October 20, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Davis Gates selected to lead IFT; new veterans facilities in Quincy

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Davis Gates selected to lead IFT

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates is now also the president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

Union delegates elected Gates to replace outgoing president Dan Montgomery on Saturday.

The IFT is planning a statewide lobby day and press conference in Springfield Oct. 29, the second-to-last day of the General Assembly’s fall veto session.

New veterans facilities in Quincy

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the Capital Development Board have announced the opening of a new veterans home in Quincy.

Agency officials say the renovation and rehabilitation project provides a 260,000 square foot long-term care home for 210 residents and an 80,000 square foot independent living facility for 88 residents.

Human trafficking suppression operation

Illinois State Police reported the arrest of eight people during a human trafficking suppression operation in Williamson County last week.

Seven of the eight individuals arrested were charged with traveling to meet a minor and indecent solicitation.

If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. For more information visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Person of interest in custody in deadly Brown University shooting

Person of interest in custody in deadly Brown University shooting

By Christen Smith and Dan McCalebThe Center Square A "person of interest" is in custody in connection to Saturday's shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and nine...
Congress drags on full year funding bills, risking second shutdown

Congress drags on full year funding bills, risking second shutdown

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Despite only having until the end of January to pass the remaining nine annual government funding bills, Congress has so far made minimal progress. The...
Economists question necessity of farm bailout, say tariffs don't help

Economists question necessity of farm bailout, say tariffs don’t help

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The Trump administration last week announced it would be giving about $12 billion in direct cash assistance to American farmers, similar to how it assisted...
Jackson High elevates for a dunk during conference action against Robinson. High scored 16 points to help pace the Warrior offense in the win. —photo by Terri Cox

Warriors open LIC play with convincing win over Robinson

Featured Photo Caption: Jackson High elevates for a dunk during conference action against Robinson. High scored 16 points to help pace the Warrior offense in the win. —photo by Terri...
Exclusive: First Nation reservation grappling with transnational crime

Exclusive: First Nation reservation grappling with transnational crime

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A First Nation reservation located in upstate New York and extends into Canada says it is grappling with transnational and illegal border crosser crime. One...
Illinois legalizes physician-assisted suicide; critics warn of moral, safety risks

Illinois legalizes physician-assisted suicide; critics warn of moral, safety risks

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950, prompting strong backlash from medical, disability, religious and...
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic.2

Fast start, defensive intensity carry Casey-Westfield past Red Hill

A dominant first quarter and a standout performance from senior Lucy Moore propelled the Casey-Westfield Lady Warriors to a gritty 29-20 victory over Red Hill in girls’ high school basketball...
IL Dem touts 'great job' on transit, GOP candidate laments 'bailout' for Chicago

IL Dem touts ‘great job’ on transit, GOP candidate laments ‘bailout’ for Chicago

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Taxes and tolls will rise for many Illinoisans in 2026 if Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs legislation to...
Bill designed to protect school kids from sexual misconduct

Bill designed to protect school kids from sexual misconduct

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square A new bill meant to protect children was introduced by U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, called the National Educator Safety and Accountability Act of 2025....
Illinois quick hits: More bills enacted into law; former ComEd CEO seeking Trump pardon

Illinois quick hits: More bills enacted into law; former ComEd CEO seeking Trump pardon

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square More bills enacted into law Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced more than a dozen bills were enacted Friday. Aside from the...
Pritzker enacts bills, including measure decoupling IL from federal tax code

Pritzker enacts bills, including measure decoupling IL from federal tax code

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced more than a dozen bills were enacted Friday. Aside from the medical...
Judge overreached in ordering hundreds of illegal immigrants released

Judge overreached in ordering hundreds of illegal immigrants released

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A Biden-appointed Chicago federal judge went too far in using a deal struck between the Biden administration and pro-immigrant activists to issue...
WATCH: California co-leads suit over $100,000 H-1B visa fee

WATCH: California co-leads suit over $100,000 H-1B visa fee

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Democratic attorneys general from California and 18 other states sued the Trump administration Friday over its new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. President Donald Trump...

WATCH: Trump outlines AI order, calls Pritzker ‘totally unreasonable’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although it remains to be seen how President Donald Trump’s executive order on artificial intelligence will affect...
Entrepreneur's supporters say case law may result in release

Entrepreneur’s supporters say case law may result in release

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Arizonans think a situation involving Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia should result in the release of a Phoenix area business owner facing deportation. Garcia is the...