Illinois quick hits: Illinois Supreme Court sued over judge’s removal
Illinois Supreme Court sued over judge’s removal
The Liberty Justice Center has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Illinois Supreme Court justices for what the LCJ says was the unconstitutional removal of Judge James R. Brown.
The retired judge was recalled to Cook County circuit court in December 2025 to help fill judicial vacancies. Brown was removed six weeks later, after the Cook County Bar Association and the Chicago Council of Lawyers objected to an opinion column and podcast appearance by Brown before he returned to the bench.
The lawsuit seeks to restore Brown to his recall position and to obtain damages for economic and reputational harm.
Renewable energy plan approved
The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved the Illinois Power Agency’s 2026 plan to guide procurement of new renewable generation over the next two years.
The IPA’s plan encourages investment in both utility scale and community solar, utility-scale wind, hydropower and other projects.
A report issued last December by the IPA, ICC and Illinois EPA said the state would have an energy shortage in four years if it continued on its current path.
Sports betting bill advances
The Illinois House Gaming Committee has advanced legislation to ban Illinois home rule cities from regulating the sports betting industry.
State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, filed House Bill 4171 after Chicago enacted a city licensing requirement and imposed a 10.25% tax on sports wagers.
Illinois Gaming Board data shows that legal betting has declined for three consecutive months after the state imposed a per-wager tax last year.
Sunny
Latest News Stories
State lawmakers offer partisan responses to Pritzker’s budget address
Illinois Quick Hits: Data Center group concerned over pause
Pritzker proposes $54.8 billion budget, down from $55.2 billion in 2026
WATCH: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers state budget address
Union faces federal worker’s suit over seized dues
Illinois Quick Hits: Feds order state to stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs
Board Authorizes New Patrol Vehicles and Sheriff’s Office Equipment
Judge: ‘Boneless wings’ suit vs Buffalo Wild Wings has no legs
Illinois group pushes drug pricing bill opposed by business groups
IL lawmaker intros bill to regulate third-party lawsuit investing
Illinois senator offers 401(k)-style option to escape $145 billion pension crisis
Pasadena, Altadena continue recovery after 2025 Eaton Fire
