Illinois Politics

Jack LeChien, the Belleville historian and co-chairman of the Gustave Koerner House Restoration committee, had heard people speculate for decades on whether Abraham Lincoln had slept in the city during his 1856 visit. If so, where?

Prompted by an outcry over abuse, Illinois proposed moving residents from Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center to similar facilities in the state. New reporting shows the problems at Choate are common throughout the statewide system.

The highs for Illinois tourism come after dramatic drop-off in revenue during the pandemic.

The two Republicans will vie for Illinois’ 12th Congressional District — including O’Fallon, Shiloh and Clinton and Monroe counties in the Metro East — during next year’s primary elections.

The legislation establishes a state-based exchange for policies sold under the Affordable Care Act and gives the Illinois Department of Insurance the authority to modify or reject proposed rate increases.

Amid record-high inflation last spring, the General Assembly temporarily waived Illinois’ grocery tax for the coming fiscal year and delayed the annual increase in the state’s motor fuel tax for six months.

Gulfstream is adding positions for aircraft technicians, installers and supervisors at St. Louis Downtown Airport as part of a tax credit agreement with the state.

Former GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey is cozying up to Donald Trump as Bailey considers challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost. “What President Trump went through yesterday could happen to anyone [sic] of us for any reason!” Bailey wrote on Wednesday.

A year after Roe v. Wade fell, Illinois Democrat and GOP lawmakers fight for legislation.

The Illinois Legislature wrapped its 2023 spring session last week. Metro East Republicans say the state's budget promoted poor priorities, while local Democrats praised the session as highly successful.