Illinois Lawmakers Vote to End Cash Bail

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois General Assembly passed an expansive criminal justice bill on the last day of the lame-duck session, which, among other changes, would end the use of cash bail and impose new certification requirements for police officers. The measure was a part of a slate of bills spearheaded by the Legislative Black Caucus. Gov. […]
Black Caucus Puts Welch Forth As Speaker Candidate

One day after state House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, announced a suspension – but not a withdrawal – of his campaign for another term as…
Black Caucus Introduces Sweeping Police Legislation, Faces Opposition From Law Enforcement

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus has introduced a sweeping criminal justice omnibus bill that aims to heavily alter the state of policing in Illinois. Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, introduced a 611-page amendment to House Bill 163 Tuesday in the state Senate, a move that would allow the bill to move during the General […]
Pandemic, Social Unrest, Statehouse Scandals Top 2020 Stories

SPRINGFIELD – It was a year like no other, and one most Americans would just as soon forget, but 2020 is sure to last in the history books as one of the most tumultuous in modern history. It was a year when face masks and hand sanitizer became ubiquitous items of everyday life and when […]
Pritzker Administration Announces $4.5 Million ‘Racial Healing’ Initiative

Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton unveiled a $4.5 million initiative Tuesday that is meant to foster dialogue and promote racial healing in…
Black Caucus Calls For Racial Equity In Education

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus continued to set the stage for its fall legislative agenda Wednesday, calling a news conference and committee hearing to discuss education policy. Education and workforce development make up one of four pillars on the agenda unveiled by the caucus earlier this month. The others are criminal justice reform, […]
Illinois Lawmakers Want Support For Agenda Focusing On Racism And Systemic Injustices

Calling out disparities in schools, the economy and the criminal justice system, Black state legislators say they’re demanding support for their forthcoming agenda.
Pritzker Discusses Police, Criminal Justice Reform In Springfield

As protests against police brutality continue throughout Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he’s working on police and criminal justice reform, and…