Illinois Quick Hits: Court rules against parents in East St. Louis busing case

Illinois Quick Hits: Court rules against parents in East St. Louis busing case

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Supreme Court has reversed an appellate court’s ruling in a case involving state requirements of public school districts when transporting students to and from a nonpublic school.

Parents of students at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in East St. Louis filed suit in 2022 after School District 189 stopped providing bus service to Bowman students, citing a shortage of bus drivers.

The supreme court ruled that the district’s transportation obligation was limited to points along its regular bus routes.

HONDURAN MAN SENTENCED AFTER SEVEN DEPORTATIONS

A Honduran national has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported seven times.

Federal prosecutors say Chicago police arrested Jefry Estrada Pastrana, 37, after he failed to appear in court for a Cook County case involving alleged theft and forgery.

Estrada Pastrana pleaded guilty to unlawful re-entry in April and is subject to removal from the U.S.

CHICAGO MAYOR ESTABLISHES GUN VIOLENCE REDUCTION OFFICE

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order establishing the new Office of Gun Violence Reduction.

The agency to be led by the deputy mayor for community safety will be tasked with coordinating violence prevention efforts, victim services and community safety investments.

The Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, executive director at Live Free Illinois, told The Center Square the new department would be funded by Chicago taxpayers.

STATE HEALTH DEPT. ANNOUNCES UNIVERSAL CHILDHOOD LEAD TESTING

The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced that universal childhood blood lead testing will take effect Wednesday.

Previously, state lead testing requirements applied to children living in high-risk zip codes. Under the new standard, all Illinois children are to be tested automatically at 12 and 24 months.

⚠️ Heat Advisory issued June 29 at 3:13PM CDT until July 1 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 28
Mostly Sunny
90° 77°

Mostly Sunny

💨 15 mph 💧 1%

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Poll: Majority prefer Trump's immigration policies over Biden's

Poll: Majority prefer Trump’s immigration policies over Biden’s

By Dan McCalebThe Center Square A majority of Americans say they prefer President Donald Trump's approach to border security and immigration than they do former President Joe Biden's, according to...
Illinois eyes smarter park funding: handicap accessibility gets priority

Illinois eyes smarter park funding: handicap accessibility gets priority

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are proposing a change to the way state parks receive funding, one that could...
Nation's first primary states to begin early voting

Nation’s first primary states to begin early voting

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Early voting has begun or is about to begin in states with the earliest 2026 midterm election primaries. Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi...
Vermont EV buses prove unreliable for transportation this winter

Vermont EV buses prove unreliable for transportation this winter

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Electric buses are proving unreliable this winter for Vermont's Green Mountain Transit, as it needs to be over 41 degrees for the buses to charge,...
Idaho has least childcare regulations, Vermont the most out of the 50 states

Idaho has least childcare regulations, Vermont the most out of the 50 states

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Idaho ranks as the freest of the 50 states when it comes to childcare regulations, while Vermont is the least free, according to a new...
Will County Finance Logo

Will County Treasurer’s Investment Strategy Yields $6 Million in Income

Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: County Treasurer Tim Brophy and investment managers from Stifel presented a detailed review of the county’s investment portfolio to the Finance...
frankfort village hall graphic logo.2

Village Updates Water System Emergency Plans to Meet Federal Standards

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | February 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Village Board authorized a contract with HR Green, Inc. to update Frankfort’s Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response...
Screenshot 2026-02-04 at 2.02.55 PM

Lobbyists Outline Strategy for Federal Funding and Grundy County Expansion

JJC Trustees Workshop Meeting | January 28, 2026 Article Summary: Representatives from Point of Difference Strategies updated the JJC Board on efforts to secure state and federal funding for key...
Lawsuit investor Burford can upend Sysco’s $50M chicken price settlement

Lawsuit investor Burford can upend Sysco’s $50M chicken price settlement

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A Chicago federal appeals panel will allow Burford Capital, the world's largest third-party lawsuit investor, to force poultry producer Pilgrim's Pride back...
Gas prices projected to rise if Pritzker fails to act on E10 waiver

Gas prices projected to rise if Pritzker fails to act on E10 waiver

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gas prices have dropped across the country in recent months, but the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association...
U.S. LNG exports hit new high as Turkey buys big

U.S. LNG exports hit new high as Turkey buys big

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square U.S. LNG exports reached a fresh record of 525.1 million cubic feet in November, with shipments to trade partners including Turkey, Egypt and several European...
Illinois Quick Hits: CTA passenger set on fire in November leaves hospital

Illinois Quick Hits: CTA passenger set on fire in November leaves hospital

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago Transit Authority train passenger says she has been released from the hospital more than two...
House Oversight probes Rep. Ilhan Omar's husband's businesses

House Oversight probes Rep. Ilhan Omar’s husband’s businesses

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The House Oversight Committee is investigating the rapid rise in value of two companies owned by Rep. Ilhan Omar's husband, amid concerns over financial transparency...

WATCH: IL Senate GOP proposes SAFE-T Act changes for domestic violence violations

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran says his caucus has proposed changes to the SAFE-T Act that...
Illinois open-burn bill ignites capitol clash

Illinois open-burn bill ignites capitol clash

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal aimed at giving local fire protection districts more oversight of open burning in unincorporated...