Illinois’ $55.2B budget ‘incomplete,’ Civic Federation president says

Illinois’ latest budget misses the mark in several key areas, according to one independent nonprofit fiscal analyst. State lawmakers sent Gov. JB Pritzker a $55.2 billion budget on May 31 that raises $1 billion in new revenue and increases spending by more than $2 billion in fiscal year 2026 compared to the current year.

From: 
Muddy River News

Federal defender program will run out of funds to pay panel attorneys, court officials warn

Lawyers appointed to represent federal criminal defendants through panels of the Criminal Justice Act won’t be paid for the last couple of months of the fiscal year because of funding shortfalls, court officials warn.

From: 
ABA Journal

Madigan attorneys say feds’ call for 12.5-year sentence is ‘draconian’; prosecutors say he’s worth $40 million in new court filings

Former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan’s attorneys have attacked prosecutors’ “draconian” recommendation that he serve 12½ years in prison in the ComEd scandal, likening the proposed term to a life sentence for an old man who is “not the villain of their constructed narrative.”

From: 
Chicago Tribune

Gov. Pritzker prepping for House committee showdown with help from top Biden attorney

Pritzker is preparing for Thursday’s House Oversight and Government Reform Committee appearance with the help of Dana Remus, former White House counsel to President Biden. He’s also reviewing Mayor Brandon Johnson’s committee testimony — and talking to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

From: 
Chicago Sun-Times

Don’t Let a Romance Scammer Steal Your Client’s Heart and Life Savings

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Kelsey Jo Burge

In today’s digital world, it is important to stay apprised of the various scams and financial abuses targeting the elderly members in our communities. One such offense that has resulted directly through advanced technology is the “romance scam,” which targets lonely and trusting elderly individuals through online dating apps and social media sites. Join us for an in-depth look at how to spot a possible scam and what you can do to help your client who has been the victim of this type of deception.

SIU Simmons Law School offers mobile legal clinics for senior citizens this summer

The Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School will begin a series of mobile legal clinics in the region next week to provide free, onsite assistance for senior citizens wanting to prepare health care power of attorney.

From: 
WSIU

Minors named in eviction notices, and the new Ill. law that could protect them

Having an eviction record can lead to housing and loan applications being denied, and make applicants ineligible for affordable housing programs. In Illinois, landlords sometimes name minors in eviction notices.

From: 
The Chicago Reporter

Illinois Freedom Caucus files lawsuit against Democratic legislative leaders over budget process

Multiple Eastern Illinois Republican lawmakers filed a lawsuit against Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch Thursday calling last weekend's budget process unconstitutional.

From: 
WAND

Illinois reaffirms abortion access in emergency rooms amid federal rollback

Illinois officials are reaffirming that pregnant women have the right to life-saving emergency care-including abortion-in all Illinois hospitals. The reaffirmation comes after the Trump administration rescinded federal guidance protecting emergency abortion access.

From: 
WSIU

ISP backs bill expanding its mission to investigate internet crimes against children

While Illinois State Police has long investigated child sex crimes, a new measure would explicitly name addressing internet crimes against children as a core mission of its criminal division.

From: 
WIFR