Illinois Quick Hits: Benton pulls name from ballot after resignation
(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.
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
‘An upward trajectory’: Petroleum expert on Iran conflict’s impact on gas prices
Early voting, vote-by-mail numbers trend higher as Illinois primary approaches
U.S. Senate to hold marathon debate on GOP voter ID bill
Carr calls for fair telecom treatment in Europe amid trade talks
Pritzker rolls out homebuyer aid; Republicans pitch other solutions
New health sharing program has seen 236% growth rate, with high hopes for 2026
Lawmaker, physician: Politicians are micromanaging medical education
FBI probes Michigan synagogue attack as targeted violence, antisemitism
Iran to see ‘highest volume of strikes’ yet on Friday
Illinois Quick Hits: One confirmed dead from Kankakee tornado
Four service members killed in KC-135 crash
U.S. military jet goes down over Iraq; incident not attributed to hostile fire
