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Kevin Bessler | The Center Square

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Politics

WATCH: Illinois Republicans say ethics legislation being ignored by Democrats

Kevin Bessler | The Center Square - March 23, 2025

Illinois frequently gets mentioned as one of the most corrupt states in the country, including by the organization Best Diplomats, which ranked Illinois third worst in the country. #ethics

Business

Gambling insider says Illinois’ internet gambling legislation likely doomed

Kevin Bessler | The Center Square - March 17, 2025

This marks the third consecutive year that legislation has been proposed, with the latest version including a tax rate of 25% on adjusted iGaming revenue. Supporters of the iGaming bill claim Illinois could collect an additional $1 billion annually in taxes. #gambling

Community

Illinoisans can nominate and choose coolest products made in the state

Kevin Bessler | The Center Square - February 17, 2025

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has launched its sixth annual “Makers Madness” bracket-style contest to determine the top product manufactured across the state. Any product that is manufactured in Illinois can be nominated for the tournament. #products

Chicago

Challenges to Illinois’ pending interchange law continue to play out in court

Kevin Bessler | The Center Square - February 9, 2025

The law prohibits a credit card holder’s bank from charging or receiving interchange fees on portions of transactions, including taxes and gratuities. It is scheduled to go into effect July 1. #fees

Community

U-Haul report places Illinois near the bottom of places people are moving to

Kevin Bessler | The Center Square - January 5, 2025

The report gauges how well states and cities are attracting and maintaining residents, with Illinois coming in 45th place. Illinois' place on the list grew three spots from No. 48 in the 2023 report. #report

Public Notices

New changes designed to strengthen Illinois’ Move Over law

Kevin Bessler | The Center Square - December 31, 2024

Trooper Clay Carns was killed the day before Christmas Eve when a vehicle struck him while he was removing debris from I-55 in Will County. The driver was charged with violating Scott’s Law, a class 4 felony, and was also issued multiple citations in connection with the crash. #law

Community

Some call new commission to explore Illinois’ property tax system a waste of time

Kevin Bessler | The Center Square - December 26, 2024

State Rep. Mary Beth Canty’s legislation creates the commission that will include members of the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. #taxsystem

Community

Illinois Supreme Court rules smell of marijuana enough for vehicle search

Kevin Bessler | The Center Square - December 8, 2024

"A lot of people have viewed this case as being about cannabis rights. I’ve never viewed it as that, it is more important than that. It’s a case about our constitutional rights." #search

Community