October 17, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: ICE ordered to wear body cameras; Fed’s Beige Book released

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

ICE ordered to wear body cameras

A U.S. District Court judge in Chicago has ordered federal immigration enforcement officers to wear body cameras while performing their duties.

Judge Sara Ellis issued a temporary restraining order last week to limit federal authorities’ use of tear gas and other measures to disperse protesters.

The judge updated the order Thursday to include the body camera mandate.

Camera funds announced for local police

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board has announced the opening of the application period for the Fiscal Year 2026 Law Enforcement Camera Grant.

This grant provides over $56 million in state taxpayer funding to equip police agencies across Illinois with video technology.

Individual awards of up to $3 million are available through the program.

Fed’s Beige Book released

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago says economic activity in the Fed’s Seventh District was little changed in the latest reporting period.

The Beige Book released Wednesday showed declines in business spending and manufacturing activity, and increases in consumer spending and real estate activity.

Employment was flat, prices rose moderately and wages went up modestly.

The Chicago Fed covers parts of five Midwestern states.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Bears, megaprojects tax incentive bill heads to Senate after clearing House

Bears, megaprojects tax incentive bill heads to Senate after clearing House

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House has passed legislation to provide tax incentives for the Chicago Bears and other megaprojects...
House Dems pass redistricting amendment GOP says will lead to more gerrymandering

House Dems pass redistricting amendment GOP says will lead to more gerrymandering

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Democrat state legislators say they are one step closer to standing against attacks on voting rights after...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

City Council Approves 4% Pay Increase for Appointed Officials

Casey City Council Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council passed Ordinance #619 following an executive session, confirming the annual slate of city appointments and implementing...
Illinois Quick Hits: Governor announces green tax credits for film and TV

Illinois Quick Hits: Governor announces green tax credits for film and TV

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced a new 5% tax credit to incentivize green film and television production....
‘Plaintiffs’ lawyer paradise:’ IL lawsuit-friendly courts jack up costs, report says

‘Plaintiffs’ lawyer paradise:’ IL lawsuit-friendly courts jack up costs, report says

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois is falling behind the rest of the country at reforming its court system, and in some ways is headed in the...
AG candidate seeks to reform SAFE-T Act

AG candidate seeks to reform SAFE-T Act

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois attorney general candidate launched a new initiative to reform the SAFE-T Act. The law enacted...
Op-Ed: Senate Bill 3070 provides sensible solution for students, manufacturers

Op-Ed: Senate Bill 3070 provides sensible solution for students, manufacturers

By Ben BarnettThe Center Square Illinois manufacturers face a serious problem. We have modern, high-tech facilities running at full capacity, but we struggle to find the young talent needed to...
Illinois millionaire’s tax moves closer to November ballot

Illinois millionaire’s tax moves closer to November ballot

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A measure giving Illinois voters the opportunity to consider a millionaire’s tax is one step closer to...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Ava Goble’s Complete-Game Shutout Powers Casey-Westfield Past Richland County 8-0

Senior Ava Goble delivered a masterclass on the mound and at the plate, leading the Casey-Westfield varsity softball team to a commanding 8-0 home conference victory over Richland County on...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Casey-Westfield Blanks Richland County 2-0 Behind Masterful One-Hit Shutout

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team leaned on a flawless defensive effort and a dominant pitching performance to earn a 2-0 home conference victory over Richland County on Monday. Casey-Westfield pitchers...
U.S. Navy intercepts, seizes Iranian cargo ship

U.S. Navy intercepts, seizes Iranian cargo ship

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on Sunday, President Donald Trump said. The ship named Touska was intercepted in the...

Everyday Economics: Retail sales and housing suggest a resilient consumer

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week, the focus shifts to the consumer, with March retail sales and the National Association of Realtors’ pending home sales report. Both reports are...
Authorities: 8 children killed in domestic shootings in NW Louisiana

Authorities: 8 children killed in domestic shootings in NW Louisiana

By Dan McCaleb and Darren SvanThe Center Square Eight children were killed early Sunday in domestic-related shootings at three Shreveport homes, authorities said. Shreveport Police Department spokesman and public affairs...
Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of Illinois’ proposed “Homes for Good Act” say the measure could reduce recidivism and improve...
Supreme Court to hear migrant parole case Wednesday

Supreme Court to hear migrant parole case Wednesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will begin its final oral arguments sitting of the current term on Monday. The justices will hear several high profile arguments...