Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Kevin Bessler
Chicago Bears Archives - Heartlander News
Florida Senate passes bill that would strip Disney of its self-rule status
Conservatives crackdown on birth tourism after SCOTUS birthright citizenship ruling
(Daily Signal) After the Supreme Court ruled against President Donald Trump’s motion to restrict birthright citizenship on Tuesday, both chambers of Congress are overseeing legislation that would stop foreign travelers from coming to the United States to give birth to a child granted American citizen status. In the upper chamber, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., called on his colleagues to vote on his legislation, the SAFE KIDS Act, to address the gaps in U.S. surrogacy law.
Conservatives crackdown on birth tourism after SCOTUS birthright citizenship ruling
(Daily Signal) After the Supreme Court ruled against President Donald Trump’s motion to restrict birthright citizenship on Tuesday, both chambers of Congress are overseeing legislation that would stop foreign travelers from coming to the United States to give birth to a child granted American citizen status. In the upper chamber, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., called on his colleagues to vote on his legislation, the SAFE KIDS Act, to address the gaps in U.S. surrogacy law.
WATCH: ‘Self-made millionaire’ questions wisdom of taxing Musk to fix poverty, education, world hunger.
Amid calls to tax Elon Musk, who recently became the world’s first trillionaire, one “self-made millionaire” questioned whether the plan would work. In a social media video, Mark Tilbury responds to questions about taking Musk’s money to solve problems such as poverty, public education and world hunger. “Africa’s been given $2.6 trillion since 1960,” Tilbury says. “The U.S. already spends $1.3 trillion a year (on education). America’s already spent over $22 trillion fighting poverty.
New department to oversee childcare background checks, billions in grants
(The Center Square) – The new state Department of Early Childhood is set to begin operating in full as of July 1. The department’s allocations in the coming year’s state budget totaled $4.42 billion, a 3.6% increase in state spend compared to the services the state taxpayer was paying under other agencies.
Illinois to require bell-to-bell student phone ban in public schools
(The Center Square) – Legislation to ban the use of cell phones by students from bell-to-bell officially passed both chambers in the Illinois Capitol on Sunday, sending the bill to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk. Having passed the Senate in April 2025, the governor urged lawmakers to progress it forward before the end of this session.
Illinois lawmakers attempting to rush abortion, sex-change bills in session’s final weeks
Illinois lawmakers are aggressively advancing a slate of controversial bills aimed at expanding abortion access, altering medical record transparency and bypassing parental rights. The legislative session ends May 31, and pro-life advocates are urging constituents to make their voices heard before time runs out. Ralph Rivera, who lobbies for Pro-Family Alliance, detailed proposed legislation during a recent Illinois Right to Life press call.
An ‘arms race’ for pay at elite, tax-exempt colleges
(The Center Square) – Top private nonprofit universities that receive government funding pay some of their top leaders millions of dollars and one even received a $20 million longevity bonus, an investigation by The Center Square found. That is despite political leaders and others questioning the way the schools are funded and their political policies.
Illinois investigating the illegal sharing of license plate reader data
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulia The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has called for an investigation into an Illinois police department after it violated state law by sharing data from automatic license plate readers. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has asked the attorney general to investigate the Mount Prospect Police Department after it shared data with a sheriff’s office in Texas seeking a woman who planned to have an abortion, despite a state law prohibiting it.
A new labor policy report ranks Illinois near the bottom among states
Illinois ranks near the bottom in a new report on states with pro-growth labor policies, according to a new report. The American Legislative Exchange Council has released a new publication called “States That Work: A Labor Policy Roadmap Across America.” The report ranks all 50 states on their adoption of pro-worker, pro-growth labor reforms and highlights where workers enjoy the most economic freedom and where mandates still hold them back.
Illinois quick hits: Officer released from hospital; plane rolls off runway; Purple Heart returned Original
Officer released from hospital A Fairview Heights police officer received a hero’s welcome after being released from the hospital this week after getting shot in the face in May. Molly Muennich was released from a St. Louis hospital Wednesday and was escorted to the police headquarters where she was welcomed by first responders and local residents. Muennich was shot after several officers responded to a call of a suspicious individual May 17.
