By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Pritzker orders ‘efficiencies’ for state spending

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is directing state agencies to identify up to 4% of Fiscal Year 2026 general funds for the mitigation of White House policies.

In an executive order announcement filled with criticism of President Donald Trump, the governor said he would conduct immediate budget reviews to identify efficiencies and reductions and limit non-essential spending and travel.

Marshalls recover missing child

U.S. Marshals, working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, have recovered a child in Blue Island who was reported missing in Rochester, New York, on Sept. 11 of this year.

The Marshals said in a statement that security camera video revealed three individuals meeting the girl near her home and leaving with her in an SUV.

The child was found Sept. 20 in the company of two adult men in the country illegally.

Backlash over Durbin honor

Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago has issued a statement after receiving criticism for plans to honor Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin at a November fundraiser for immigration ministry.

Cupich said the event will recognize Durbin’s contributions to advance Catholic social teaching in the areas of immigration, care of the poor and world peace.

Diocese of Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki said he was shocked that the Archdiocese of Chicago would honor Durbin with a lifetime achievement award when the senator has a long record of supporting legal abortion and opposed legislation to protect children who survive failed abortions.