Get the latest news headlines from around Illinois.
Chalkbeat Chicago: Gov. Pritzker reverses course on flat Illinois school budget with pledge for $350M
The Illinois education budget could increase by $350 million next year — almost 4% — as the state’s economy begins to recover from losses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic.
Thursday’s announcement represents a reversal for Gov. J. B. Pritzker, who said earlier in the year that school funding likely would be flat. Education advocates warned that another year of flat funding would set back the state’s efforts to make up for years of underfunding its neediest districts.
State Journal-Register: Illinois to enter bridge phase May 14
The state of Illinois will finally enter the bridge phase on May 14 after weeks and months of waiting.
Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday that thanks to stabilizations and reductions in key COVID-19-related metrics such as hospitalizations, cases and deaths, the state will move into the intermediate phase between Phases 4 and 5. If all goes well, the state could move into Phase 5, a reopening of the state with no restrictions, as early as June 11.
Chicago Tribune: What’s allowed as Illinois and Chicago reopen: The rules for restaurants, gyms, concerts, conventions and more
Coronavirus restrictions in Illinois will be further loosened on May 14 as the state prepares to enter what is called the bridge phase, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said on Thursday.
During the bridge phase the state will keep an eye on a host of metrics that point to the coronavirus situation statewide including whether COVID-19 deaths, cases, and hospitalizations decline and benchmarks for the share of people are vaccinated. If numbers stay under control Pritzker said the state is eying a full reopening June 11. If the outbreak worsens the plan lays out the benchmarks that would require restrictions to ramp back up.
Daily Herald: Why federal judge's ruling on evictions won't affect Illinois
A federal judge invalidated a nationwide eviction moratorium on Wednesday, but the decision will not affect the moratorium on rental evictions in Illinois, according to housing attorneys.
The decision from U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich involves the eviction moratorium issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that applied to all rental properties nationwide.
The Center Square: Report shows local pension debt continues to balloon as Illinois lawmakers seek solutions
A new report shows public safety pension debt for municipalities across Illinois is getting worse and some are worried there’s not enough focus on bringing about solutions.
Wirepoints President Ted Dabrwoski presented the report Wednesday at a news conference alongside statehouse Republicans. The report looked at various metrics of public safety pension health and local budgets. When reviewing 175 of the state’s largest municipalities, excluding Chicago, there was an alarming trend.