Illinois quick hits: Benton’s replacement chosen; gas prices resume climb

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Benton’s replacement chosen

Jessica Dixon Heitman was chosen unanimously to replace former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, in the 97th House District early Monday evening by the Democratic Representative Committee in the district.

Heitman said she hopes to bring her values of “ethics, civility, fiscal responsibility and justice” in her role as state representative for the remainder of the term, and if chosen by voters in November.

The House Republican Organization responded by releasing an apparent text message sent by Heitman in August, 2023, in which she congratulated someone on an announcement before saying that Benton “needs to go.”

Heitman’s opponent, Gabby Shanahan, who narrowly lost to Benton in the previous election, said she thinks the district needs a new kind of leadership.

Sean Reed contributed to this story.

Quantum hub to get federal grant

The U.S. Economic Development Administration has announced approximately $30 million in federal taxpayer funding for The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange.

The announcement comes just ahead of the Global Quantum Forum in Chicago. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is scheduled to speak at the event on Wednesday morning.

Bellwood police officer charged with misconduct

A Bellwood police officer has been charged with a felony count of official misconduct for allegedly sharing confidential law enforcement information with an acquaintance who was suspected of a crime.

Prosecutors said Michael Davis, 32, texted images from the statewide Law Enforcement Agencies Data System to a person who was under investigation for an incident following an attempted traffic stop in River Forest on July 5, 2025.

LaHood urges support for Alzheimer’s legislation

Illinois U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood is urging his colleagues in the Senate to support legislation he says will allow health care workers to better support individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

HR 3747 provides for grants to address the need for timely diagnosis and effective care, especially in rural and underserved communities. LaHood co-led HR 3747 with U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson, R-Ohio, Nanette Barragán, D-CA, and Paul Tonko, D-NY.

Gas prices resume climb

Gas prices are back on the rise, according to AAA. The national average for regular unleaded hit $4 per gallon on Monday and was $4.02 on Tuesday.

The Illinois average on Tuesday was $4.17, up from $4.15 the day before, $4.06 one week ago and $3.42 a year ago.