Politics and Government

It was only a matter a time that recent events caused someone to focus in on Illinois State Capitol statues dedicated to those with racist pasts. Now, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is calling for the removal of two statues sitting outside the State Capitol and a portrait inside the chamber of the Illinois House.

A coalition of Illinois business groups is launching a new campaign against the graduated income tax constitutional amendment voters will consider on November's ballot.

Peoria's census participation has hit a plateau as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on.

Aaron Chess is announcing his candidacy for Peoria's 1st District council seat.

The Peoria Park District Board of Trustees has approved temporary closures at three facilities as a cost saving measure.

The Trump administration is moving to end federal funding for the COVID-19 testing site in Peoria on June 30.

The Peoria City Council has approved an early retirement incentive aimed at reducing the need for layoffs from the city workforce.

The city of Pekin is announcing the retirement of Fire Chief Kurt Nelson.

The Pekin City Council is setting the stage for a major rehabilitation of Court Street.

Morton has a new police chief, but the circumstances surrounding the retirement of outgoing Chief Craig Hilliard remain hazy.

The Peoria County Board added $853,000 back to its 2020 budget a month after cutting more than $12 million just a month ago due to COVID-19.

Entrepreneur and urban farmer Andres Diaz announced his candidacy for Peoria mayor Saturday at the North Valley Farmers Market he founded.

The Peoria County Board will consider a budget amendment aimed at addressing injustice in law enforcement and ensuring all who want to vote get a chance to do so safely. That comes as other county budget items are being scaled back amid COVID-19 related revenue challenges.

The appropriation totaling $853,500 would give additional dollars to the state’s attorney, sheriff, and election commission.

By a narrow 6 to 5 vote, the Peoria City Council voted to cut 45 jobs by August to address the city's $50 million budget deficit.

State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth says major police reform is a task for local government, rather than state and federal leaders.

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said the civil unrest in the wake of George Floyd's murder could make the city council reconsider its budget considerations in terms of police and fire cuts.

Peoria activist and mayoral candidate Chama St. Louis and the Peoria Community Bond Fund worked to bond four people charged in this week's civil unrest out of the Peoria County Jail.

Several members of the Peoria city council want to hold off on drastic cuts in hopes of a new federal stimulus package coming. And Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis says the city is "toast" without it.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood is calling for a full investigation into the Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyd's death.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced new guidance for places of worship. It comes as he has faced multiple lawsuits over his ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. Pritzker now says faith leaders should try to limit attendance to a quarter of a building’s capacity or 100 attendees, whichever is lower, along with social distancing.

The architects of the Restore Heart of Illinois regional reopening plan say that, for all intents and purposes, their plan is now the governor's plan.

The city of Peoria isn't much closer to closing the $50 million hole in the 2020 budget caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city of Peoria will likely temporarily allow restaurants and bars to set up outdoor seating on private property, sidewalks, or even the street.

The city of Galesburg is considering joining the Restore Heart of Illinois phased reopening plan led by Peoria.

Morton Mayor Jeff Kaufman said while he likes both the Restore Heart of Illinois and Tri-County regional reopening plans, there's a major stumbling block that makes him wary of adopting it without the governor's blessing - liability.

Illinois civil rights leaders say they're deeply concerned about displays of antisemitism at this past weekend's protests against Governor J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order.

Peoria officials said Friday they'll be ready to implement their regional phased reopening plan in the next week or so.

The Peoria County Board approved a 10.5 percent across the board cut to its 2020 budget as COVID-19 takes a bite out of incoming revenues.

Peoria officials declined to take any new questions on the Restore Heart of Illinois phased reopening plan at the regularly scheduled COVID-19 press conference Thursday.