‘Juneteenth’ Becomes Official State Holiday
SPRINGFIELD – The day that marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when some of the last enslaved Americans learned that they had been freed is now an official state holiday in Illinois. At a bill signing ceremony in front of a signed copy of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Gov. JB Pritzker signed House […]
Juneteenth Could Become A State Holiday
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois could have a new state holiday commemorating the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people were freed. A state senate committee Wednesday approved making June 19 Juneteenth National Freedom Day. State Sen. Kimberly Lightford, a Democrat from Maywood, sponsored the bill, which would create a paid holiday for state employees. She said the day […]
State Lawmakers Debate Police Reform, Changes to Criminal Justice System
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers spent much of their weekend session debating criminal justice reform bills. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is using the lame-duck session to address a range of social equity issues, from healthcare to education to criminal justice. On Saturday, for a combined seven hours, the House Judiciary Committee and Senate Executive Committee […]
News Around Illinois May 14, 2020
State To Keep Bloomington COVID Testing Site Open Through May 22 BLOOMINGTON – McLean County residents will have another week to prove they want a convenient drive-thru COVID-19 testing site in their backyard. Amid criticism from local officials, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration will delay the planned closure and relocation of Bloomington’s testing site at the […]