Illinois State Rep Federally Indicted for Kickback Scheme | The States

Lawmaker indicted for wire fraud in Illinois, Texas utilities navigate challenges, Washington Attorney General Office staff emails, and Ph.D. Economist Orphe Divounguy discusses housing market. Illinois State Rep. Carol Ammons and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, were federally indicted on kickback and obstruction charges tied to campaign funds and taxpayer grants. The case has drawn scrutiny to Illinois' member initiative grant process, which Republicans say is prone to abuse. Illinois Minority Leader Tony McCombie joins to discusses the scandal and potential reforms. Also in this episode: National gas prices are averaging $3.84 a gallon, up slightly amid the Iran conflict but still near pre-conflict levels. The Energy Department finalized a $3.26 billion loan to expand Texas transmission lines and Texas won an injunction over illegally stockpiled wind turbine blades. Leaked emails show Washington Attorney General's Office staff arguing personal income isn't legally "owned" property, a stance tied to defending the state's millionaire's tax. The housing market remains flat, with new listings and sales holding steady compared to last year. Border Patrol in El Paso is warning rideshare drivers that human smugglers are using ride-hailing apps to coordinate illegal crossings. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he has major policy differences with a progressive New York primary winner over her past stances on prisons, borders, and deportation. Seattle Councilman Bob Kettle wants to shrink Mayor Katie Wilson's proposed transit sales tax hike from 0.15 to 0.05 percentage points. Illinois' Attorney General has paid over $2 million in three years to private law firms, some of which donated to his campaign, to fight lawsuits against the state prison system. Plus, America's Talking:   Texas - https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_adf64514-b510-45bc-a594-f7e18aff14e2.html Pennsylvania - https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_76bc8a4c-8754-44e0-8d60-1847594b0c5c.html Washington - https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_f8400f81-8206-4ac4-b833-c28e99d37a56.html Illinois - https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_5a68910d-34e6-4c28-ab13-1a59e9a658d3.html   The States delivers taxpayer-focused reporting from around America, powered by The Center Square.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.