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 Capitalizes on Errors to Defeat Streator 4-2
Streator Capitalizes on Eight Peotone Errors to Secure 8-6 Victory
Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents
Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms
Manhattan Firefighters Extinguish Chimney Fire on South Egyptian Trail
One Dead, Two Hospitalized Following Overnight Shooting at Crete Family Party
Phoenix renames Cesar Chavez Day, imposes limits on ICE
Gas prices approach $4 a gallon in U.S., $6 in California
Rep: $111 million for community violence intervention is out of touch
Congress requests documents after reports on California hospice fraud
California, Arizona work on removing Cesar Chavez’s name
Maryland climate ruling tees up U.S. Supreme Court case