Illinois quick hits: ICC approves smaller rate increases

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

ICC approves smaller rate increases

The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved smaller utility rate hikes than the ones requested by Ameren Illinois and Nicor.

The ICC reduced Nicor’s $314 million increase by $146.5 million, or nearly 47%.

The ICC cut $55.8 million, or about 43%, from Ameren’s $128.8 million rate request for its natural gas delivery services.

Use of force order

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi says Justice Department attorneys secured a significant victory to allow federal immigration enforcement officers to use force when necessary in Chicago.

On Wednesday, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled to stay a district court judge’s preliminary injunction.

The appeals court promised to expedite the appeal, adding that the district court’s more developed findings could lead to a more appropriate injunction.

CTA passenger fire charges

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago has charged a man for allegedly setting a passenger on fire on a Chicago Transit Authority train Monday evening.

Lawrence Reed, 50, of Chicago is charged with committing a terrorist attack against a mass transportation system. Prosecutors say the victim was hospitalized with critical injuries.