Prosecutor sought to charge feds

A Cook County judge will hear arguments next month over a petition to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate and charge alleged crimes committed by federal immigration agents during last fall's "Operation Midway Blitz." Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke opposed that request, stating charges brought against agents would crumble on appeal and undermine accountability goals sought in the petition.

INSURANCE: A bill giving the Illinois Department of Insurance authority to review and regulate premiums for both auto and homeowners insurance passed the House March 19 and now awaits Senate action. The bill would prohibit "excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory" premiums. Insurance industry advocates contend the proposal would end up harming Illinois consumers, stating it represented "one of the most sweeping and harmful insurance regulatory overhauls in state history."

ETHANOL FUEL: Midwestern governors, including JB Pritzker, are seeking a permanent solution to being able to use the ethanol blend E15 gasoline that's cheaper but some say more polluting at a time when gasoline prices are rising. In recent years, routine federal waivers temporarily lifted restrictions on selling E15 fuel during the summer months. But in 2025, that relief was delayed and gasoline retailers lost millions. Meanwhile, average gas prices in Illinois have risen by nearly $1.20 per gallon in the past month.