Get the latest news from around Illinois.
The Center Square: Despite rising crime, Chicago mayor says public safety efforts are 'paying dividends'
According to crime statistics, overall crime in Chicago has risen 38% since Mayor Brandon Johnson assumed office on May 15. Despite this, Johnson claims his plan to reduce crime is working.
As mayor, Johnson has faced multiple violent weekends, including a Memorial Day weekend in which 11 were killed, and more than 30 others were shot.
Chicago Tribune: Politically connected businessman convicted of attempting to bribe legislators in a brief trial that packed a Chicago punch
In the annals of Chicago public corruption prosecutions, the federal bribery case against businessman James Weiss didn’t have the high profile of a Rod Blagojevich or George Ryan, and certainly not Michael Madigan.
But in just over a week, Weiss’ trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse managed to pack in a veritable corruption cornucopia, one that seemed at times to be ripped from a bad political thriller.
Chicago Sun-Times: Mayor Brandon Johnson approves $10 million payment to extend ShotSpotter deal he vowed to end — aide blames automatic signature
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an agreement last week to spend over $10 million more on the controversial ShotSpotter technology he lambasted on the campaign trail and vowed to do away with.
At least that’s what the paperwork outlining the payment shows.
WTTW: Illinois Gaming Board Greenlights Plans for Bally’s Temporary Casino at Medinah Temple
State gambling regulators gave a green light Thursday to Bally’s plans to open a temporary casino in the landmark Medinah Temple, moving the proposal one step closer to opening its doors in River North.
The unanimous vote by the Illinois Gaming Board came after months of investigation into everyone involved in the controversial project, from well-heeled investors to subcontractors, and represents a major step forward for the long-in-the works project.
Daily Herald: More bucks for your bang: Elgin raises penalties for illegal fireworks
With Fourth of July just around the corner, Elgin is ready to fine you more when you mess with illegal fireworks.
The city council amended the penalty scale of its fireworks ordinance to raise the fines for repeat offenders, upping the maximum penalty from $750 to now as high as $1,500 for a third offense within a year.
WCIA: ISBE audit on Paris school district found more than $3 million in ‘unallowable expenses’
A central Illinois school district is facing trouble from the state for misspending millions of dollars.
An ISBE spokesperson told WCIA the Paris Union School district is under investigation for around $3.24 million in unauthorized usage of government grants after being audited by the agency.