Jeremy Gorner – Page 5

Jessica Dixon Heitman, newly appointed state representative, listens as her daughter Sloane, 7, describes a loose tooth in her mouth at their home on July 21, 2026, in Plainfield. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Democrats pick Jessica Dixon Heitman, late US senator’s granddaughter, to replace ex-state Rep. Harry Benton

July 21, 2026 at 5:45 p.m.

A granddaughter of late U.S. Senator Alan Dixon, Jessica Dixon Heitman replaces ex-state representative who resigned earlier this month in disgrace amid sexual harassment allegations.

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, sits in the House chamber as lawmakers discuss bills at the Illinois State Capitol on April 8, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)

Pritzker says Illinois ethics panel should release Harry Benton harassment report amid Welch office scrutiny

July 20, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s call for the report’s release came as the Illinois House Democratic majority, particularly women within the caucus, deliberated details revealed in a Tribune investigation over how...

State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, center, sits in the House chamber as lawmakers discuss bills at the Illinois State Capitol on April 8, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)

Illinois House Speaker Welch’s office knew of harassment claims against disgraced state Rep. Benton years ago

July 17, 2026 at 2:55 p.m.

The revelations from a female lobbyist and an ex-Benton staffer not only shed new light on the scandal surrounding the former two-term lawmaker, they also echo one of the most...

An employee holds a Colt Match Target 9 mm AR semiautomatic rifle at Suburban Sporting Goods in Melrose Park on June 30, 2026. The rifle was available for out-of-state purchase. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

Federal appeals court upholds Illinois assault weapons ban, overturning lower court ruling

July 9, 2026 at 6:14 p.m.

In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the Illinois law is "consistent with our regulatory tradition."

Illinois Rep. Harry Benton resigns after investigation into conduct Speaker Welch called ‘outrageous’

July 3, 2026 at 6:18 p.m.

Illinois state Rep. Harry Benton, a Democrat from Plainfield, resigned from the Illinois General Assembly following a monthslong investigation into his conduct.

Then-state Rep. Harry Benton sits at his desk in the House chamber during the spring legislative session at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on May 27, 2026. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Gov. JB Pritzker says Illinois Rep. Harry Benton should take Speaker Welch’s resignation call seriously

July 3, 2026 at 12:27 p.m.

Gov. JB Pritzker did not say whether the investigative report that spurred Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch to call for state Rep. Harry Benton to resign or be expelled from the...

Illinois Speaker Welch calls on Rep. Harry Benton to resign after investigation of his conduct

July 1, 2026 at 7:22 p.m.

Illinois Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch also said that if state Rep. Harry Benton of Plainfield doesn't resign, Illinois legislative leaders will begin the process of expelling him from the House.

A gallon of regular gas at the Shell station at Jackson Boulevard and Morgan Street in Chicago sells for $5.90 on May 18, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

New Illinois laws take effect Wednesday including gas tax freeze and changes for driving tests and tuition

July 1, 2026 at 2:33 p.m.

Among the laws going into effect Wednesday is the state's $55.9 billion budget and a six-month pause on a scheduled increase of a per-gallon gasoline tax that would otherwise jump...

An employee holds a Colt Match Target 9 mm AR semiautomatic rifle at Suburban Sporting Goods in Melrose Park on June 30, 2026. The U.S. Supreme Court indicated it would hear arguments possibly later this year over Cook County's ban on so-called assault weapons. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

Supreme Court to hear Cook County assault weapons ban case, potentially setting up test for Illinois gun law

June 30, 2026 at 9:37 p.m.

Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke vowed to “not back down” from defending the ordinance, saying assault weapons “have no place in our communities.”

An expectant mother sits with her 11-year-old son, June 30, 2026, for a portrait for the baiduhai on the South Side of Chicago. The mother has feared the possibility her new child could be born here without the typical rights and protections of an American citizen. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Illinois immigrants and leaders rejoice as Supreme Court affirms birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s order

June 30, 2026 at 6:59 p.m.

Challenging birthright citizenship was a central campaign pledge of Trump’s, who has disparaged the practice as “a magnet for illegal immigration.”

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