Here are headlines for Friday, November 15, 2019:
House OKs Easier Access To Lobbyist Information
The Illinois House has overwhelmingly approved a measure ease access to disclosure requirements for lobbyists who try to influence the General Assembly. Debate lasted more than an hour before the 109-5 vote. It would create a searchable database that allows taxpayers to cross-reference information about lobbyists, their clients, campaign contributions, interaction with legislators and their statements of economic interest. The action stems from last month’s federal bribery charge against former Rep. Luis Arroyo. The Chicago Democrat resigned after he was charged with trying to bribe a senator for support of an issue about which Arroyo was also lobbying the Chicago City Council. – Associated Press
Durbin ‘Not Surprised’ About Conviction of Trump Confidant
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin said he’s not surprised about the conviction of longtime Donald Trump confidant Roger Stone, on charges he obstructed a congressional investigation. On Friday, Stone was found guilty of witness tampering and lying to Congress about his efforts to obtain emails damaging to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Durbin was told of the guilty verdict while holding a news conference Friday morning at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. The senator appeared with U of I officials to promote legislation to increase federal funding for scientific research. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom
Illinois Health Officials Confirm 4th Vaping-Related Death
The Illinois Department of Public Health says a fourth Illinois resident has died after being hospitalized with a vaping-related lung injury. The agency reports 179 people in Illinois have now suffered lung injuries after using e-cigarettes or vaping. They range in age from 13 to 75 years old. State public health officials say they’re continuing to work with local health departments to investigate another 41 possible cases in Illinois. IDPH first reported its first vaping-related death in August. It was believed to be the first fatality associated with vaping to be reported in the U-S. – Christine Herman, Illinois Newsroom
23 States Widen Challenge To Trump Administration Car Rules
California on Friday broadened its effort to block the Trump administration from ending its authority to set greenhouse gas emission and fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. It was joined by 22 states, (including Illinois) the District of Columbia and two cities in suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, building on a similar lawsuit it filed in September a day after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration withdrew California’s waiver. – Associated Press
