Illinois quick hits: Pope reacts to Pritzker bill signing
Pope reacts to Pritzker bill signing
Pope Leo XIV says he is very disappointed that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950 to legalize physician-assisted suicide.
The pope said that he spoke explicitly with Pritzker about the legislation when the governor visited Rome last month. Pritzker signed the bill Dec. 12, on the Catholic feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Pope Leo said he hopes and prays that respect for life will once again grow in all moments of human existence, “from conception to natural death.”
Pritzker reacts to Supre Court guard ruling
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says it was a “big win for Illinois and American democracy” when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday in favor of a district court’s order blocking President Donald Trump from using National Guard troops in Chicago to help federal immigration enforcement.
The Supreme Court turned down the Trump administration’s emergency request to overturn a ruling by U.S. District Judge April Perry, leaving in place Perry’s temporary order barring the deployment amid the legal challenge.
Sports betting tax hike criticized
The Sports Betting Alliance says Chicago’s new municipal tax on sports wagering will drive more sports bettors to illegal websites and bookies.
The tax is part of the $16.7 billion 2026 budget passed by the city council Dec. 20. According to data from the Illinois Gaming Board, betting activity across the state declined 15% during the first two months of Illinois’ per-wager tax that took effect earlier this year.
Brett Rowland contributed to this report.
Latest News Stories
Lawmakers concerned over taxpayer burden of Iran conflict
Pritzker pushes back on Megaproject tax concerns
Measles spreads across some Southwestern states
EXCLUSIVE: Inside one Michigan town’s fight against solar expansion
Trump demands unconditional surrender from Iran, mentions regime change
Illinois pols react to Homeland Security secretary’s exit, reassignment
Illinois quick hits: Appeals court vacates use of force injunction; Charges filed for possession of sex abuse materials; Gas prices keep rising
U.S. cut 92,000 jobs in ‘dismal’ February report, unemployment 4.4%
Board Splits Along Party Lines to Approve 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda
Turmoil in Texas: Concerns for Paxton to drop out, Gonzales drops reelection bid
HHS and DOC announce nutrition education initiative for medical schools
Target sued for checking arrest records of new hires: Class action