Illinois investigating the illegal sharing of license plate reader data Original
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has called for an investigation into an Illinois police department after it violated state law by sharing data from automatic license plate readers. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has asked the attorney general to investigate the Mount Prospect Police Department after it shared data with a sheriff’s office in Texas seeking a woman who planned to have an abortion, despite a state law prohibiting it.
Illinois lawmakers continue to make a case to bail out mass transit Original
(The Center Square) – Despite failing to get a mass transit funding package passed in the Illinois legislature this spring, some lawmakers continue to present their case. As the mass transit agencies paint a bleak picture regarding the fiscal cliff in 2026, a funding package appears far from the finish line. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) said it needs $770 million to keep the systems in the Chicago area running as usual.
Illinois lawmaker calls for repeal of the SAFE-T Act
Sunrise over the Illinois State Capitol An Illinois lawmaker says another heartbreaking tragedy has once again exposed the failures of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act and its time to take action. State Rep. Patrick Sheehan, R-Homer Glen, points to a case where a Homer Glen couple is charged with the murder of their 2-year-old girl. Police were called to the home Nov. 6 for a possible carbon monoxide leak. When they arrived, officers said they found Edward Weiher, 49, doing chest compressions on the child.
Illinois quick hits: Reported layoffs coming; ICE activities expected in Chicago Original
Reported layoffs coming A wave of layoffs will be coming this summer for Illinois workers. According to data from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, hundreds of layoffs will occur at a half-dozen companies around northern Illinois over the summer. The layoffs came to light under terms of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which requires companies with more than 75 employees to provide 60 days or more of notice for planned layoffs.
Illinois quick hits: Mt. Vernon statute controversy; Chicago cinematic history auction Original
Mt. Vernon statute controversy The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a group of Jefferson County residents in an effort to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the lawn of the county’s courthouse in Mt. Vernon, citing concerns over religious neutrality and constitutional violations. The monument, which stands nearly seven feet tall and features a Protestant version of the Ten Commandments, was moved from inside the courthouse to the lawn last year.
A new labor policy report ranks Illinois near the bottom among states Original
(The Center Square) – Illinois ranks near the bottom in a new report on states with pro-growth labor policies, according to a new report. The American Legislative Exchange Council has released a new publication called “States That Work: A Labor Policy Roadmap Across America.” The report ranks all 50 states on their adoption of pro-worker, pro-growth labor reforms and highlights where workers enjoy the most economic freedom and where mandates still hold them back.
Illinois’ AG calls for unity against Trump administration in courts Original
(The Center Square) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s attack on the Trump administration continues. Raoul, along with 20 other Democratic attorneys general, penned an open letter calling for unity in the legal profession against the Trump administration's retaliation against law firms that have brought cases against the administration. During a recent virtual town hall meeting hosted by the Progressive State Leaders Committee, Raoul said the legal community must stick together.
Illinois quick hits: CCL holder shoots alleged armed robber; ComEd announces relief fund Original
CCL holder shoots alleged armed robber A man is dead after he was shot while allegedly attempting to rob another man at gunpoint in Chicago last night. Officers said the robbery victim was retrieving items from his car when an armed man approached. Officers said the suspect then allegedly demanded the victim's personal belongings. But the victim, a Concealed Carry License holder, pulled out a gun and opened fire on the suspect.
Governor to testify Thursday on sanctuary states
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is set to join other Democratic governors to defend their state’s sanctuary policies before Congress. Earlier this year, House Oversight Committee Chair U.S. Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, called on Pritzker and the governors of Minnesota and New York to appear at a June 12 hearing. “The theory is that they are having this hearing because they like to learn more about what we’re doing in the state,” said Pritzker.
Illinois quick hits: Hospitals team with state over pathogens; betting fee starting soon Original
Hospitals team with state for pathogen treatment The State of Illinois has teamed up with two Chicago hospitals to serve as treatment centers for "high-consequence pathogens." Under two agreements with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Rush University Medical Center and Lurie Children’s Hospital will upgrade their capacity to treat people suffering from high-consequence pathogens.
