Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Defying CPS, some Chicago Teachers Union members won’t return to schools Monday, say they will teach remotely ‘until buildings are safe’
The Chicago Teachers Union says some of its members are choosing not return to school buildings on Monday, in defiance of Chicago Public Schools’ reopening plans.
The union said Sunday it is “rejecting CPS’s effort to force thousands more back into unsafe buildings beginning this Monday” and that teachers intend to continue providing their lessons remotely “until buildings are safe” for them and for students.
The Center Square: After tumultuous 2020, criminal justice proposals could get priority in new year
After a tumultuous 2020 that forced issues of race, criminal justice and policing to the forefront, justice reforms in Illinois will no doubt be at the center of discussion in 2021.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proposed seven principles that he said will reform and modernize Illinois’ criminal justice system. The proposals include ending cash bail, reducing prison sentences, and increasing police accountability. Khadine Bennett, with the ACLU, applauded the proposals.
Associated Press: Illinois high court to rule on cannabis-license dispute
The stage is set for a decisive legal battle in Illinois’ highest court between a large, well-established company and a far smaller upstart over a cannabis-growing license potentially worth millions.
The long-running case between Curative Health Cultivation LLC and Medponics Illinois LLC is expected to be heard by the Illinois Supreme Court early in 2021, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Chicago Sun-Times: 34 aldermen ‘deeply concerned’ with CPS’ reopening plans as some teachers refuse to return
The Chicago Teachers Union said Sunday that many of its members expected back to school Monday will defy Chicago Public Schools plans and only teach remotely, as a majority of Chicago aldermen said in a letter to the mayor they are “deeply concerned” with the city’s reopening plans.
The moves mark an escalation of the months-long campaign by CTU for a safe reopening and further complicates plans of Mayor Lori Lightfoot and schools chief Janice Jackson to start bringing back thousands of teachers and students.