Author: Kevin Bessler | The Center Square, Washington Examiner

(The Center Square) – As Illinois continues to allow data centers to set up shop in the state, the stress on the power grid is coming into question. A data center is a space used to house computer systems and associated equipment, such as telecommunications and storage systems. Data centers can vary widely in terms…

Sunday storms knock out power Strong thunderstorms moved through Illinois Sunday, leaving thousands without power. According to Ameren Illinois, power outages were reported in several Illinois counties, including Peoria, Fulton and Knox counties. Fulton County officials reported power lines were down throughout the county. As of mid-Monday morning, nearly 1,500 households were still without power.…

(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would remove cannabis odor as the sole probable cause for police officers to search a car. The measure, sponsored by state Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, would still require that cannabis be stored in a secure, sealed, or re-sealable container. “I want to be very…

(The Center Square) – Already faced with the second-highest property taxes in the nation, a new report shows just how challenging it is for Illinoisans to own a home. The Consumer Federation of America released a new report that shows Illinois homeowners saw their insurance premiums increase by an average of 50% over the past…

(The Center Square) – As Election Day 2024 approaches, two Republican candidates are trying to unseat their Democratic incumbents to represent Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 17th Congressional District, which covers much of northwestern and central Illinois, is getting a lot of attention nationwide. Retired Judge Joe McGraw is trying to unseat…

(The Center Square) – Illinois is the only state that is moving ahead with a law that limits banks from charging interchange fees on tax and tip revenues, but the law was officially challenged in court Wednesday. A group of organizations, including the Illinois Bankers Association, asked a federal judge for an injunction blocking the Interchange Fee…

(The Center Square) – Illinois voters will get a chance to decide whether millionaires in the state should pay an additional tax to address the high property taxes in the Land of Lincoln. The question asks: “Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1 million for…

Former hospital CEO charged A federal investigation into alleged corruption and embezzlement at a Chicago hospital has resulted in charges against the former Chief Executive Officer. A 45-count indictment accuses former Loretto Hospital CEO George Miller, 73, of conspiring with the hospital’s former Chief Financial Officer to corruptly steer vendor contracts and other hospital business…

(The Center Square) – The assault on the Biden administration’s tough tailpipe emissions standards continue. Under the rules, the auto industry could meet the standards if 56% of new vehicle sales are electric vehicles and at least 13% of sales are plug-in hybrids by 2032. The Illinois Corn Growers Association is commending the U.S. House…

Japan trade mission continues Gov. J.B. Pritzker and business leaders from Illinois are continuing with their Gubernatorial Trade Mission in Japan. House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said they are learning about the Japanese economy, details about the new prime minister, and the significance of the U.S.-Japanese alliance. Crews respond to field fire Parts of Illinois…