Study: Illinois places last in the country for economic health
A new study paints a bleak picture of the economic health of Illinois. The personal finance website WalletHub has released its findings of the best and worst state economies. Researcher Chip Lugo said Wallethub used three economic categories including economic activity, economic health and innovation potential. “Then we applied 28 relevant metrics, and those run everything from GDP growth, start-up activity and share of jobs in high-tech industries,” said Lugo.
Illinois Republicans summarize recent legislative session
(The Center Square) – The first spring session of the 104th General Assembly has come and gone and now some Illinois Republicans are analyzing successes and failures. A virtual town hall took place Monday as lawmakers highlighted legislation that failed to make it out of the Illinois Statehouse before the May 31 deadline. A bailout package for the mass transit agencies in Chicago did not pass both chambers.
Illinois quick hits: Library protest results in one arrest; Chicago speed cameras collect $91 million
Library protest results in one arrest Dozens of people protested outside a public library in Chicago as a Pride Month event was taking place Monday. The event was story time with a drag queen. Supporters also showed up and used pride flags to shield the families entering the library. The library promoted the event as a special story time with books, music and a guest drag performer. Chicago police say one person was arrested at the protest.
Illinois lawmaker calls for repeal of the SAFE-T Act
(The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker says another heartbreaking tragedy has once again exposed the failures of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act and its time to take action. State Rep. Patrick Sheehan, R-Homer Glen, points to a case where a Homer Glen couple is charged with the murder of their 2-year-old girl. Police were called to the home Nov. 6 for a possible carbon monoxide leak. When they arrived, officers said they found Edward Weiher, 49, doing chest compressions on the child.
Illinois quick hits: Pedestrian killed on I-70; Pritzker signs Alzheimer's treatment law Original
Pedestrian killed on I-70 A person died Monday after being struck by a semi truck after exiting an ambulance in downstate Illinois. According to Illinois State Police, the incident occurred after authorities responded to a crash on Interstate 70 near Greenville. Police report after receiving treatment, the pedestrian involved in the crash exited the ambulance and was struck by a tractor-trailer.
Nuclear power making headlines in Illinois
Adobe file photo Illinois generates more electricity from nuclear power than any other state in the country, but some say it isn’t enough to meet the state’s energy needs. Legislation that would have lifted a moratorium on the building of large-scale nuclear facilities failed to get through the Illinois General Assembly this spring. “Nuclear energy is safe, efficient and essential for a stable energy grid and lower costs for consumers,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris.
Business groups urge veto of measure they say invites out-of-state lawsuits
Business and tort reform groups are speaking out against legislation headed to the governor they say makes every business registered in Illinois a target of lawsuits. The measure, an initiative of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, expands Illinois courts’ reach over out-of-state businesses.
Illinois treasurer among the many chiming in about Trump’s 'beautiful bill'
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs The Trump administration’s tax and spending bill is prompting reaction from both sides of the aisle, including in Illinois. Last month, the U.S. House narrowly passed the so-called “big beautiful bill” which would cut taxes and increase border and military spending, while scaling back spending on Medicaid by eliminating fraud. Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said Illinoisans will feel the effects of Medicaid cuts.
As utility bills climb, IL lawmakers fail to address what some call a crisis
Electricity bills for Illinoisans are expected to shoot up this summer as some lawmakers are saying the state is headed for an energy cost crisis. Rates for electricity are usually higher during the summer months. This year, they will be even higher due to reduced capacity for power generation. Midcontinent Independent System Operator, downstate Illinois’ power grid, saw more than a 20-fold year-over-year price jump at its capacity auction in April.
Study: Illinois places last in the country for economic health Original
(The Center Square) – A new study paints a bleak picture of the economic health of Illinois. The personal finance website WalletHub has released its findings of the best and worst state economies. Researcher Chip Lugo said Wallethub used three economic categories including economic activity, economic health and innovation potential. “Then we applied 28 relevant metrics, and those run everything from GDP growth, start-up activity and share of jobs in high-tech industries,” said Lugo.
Illinois quick hits: Power grid workshops set
Power grid workshops set The Illinois Commerce Commission is encouraging the public and community organizations to join in the state’s ongoing planning for a reliable power grid at a set of community workshops this June.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Kevin
Contact Kevin, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack