People were strapped to chairs for hours, days at Madison County Jail. Many were mentally ill or in withdrawal.

Capitol News Illinois Of all Illinois jails, Madison County has the most incidents of restraint lasting longer than 10 hours–the upper limit set by the chair manufacturer. The jail said they’re not equipped to care for so many mentally ill detainees. by Grace Hauck and Janelle O’Dea Warning: The following article includes mentions of self-harm and suicide. This…

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Illinois students remain at or above national average

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Fourth and eighth grade students in Illinois generally scored as well or better than the national average in reading and math, according to results of the latest round of national test results. But their scores remain below pre-pandemic levels and, in the case of reading, continue to decline steadily. The…

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Illinois lawmakers revive push to create prescription drug affordability board

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — With prescription drug costs soaring, Illinois lawmakers announced legislation this week reviving efforts to create a prescription drug affordability board with the goal of capping the growing cost of medication. Legislators and medical policy advocates revealed the proposal at a press conference Wednesday at the capitol in Springfield. The measure,…

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Campaign cash flows from ethanol and corn sectors as Illinois lawmakers weigh carbon capture regulations

Capitol News Illinois Backed by the powerful corn lobby, Marquis Energy’s push to bury carbon emissions underground has sparked a fierce debate in Illinois politics. The ethanol plant is banking on carbon capture technology to secure federal tax credits. Jennifer Bamberg, Investigate Midwest Note: This story was updated 10:23 a.m. Jan. 27, 2025. Nestled along…

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Prosecutor calls Madigan, McClain ‘grand masters of corruption’ as case goes to jury

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – It was a well-known aphorism during former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s record 36 years in power that while others in the state’s political realm were merely playing checkers, the longtime Democratic powerbroker was playing chess. And on Wednesday, after three months of listening to testimony followed by a marathon…

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