Center Square: Illinois lawmakers discuss pension debt measure at hearing
Illinois legislators met for the third time to discuss a measure that aims to provide an additional $500 million yearly for the state’s pension systems to address massive unfunded liabilities.
Center Square: Joe Biden’s approval rating in Illinois
A poll conducted in the first quarter of 2023 by public opinion research company Morning Consult found 49% of adults in Illinois approve of how Biden is handling his job as president and 48% disapprove.
Chicago Tribune: Real estate transfer tax would drop for homes below $1 million, but increase for higher-end sales under revised Johnson homelessness plan
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is changing the proposal behind one of his hallmark campaign promises to increase the real estate transfer tax on high-end houses and use the money to fight homelessness.
ABC 7: Jury deliberation begins in Mike Madigan confidant perjury case
The perjury case against Tim Mapes is now in the hands of a jury at the Dirksen Federal Building. He’s accused of trying to protect former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan when he was his chief of staff.
Sun-Times: Chicago casino poised for mid-September opening
Chicago’s first casino could launch soon after Labor Day, if all goes well during practice gaming sessions set to take place shortly after the holiday at Bally’s temporary Medinah Temple gambling hall.
Daily Herald: DuPage County sets aside $1 million to address long-haul needs for food pantries
DuPage County food pantries could qualify for more money to help with long-term needs, while township food pantries can now opt out of the county’s fresh produce program with the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Central Illinois Proud: Summer heat opens several regional cooling centers in central Illinois
The heat wave expected this week to put temperatures into the 90s will trigger a response from local governments to open cooling centers for residents in need.