Get the latest news from around Illinois.
The Center Square: Suspended no-cash bail law set for Tuesday hearing at Illinois Supreme Court
The opposing sides will air their arguments on whether no-cash bail should be the law of the land in Illinois.
Last fall, dozens of state’s attorneys sued Illinois to stop the state from implementing the no-cash bail law approved as part of the SAFE-T Act in January 2021. A Kankakee County judge found the law violated the Illinois Constitution on several grounds. On New Year’s Eve, the Illinois Supreme Court suspended implementation and accepted an appeal from the state.
Chicago Tribune: A Madigan confidant. A popular executive. An insider lobbyist. A political consultant. Who are the ‘ComEd Four’?
Outside of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, the main characters in the “ComEd Four” bribery conspiracy trial are hardly household names.
One was Madigan’s loyal confidant. Another was ComEd’s popular chief executive. There’s a consummate lobbyist and a political consultant who was the face of the City Club of Chicago.
Chicago Sun-Times: Five days paid leave guaranteed for Illinois workers under law signed by Pritzker
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday signed into law a bill ensuring at least 40 hours of paid leave for Illinois workers.
WGN: Public safety top of mind for Chicago mayor finalists as runoff race tightens
In the runoff election for Chicago mayor, public safety is front and center.
Finalist Paul Vallas stated that “when I become mayor, public safety will be guaranteed in every community.” Brandon Johnson echoed those sentiments, saying, “for too long, we’ve allowed for an oversimplistic approach to public safety.”
WTTW: Measure Designed to Allow Nonprofit Employees to Unionize Set for Key Vote
A measure designed to make it easier for workers at Chicago nonprofit organizations to unionize is set for a key vote Tuesday amid a concerted effort by leaders of those groups — as well as Cardinal Blase Cupich — to defeat the proposal.
After languishing in limbo for more than three years, the proposal — dubbed the Human Service Workforce Advancement Ordinance — could head to the Chicago City Council for a final vote on Wednesday, if a joint body made up of the committees on Health and Human Relations and Workforce Development endorse the plan on Tuesday.
Chicago Tribune: Whether the Chicago Bears leave or not, taxpayers are on the hook for growing Soldier Field debt payments
As the Chicago Bears make plans to build a new stadium, taxpayers still are on the hook for the old one. A big bill is coming soon —and the primary method of paying for it may not be enough.
Whether or not the team leaves for its newly acquired site in Arlington Heights, the public is obligated to pay for the 2003 renovation of Soldier Field that was meant to keep the team there.
Capitol News: Bill aims to guarantee youth sentenced to life in prison a chance at parole after 40 years
Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill last week that would effectively abolish life sentences for any incarcerated individual who was under the age of 21 when they received their sentence.
In January, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law that makes any individual who was under the age of 21 when sentenced to life in prison eligible for parole review after they served 40 years or more of their sentence. But the measure only applied to those sentenced on or after June 1, 2019.
WCIA: Champaign County launches new ‘microloan’ program
A new “microloan” fund is being launched in Champaign County to aid businesses in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) recently announced the establishment of the Champaign County Small Business Microloan Fund. The loan fund aims to help disadvantaged entrepreneurs and small businesses in the county with gaining access to affordable financial services.