Illinois quick hits: Pope reacts to Pritzker bill signing
Pope reacts to Pritzker bill signing
Pope Leo XIV says he is very disappointed that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950 to legalize physician-assisted suicide.
The pope said that he spoke explicitly with Pritzker about the legislation when the governor visited Rome last month. Pritzker signed the bill Dec. 12, on the Catholic feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Pope Leo said he hopes and prays that respect for life will once again grow in all moments of human existence, “from conception to natural death.”
Pritzker reacts to Supre Court guard ruling
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says it was a “big win for Illinois and American democracy” when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of a district court’s order blocking President Donald Trump from using National Guard troops in Chicago to help federal immigration enforcement.
The Supreme Court turned down the Trump administration’s emergency request to overturn a ruling by U.S. District Judge April Perry, leaving in place Perry’s temporary order barring the deployment amid the legal challenge.
Sports betting tax hike criticized
The Sports Betting Alliance says Chicago’s new municipal tax on sports wagering will drive more sports bettors to illegal websites and bookies.
The tax is part of the $16.7 billion 2026 budget passed by the city council Dec. 20. According to data from the Illinois Gaming Board, betting activity across the state declined 15% during the first two months of Illinois’ per-wager tax that took effect earlier this year.
Brett Rowland contributed to this report.
Latest News Stories
Peotone Schools Face ‘Fiscal Cliff,’ Board Considers School Closures and New Construction
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
Facing Budget Crisis, Peotone Committee Questions Athletic Field Project
Committee Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education Committee of the Whole
Committee of the Whole Eyes School Closures and New Construction Amid Budget Crisis
Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards