Illinois quick hits: Benton’s replacement chosen; gas prices resume climb
Benton’s replacement chosen
Jessica Dixon Heitman was chosen unanimously to replace former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, in the 97th House District early Monday evening by the Democratic Representative Committee in the district.
Heitman said she hopes to bring her values of “ethics, civility, fiscal responsibility and justice” in her role as state representative for the remainder of the term, and if chosen by voters in November.
The House Republican Organization responded by releasing an apparent text message sent by Heitman in August, 2023, in which she congratulated someone on an announcement before saying that Benton “needs to go.”
Heitman’s opponent, Gabby Shanahan, who narrowly lost to Benton in the previous election, said she thinks the district needs a new kind of leadership.
Sean Reed contributed to this story.
Quantum hub to get federal grant
The U.S. Economic Development Administration has announced approximately $30 million in federal taxpayer funding for The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange.
The announcement comes just ahead of the Global Quantum Forum in Chicago. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is scheduled to speak at the event on Wednesday morning.
Bellwood police officer charged with misconduct
A Bellwood police officer has been charged with a felony count of official misconduct for allegedly sharing confidential law enforcement information with an acquaintance who was suspected of a crime.
Prosecutors said Michael Davis, 32, texted images from the statewide Law Enforcement Agencies Data System to a person who was under investigation for an incident following an attempted traffic stop in River Forest on July 5, 2025.
LaHood urges support for Alzheimer’s legislation
Illinois U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood is urging his colleagues in the Senate to support legislation he says will allow health care workers to better support individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
HR 3747 provides for grants to address the need for timely diagnosis and effective care, especially in rural and underserved communities. LaHood co-led HR 3747 with U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson, R-Ohio, Nanette Barragán, D-CA, and Paul Tonko, D-NY.
Gas prices resume climb
Gas prices are back on the rise, according to AAA. The national average for regular unleaded hit $4 per gallon on Monday and was $4.02 on Tuesday.
The Illinois average on Tuesday was $4.17, up from $4.15 the day before, $4.06 one week ago and $3.42 a year ago.
Mostly Clear
Latest News Stories
Judge says federal rule blocks Illinois from banning ‘swipe fees’
Pritzker touts state spending to cover federal cuts in passed budget
Illinois lawmakers give raises to diversity commissioners they criticized
Taxpayer risk cited after Bears stadium bill stalls
Illinois Quick Hits: General Assembly approves CTE bill
Amended scooter, e-bike bill heads to governor
Property tax-free Bears deal fails to pass
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer charged with new felony
$55.9 billion budget includes new taxes, ‘no property tax relief’
Illinois to require bell-to-bell student phone ban in public schools
Illinois Quick Hits: Housing, megaprojects take backseat to budget talks
Taxpayer watchdog calls for accountability after helicopter prom controversy
