The watchdog for the Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking harsher penalties against health care workers who obstruct abuse and neglect investigations.

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Chicago is poised to receive $20 million from the state of Illinois under an appropriation bill passed by legislators for migrants, but that’s less than half of what Mayor Lori Lightfoot requested to address a recent influx of asylum-seekers.

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(The Center Square) – While eyes are on the courts with lawsuits challenging Illinois’ gun ban working through the state and federal judiciary, a gun-rights group says it’s important to keep an eye on the statehouse because more gun control measures are coming.

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Only a week old, Illinois’ sweeping ban on high-powered firearms and large-capacity ammunition magazines is facing at least two legal challenges and pushback from dozens of county sheriffs who say they won’t uphold the law.

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(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is in Switzerland for the 2023 World Economic Forum to tout his agenda. Some back home say the governor should be more focused on the state’s issues.

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While about half the country already has reduced the amount of pandemic-era federal food assistance offered in their state, Illinois is preparing for the change to take effect in March.

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(The Center Square) – Illinois’ minimum wage increased to $13 at the beginning of the year and businesses are feeling it.

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(The Center Square) – A bill headed to the governor’s desk that gives paid leave to all Illinois workers is being criticized for hurting small businesses around the state.

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Across Illinois, more than 90 county sheriffs have issued statements voicing opposition to HB 5471 Protect Illinois Communities, a law signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week.

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Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley and a singer-songwriter dedicated to her father’s legacy, died Thursday after being hospitalized for a medical emergency. She was 54.

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