Illinois quick hits: Illinois Supreme Court sued over judge’s removal
Illinois Supreme Court sued over judge’s removal
The Liberty Justice Center has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Illinois Supreme Court justices for what the LCJ says was the unconstitutional removal of Judge James R. Brown.
The retired judge was recalled to Cook County circuit court in December 2025 to help fill judicial vacancies. Brown was removed six weeks later, after the Cook County Bar Association and the Chicago Council of Lawyers objected to an opinion column and podcast appearance by Brown before he returned to the bench.
The lawsuit seeks to restore Brown to his recall position and to obtain damages for economic and reputational harm.
Renewable energy plan approved
The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved the Illinois Power Agency’s 2026 plan to guide procurement of new renewable generation over the next two years.
The IPA’s plan encourages investment in both utility scale and community solar, utility-scale wind, hydropower and other projects.
A report issued last December by the IPA, ICC and Illinois EPA said the state would have an energy shortage in four years if it continued on its current path.
Sports betting bill advances
The Illinois House Gaming Committee has advanced legislation to ban Illinois home rule cities from regulating the sports betting industry.
State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, filed House Bill 4171 after Chicago enacted a city licensing requirement and imposed a 10.25% tax on sports wagers.
Illinois Gaming Board data shows that legal betting has declined for three consecutive months after the state imposed a per-wager tax last year.
Latest News Stories
Updated: St. John Woman Charged with Nine Counts of Murder in Crete Township Triple Homicide
NASA plans to build $20 billion base on the Moon
HUD launches investigation into race-based Washington housing program
Illinois lagging the nation for entrepreneurship, economic growth
Illinois Quick Hits: Iowa PA license wait times half of Illinois
Will County Previews ‘GuideWill’ Comprehensive Resource Management Plan
Peotone Library Board Rescinds Prior Decision, Returns to Werner’s Landscaping
Peotone Library Board Seeks Applicants for Vacant Trustee Position, Approves Staff Promotion
State attorneys general blame feds for rising gas prices, Trump admin pushes back
Union president: TSA workers want to be paid, not replaced by ICE
Illinois Quick Hits: DHS wants migrant charged with killing to remain in custody
IL U.S. Rep says health care crisis caused by failing to extend ACA tax credits