Illinois Senate bill seeks to expand sentence credits for rehabilitation programs

Illinois lawmakers are considering whether people who complete rehabilitation or work programs while held in county jails should receive credit toward a future prison sentence.

From: 
NPR Illinois

Federal judge extends order blocking Trump cuts to Illinois public health funding

The loss in grant funding would have wiped out some HIV tracking programs, family planning initiatives, and lead poisoning prevention.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

How a collection case landed a Madison County judge’s name in the Epstein files

A man wearing a sandwich board protesting outside of the Edwardsville courthouse last month revived sleeping worries and anxieties Madison County Judge Andrew Carruthers had hoped to leave in the past.

From: 
Belleville News-Democrat

Don’t SLAPP the Messenger

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

In his March Illinois Bar Journal article, “Don’t SLAPP the Messenger,” Bryan G. Lesser explores why the General Assembly amended the Illinois Citizens Participation Act to expressly cover the freedom of the press. The amendment, effective Jan. 1, 2026, aims to protect the First Amendment and deter politically-motivated lawsuits in Illinois courts, such as some strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). Lesser considers how the amendment could shape future litigation and assesses strategies for both plaintiffs and defendants in SLAPP cases.

Northern District of Illinois United States Bankruptcy Judge Thomas M. Lynch’s Requests Reappointment

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Marybeth Stanziola

United States Bankruptcy Judge Thomas M. Lynch of the Northern District of Illinois has applied to be reappointed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to a new 14-year term when his current term expires on January 1, 2027. A United States Bankruptcy Judge is a judicial officer of the Unites States District Court who exercises the authority of the court with respect to any action, suit, or proceeding under Chapter 6 of Title 28 of the United States Code. 28 U.S.C. § 151.

Scam alert issued by Illinois Office of Statewide Pretrial Services

The Illinois Office of Statewide Pretrial Services has issued a scam alert targeting family members of people who have recently been arrested.

From: 
WLDS

Illinois bill aims to address gender discrepancies in CPR training

The legislation would mandate the use of female manikins in school programs.

From: 
Capitol News Illinois

Chicago police, other agencies take in millions by seizing cars, cash even without an arrest or conviction

Some want Illinois’ civil asset forfeiture system abolished. A retired police chief says it’s “one of the few tools that weakens criminal networks financially.” The Chicago Sun-Times went to Courtroom 1707 to see the system in action.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

Illinois Senate considers charter schools bill

An Illinois lawmaker’s union-backed proposal to place new mandates on charter schools in the state is generating debate.

From: 
Advantage News