Center Square: Illinois home sales plummeted in May compared to last year
In the latest report from Illinois Realtors, sales decreased over 22% in May compared to May 2022, and there were over 6,000 fewer homes for sale in Illinois last month compared to last year at this time.
Chicago Tribune: Cook County judge accused of making racist comments recuses himself from case, citing ‘glare of publicity'
A Cook County judge on Thursday voluntarily recused himself from a case, citing the “glare of publicity,” after an attorney filed a motion to replace him that alleged he made racist comments.
Sun-Times: Catalytic converter thefts investigation prompts readers to tell their stories
Thieves have taken catalytic converters more than 17,000 times in Chicago since 2019, and only 34 of those reported thefts — 0.2% — ended with an arrest, the Sun-Times found. Crime rings have turned the thefts into a multimillion-dollar industry — with consumers paying the price.
WGN: Cook County looks ahead at 2024 budget, thousands of jobs remain vacant
Cook County is projecting a $214.7 million surplus thanks to a personal property replacement tax, and higher sales tax due to inflation. But heading into 2024, the county is forecasting an $85.6 million budget gap for next year.
Daily Herald: How a Glen Ellyn man's case could change laws banning felons from possessing guns
A divided U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday reinstated Patrick Atkinson’s 2021 lawsuit challenging the restrictions preventing him from purchasing a firearm. The 2-1 ruling reverses a lower-court decision dismissing the suit last year and sends the case back for further proceedings.
ABC 7 Chicago: Mayor Johnson keeps focus on engaging youth to prevent violence, group tackles teen takeovers
As the city prepares for the July 4 weekend, one of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s focuses continues to be on how to better engage youth as a way to prevent violence.
WAND: Illinois education leaders discuss first draft of statewide comprehensive literacy plan
Illinois lawmakers passed a plan this spring to create a statewide literacy plan to help young people become proficient readers. That proposal arrived on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk last week, but the State Board of Education had a head start and released the first draft of the comprehensive plan Wednesday.
Peoria Journal Star: This Illinois city is among the nation's most affordable, livable small towns
Realtor.com released its 2023 edition of “The 10 Most Affordable Small Towns Where You’d Actually Like To Live” this week. The article lists Galesburg as the fifth-best small town to live in nationwide. Galesburg was also singled out as the cheapest place to live on the list, with prices 70% below the national average.