Gov. J.B. Pritzker aims to get assault weapon ban proposal ‘done in the first half of the year’

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who made banning the sale of assault weapons a key component of his successful reelection campaign this fall, for the first time voiced support for the recently unveiled proposal by Illinois House Democrats that includes outlawing the sale of certain assault-style guns, barring most people under 21 from getting gun permits and banning large-capacity magazines.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

‘Chuy’ García gets $1 million from labor union as race for Chicago mayor enters ballot-challenge phase

Powerful labor union IUOE Local 150 is giving U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García’s campaign a $1 million donation in his bid to unseat Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs amendment to criminal justice overhaul weeks before cash bail set to end

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday signed into law changes to a controversial criminal justice overhaul that will eliminate cash bail beginning Jan. 1, making good on assurances he gave during his successful reelection campaign that the measure would be tweaked.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

2022 in review: The year in photos

The AP’s top photos of 2022 capture a planet bursting at the seams. Scroll through 150 unforgettable images that defined the year that was.

Here’s a link to the story.

Amtrak resumes full service on line that includes the Illini and Salukis stop

Amtrak said Monday it has restored all services at its Homewood station, including on-site ticketing and the resumption of two daily round-trip trains on the Illini and Saluki line.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Du Quoin trio wins Congressional App Challenge

When it comes to finding out more about clubs and groups at Du Quoin High School, a trio of students say, “There’s an app for that.”

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Energy groups sue Biden admin for failing to hold oil, gas lease sales again

A pair of energy industry groups filed a lawsuit Monday, alleging the Biden administration has failed to comply with federal law that requires it to periodically auction off land for oil and gas drilling.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

Car bursts into flames after driver loses control on I-57

BENTON, IL (WSIL) — A car driving on I-57 burst into flames after the fuel tank was damaged due to the driver losing control of the car.

Here’s a link to the story at WSIL.

Rend Lake College and Murphy-Wall celebrate 20 years

PINCKNEYVILLE, IL — The Rend Lake College Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville Campus, a Perry County extension of the Rend Lake College main campus in Ina, celebrated its 20th anniversary this week.

Here’s a link to the story.

Cyber Monday deals raked in billions

Days after flocking to stores on Black Friday, consumers are turning online for Cyber Monday to score more discounts on gifts and other items that have ballooned in price because of high inflation.

Here’s a link to the story at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

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