Illinois Quick Hits: Benton pulls name from ballot after resignation

Illinois Quick Hits: Benton pulls name from ballot after resignation

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – Former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, who resigned from his seat in the Illinois House of Representatives at the start of this month following investigations into alleged misconduct while he was in office, has followed through on his promise to withdraw his name from November ballots.

The Will and Kendall County Democrats shared an open call for residents of the 97th district to apply to replace Benton, both for the remainder of his term and separately on the Democrat line of the ballot. The application closed Monday, but a candidate could be appointed by the chairs anytime before August 21, the day ballots are finalized.

Sean Reed contributed to this story

PRITZKER SIGNS SERVICE MEMBER, VETERANS-RELATED BILLS

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation related to military service members and veterans.

Senate Bill 3737 requires universities to promptly readmit students after academic military leave.

Senate Bill 3818 incentivizes Illinois National Guard recruitment by providing financial compensation for successful referrals.

Senate Bill 3926 moves the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council under the Department of Public Health.

All three measures take effect Jan.

IL DEPT. OF LABOR RELEASES PREVAILING WAGE RATES

The Illinois Department of Labor has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in each county across the state.

The rates took effect on Wednesday, following IDOL’s annual statewide survey pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.

The law requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to be paid wages that reflect local standards.

The rates can be found the the Illinois Department of Labor’s Prevailing Wage Act Rates webpage.

FINANCIAL CONDITIONS INDEX DECREASES

The Chicago Fed’s National Financial Conditions Index decreased to –0.54 in the week ending July 10, suggesting looser financial conditions where credit is considered to be easier and cheaper for businesses and consumers.

Fri Jul 24
Partly Sunny
81° 68°

Partly Sunny

💨 5 to 10 mph 💧 14%

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Screenshot 2025-11-19 at 9.30.24 AM

Will County Executive Committee to Hash Out Budget Cuts Following Levy Reduction

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: Following a Finance Committee vote to reduce the proposed 2026 property tax levy increase, Will County Board leaders on...
Screenshot 2025-11-19 at 12.04.40 PM

Frankfort Approves Taser Purchase with State Grant, Upgrades Boardroom Tech

Village of Frankfort Meeting | November 17, 2025 Article Summary: The Village of Frankfort on Monday, November 17, 2025, authorized the purchase of five new Taser 10 units for its police...
frankfort fire district graphic logo.3

Frankfort Fire Trustees Approve Plan to Re-Chassis Three Ambulances, Saving Time and Costs

Frankfort Fire Protection District Meeting | October 21, 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has approved a multi-year agreement to upgrade three ambulances by re-chassing...
Inflation-adjusted teacher salaries drop despite record spending on public education

Inflation-adjusted teacher salaries drop despite record spending on public education

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new report says structural problems have led to record-high spending on public education in Illinois and...
Illinois quick hits: CDC's autism and vaccines website criticized by IDPH

Illinois quick hits: CDC’s autism and vaccines website criticized by IDPH

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square CDC's autism and vaccines website criticized The Illinois Department of Public Health is criticizing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and...
IL GOP U.S. Senate candidate says state needs balanced representation

IL GOP U.S. Senate candidate says state needs balanced representation

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite having to push through a potentially crowded primary field, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy says...
Wheat price drop brings notable Thanksgiving savings for Illinois families

Wheat price drop brings notable Thanksgiving savings for Illinois families

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois families will see some relief at the Thanksgiving table this year, with the average cost...
Illinois lawmaker calls FDA hormone therapy reversal ‘overdue’

Illinois lawmaker calls FDA hormone therapy reversal ‘overdue’

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker and practicing physician weighs said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F....
IL Rep on congressmen trading: 'We're not going to take a pile of money to hell'

IL Rep on congressmen trading: ‘We’re not going to take a pile of money to hell’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congresswoman says the public is right to be alarmed about elected officials enriching themselves through...
Illinois quick hits: Officer shot report numbers down; Thanksgiving meal costs down

Illinois quick hits: Officer shot report numbers down; Thanksgiving meal costs down

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Officer shot report numbers down The National Fraternal Order of Police reports, through Oct. 31, 285 police officers have been shot...
WATCH: Chicago activist testifies; Quinn’s millionaire surcharge; High SNAP error rate

WATCH: Chicago activist testifies; Quinn’s millionaire surcharge; High SNAP error rate

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares highlights from...
GE Appliances announces $150 million partnerships

GE Appliances announces $150 million partnerships

By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - GE Appliances announced Thursday it is investing more than $150 million into contracts for suppliers in the...
Screenshot 2025-11-19 at 9.30.06 AM

Frankfort, Will County Partner on Wildlife Rabies Control

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee recommended approval of an intergovernmental agreement on Thursday, November 13, 2025, that allows...
Screenshot 2025-11-19 at 9.30.44 AM

Executive Committee Approves Appointments for Washington Township, Emergency Telephone Boards

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee on Thursday, November 13, 2025, recommended the approval of two key appointments, filling...
frankfort fire district graphic logo.2

Frankfort Fire Board Meets for Six Hours in Closed Session as Chief Search Continues

Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees held a marathon special meeting on Monday, October 20, 2025, spending nearly six hours in closed session regarding the search...