Tag: Illinois

Federal Judge Blocks Hospital From Putting Unvaccinated Workers on Unpaid Leave

A federal judge temporarily blocked an Illinois hospital system from allegedly putting workers with religious exemptions on unpaid leave. In late October, several employees at the Chicago-area NorthShore filed a legal complaint against the company, arguing that the firm’s vaccine mandate discriminated against them by forcing them to decide between a vaccine and their jobs….


Illinois Mayor Ignores Governor’s Mask Mandate: ‘We Have to Start Moving On’

An Illinois mayor is standing against the statewide mask mandate issued earlier this year by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, lifting the requirement and making the measure optional in Elk Grove Village, a suburban community in northern Illinois. “We have to start moving on. We’re as safe as we can be. If you want to wear a…


Chicago Passes Budget With One of Nation’s Largest Universal Basic Income Programs

The Chicago City Council has approved $35 million dollars to pilot a universal basic income program in one of the largest efforts of its kind in the nation. The newly approved budget will give $500 each month to 5,000 low-income families under the program promoted by Democrat Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “I am beyond excited to…


Rep. Kinzinger Announces He Won’t Seek Reelection

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said Friday that he will not be seeking reelection. Announcing the decision in a video he posted on social media, Kinzinger said that he recalled saying during a campaign “that if I ever thought it was time to move on from Congress, I would, and that time is now.” Kinzinger was 1…


Illinois Bill to Repeal Law Requiring Parental Notice of Abortion Heads to Governor

A bill that would allow minors in Illinois to get an abortion without their parents’ or guardians’ knowledge now heads to the desk of Gov. J.B. Pritzker after clearing the state legislature. The bill, known as the “Youth Health and Safety Act,” seeks to repeal Illinois’s long-standing Parental Notification of Abortion Act, which requires all…


Illinois Day Care Worker Vaccine Mandate Could Lead to Staffing Shortages

Illinois day care centers are concerned whether they will be able to staff locations after Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order requiring day care center workers statewide to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Pritzker issued the order (pdf) Friday for the state’s more than 55,000 day care workers. The deadline for the first shot…


Illinois Police Officer Is Shot and Killed Near St. Louis

PONTOON BEACH, Ill.—A police officer was shot to death Tuesday by a man at a gas station in an Illinois suburb of St. Louis, authorities said. Pontoon Beach Officer Tyler Timmins, 36, died after being taken to a hospital, Illinois State Police Trooper Jayme Bufford said. The officer was shot at around 8 a.m. at…


Missouri Tornado Confirmed as Storms Swept Into Illinois

FREDERICKTOWN, Mo.—The National Weather Service has confirmed a strong tornado that thrashed the southeastern Missouri city of Fredericktown as strong storms that swept the state and moved into Illinois overnight damaged buildings and knocked out power, but left no serious injuries. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-3 tornado hit Fredericktown Sunday night, damaging homes,…


Indiana Officials Welcome Chicago Police Officers Struggling With City Worker Vaccine Mandate

Indiana leaders are welcoming Chicago police officers angered over the city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, with Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) telling the law enforcement workers they “deserve the utmost respect.” “Those who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our nation’s citizens deserve the utmost respect,” Braun posted on Twitter Friday. “Come work in Indiana!” “My…


Indiana Officials Welcome Chicago Police Officers Opposed to City Worker Vaccine Mandate

Indiana officials are welcoming Chicago police officers who refuse to comply with that city’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, with Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) telling the law enforcement workers they “deserve the utmost respect.” “Those who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our nation’s citizens deserve the utmost respect,” Braun posted on Twitter on Oct. 22….