Illinois news in brief: House Democrat joins calls to release Benton report; State EV rebate program to begin Aug. 1; Member of armed robbery crew gets 15 years in prison
House Democrat joins calls to release Benton report
An Illinois House Democrat has joined Republicans calling for the release of the Legislative Inspector General’s report into the conduct of former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield. State Rep. Justin Cochran, D-Des Plaines, said in a statement that transparency and ethics are inseparable, just like ethics and the public trust. Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, Republican Statehouse candidate Gabby Shanahan and state Sen. Darby Hills, R-Barrington Hills, also called for the LIG’s report to be released to the public.
State EV rebate program to begin Aug. 1
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s next EV Rebate Program application cycle is scheduled to run from Saturday, August 1 through Thursday, December 31, 2026. The rebate is $2,000 for an eligible new or used electric vehicle. Low-income applicants are eligible to receive an additional $2,000. The rebate amount for eligible motorcycles remains $1,500. The General Assembly has appropriated $14 million to the Illinois EPA for the program in the current fiscal year.
Member of armed robbery crew gets 15 years in prison
A member of a crew that conspired to commit 11 daytime robberies in the Chicago suburbs has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Prosecutors said Perry Maple, 23, participated directly in three armed robberies of armored trucks at ATMs in Calumet City and Orland Park between January 2022 and March 2023. Maple and ten other members of the crew were charged in June 2024. Maple pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026.
Youth trapshooting championships start Thursday
The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta will host the 2026 AIM Grand National Youth Trapshooting Championships from Thursday, July 23 through Monday, July 27. The event precedes the 127th Grand American World Trapshooting Championships at the site the following week.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Chicago man faces charges in road-rage shooting; migrant accused of murdering church volunteer; Illinois Liquor Control Commission launches new system
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
Foxx to face questions about murder conviction review ‘investigations’
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
207U Committee Reviews Budget Adjustments, Facility Planning and Operations Issues
Joliet Junior College Board Approves $2 Tuition Increase Amidst Heated Debate Over Enrollment and Spending
207U Board Outlines Long-Term Planning Timeline, Reviews Academic and District Updates
207U Board Tables Activity Bus Lease After Cost, Timing Concerns
Peotone 207U Reviews Long-Range Facilities Options; Costs Range from $63M to $142M
Green Garden Residents Seek Frankfort’s Support in Opposing 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
State of the College: Local Legislators Bolster Student Support Services
