be conducted next year, widening the "detention net."

Frerichs Defeats Demmer In Illinois Treasurer Race: Reports

Democratic incumbent Michael Frerichs handily defeated challenger Rep. Thomas Demmer, a Republican, with 2,009,698 votes.