Pritzker Signs Bill To Protect Immigrants
Illinois is taking further action to protect immigrants from the federal government. Governor Pritzker signed a bill in Chicago that is designed to ensure immigrants impacted by the Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement can safely attend court hearings, protect their health information, join university communities, and access childcare for their families. The legislation also outlines steps to provide legal recourse for individuals harmed by law enforcement agents who violated Constitutional rights during immigration enforcement operations.
Ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan Asks Trump For Pardon
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is asking President Trump for a pardon of his federal corruption conviction. Madigan recently filed a clemency petition with the Office of the Pardon Attorney. The Chicago native is currently serving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence in federal prison after being convicted earlier this year on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery. Federal prosecutors say Madigan conspired with others to get ComEd to make monetary payments to his associates in exchange for favorable legislation.
Trump Administration Warn Chicago To Address CTA Safety Or Lose Federal Funding
The Trump administration is warning the city of Chicago to address safety on the CTA or risk losing federal funding. In a letter to Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Federal Transit Administrator Marc Molinaro threatened to withhold funds if the CTA doesn’t implement a security plan by next week. The demand follows last month’s gruesome attack when a woman was set on fire on the CTA’s Blue Line in downtown Chicago. Molinaro said the incident reflects systemic failures in both leadership and accountability on all levels.
Illinois’ Winter Weather Rule in Effect
Illinois’ winter weather rule is in effect. Through March 31st, utilities are banned from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating. The cold weather rule also protects residential customers from disconnections when temperatures are forecasted to be at or below 32-degrees, and on days preceding holidays and weekends when the forecast is expected to drop to freezing. The rule excludes disconnections related to theft, tampering, or safety.