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
Monee Approves $39,114 Purchase of John Deere Gator for Winter Sidewalk Maintenance
Ramirez Homers, Steals Four Bases as Crete-Monee Offense Overwhelms Thornton Fractional South, 18-8
Monee Village Board Approves Tax Increment Financing Agreement for Voortman Steel Facility
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Village Board of Trustees for February 25, 2026
Will County Public Works Approves Access for 56-Acre Truck Services Hub on Manhattan-Monee Road
Crest Hill Homeowner Granted Side Yard Setback Variance for Accessible Addition
State Update: County Officials Raise Alarms Over Pritzker’s ADU Zoning Push and Data Center Tax Breaks
Committee Approves $317K Guardrail Maintenance Contract Amid Discussion on Installation Dangers
Will County Approves Diamond Enterprise Zone Expansion to Support $355 Million Energy Investment
Federal Update: DHS Shutdown, War Powers, and Housing Legislation Dominate Washington
Will County Corporate Revenues Surpass Expectations, Igniting Debate Over Delinquent Tax Sales