Illinois universities seek funding increases from state lawmakers

The University of Illinois system, which announced it would break a years-long tuition freeze this fall, requested a total of $657 million from state government for the fiscal year beginning this July.

That’s more than 12 percent in state funding from the current year and does not include a $303 million request for capital project spending.

Other universities are also lining up for budget requests.

Measure to partially ban red-light cameras passes Illinois House

It’s on to the Illinois Senate with a measure to ban red light cameras in some Illinois communities.

State Rep. David McSweeney said his bill banning the cameras from non-home rule communities is a start, but he also supports banning them altogether.

A similar bill McSweeney got passed several years ago was killed by then-state Sen. Martin Sandoval.

Sandoval last month pleaded guilty to taking bribes to protect the red light camera industry. McSweeney said that shows the industry is corrupt.

Illinois’ population best represents nation’s population, study says

Of all states across the country, Illinois’ demographics represent the nation’s population the most, according to a new report.

Consumer finance website WalletHub says that presidential primary season has states, including Illinois, looking to be the first in the nation in future primaries, Illinois’ overall electorate representation index is nearly 95 percent, the highest in the country.

The study reviewed sociodemographics, and economic, education, religion and public opinion indicators.