Get the latest news from around Illinois.
The Center Square: Illinois Democrats aim to limit where citizens can challenge certain state laws
Illinois citizens wanting to sue the state for alleged violations of the constitution would only be able to file their complaints in Sangamon or Cook counties with a bill advancing in Springfield.
Two high-profile cases, the challenges against the state’s no-cash bail law and the state’s gun ban, resulted in temporary restraining orders against the laws. Those cases, filed in Kankakee County and Macon County, respectively, are still pending before the Illinois Supreme Court.
Chicago Tribune: Full-day kindergarten could soon be required in all Illinois districts as bill heads to Pritzker’s desk
A bill requiring public school districts in Illinois to establish full-day kindergarten within the next four years passed the state legislature Friday and awaits Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s approval.
Democratic Rep. Mary Beth Canty of Arlington Heights introduced the bill that would mandate schools to create a full-day kindergarten program by the 2027-28 school year.
Chicago Sun-Times: Dozens of new immigrants joining Chicago Public Schools as school year nears end
After spending months away from school, not playing hooky but traversing jungles and riding aboard trains, Yasmari Leon, 12, finally returned to class on Monday, one of several dozen new students at a Little Village elementary school.
The native of Venezuela was one of the recent migrants bused to Chicago and now staying at a temporary shelter. But, epic trek or not, they will finish out the school year alongside other CPS students.
WGN: Chicago Public School teacher removed after allegedly threatening student with gun
A Chicago Public School teacher has been removed pending an investigation following allegations she threatened a student with a gun back in March.
“Every morning it’s a fight with my dad about me not wanting to go to school,” Emily Lozano said.
Lozano is a senior at George Washington High School. She shared details about an incident she says happened back in March involving one of her teachers.
CBS Chicago: Vendors left in the dust during NASCAR event
From a slow DuSable Lake Shore Drive to a speedy downtown around Grant Park. the big NASCAR Chicago street race is now just weeks away.
Despite the expected big crowds, the race is leaving some vendors in the dust. CBS 2’s Marissa Perlman explains how NASCAR is making up for their losses.
The Center Square: Proposal to consolidate lawmaker pensions with other funds to be discussed this summer
Illinois lawmakers will have to wait for the next legislative session to address pension measures currently in the General Assembly.
Two pension-related measures await action in the legislature. House Bill 4098 would discontinue the General Assembly Retirement System, the worst funded of the state’s five systems, and the Judges’ Retirement System and would allow for future members to be offered enrollment into the existing State Employees’ Retirement System.
WTTW: Indicted Former Ald. Carrie Austin Collecting More Than $114K Annual City Pension, Records Show
Indicted former Ald. Carrie Austin (34th Ward) has begun collecting an annual city taxpayer-funded pension of more than $114,000, even as she awaits trial on federal corruption charges, according to records obtained by WTTW News.
Austin, 73, who did not seek a seventh term on the Chicago City Council, stepped down March 1, the day after Chicago voters went to the polls to pick a new mayor and City Council.
Cook County Record: IL Supreme Court: No public access to Chicago ticket databases; Will allow govt to hide troves of public info, others warn
A unanimous Illinois Supreme Court opinion has dealt a major blow to attempts at strengthening freedom of information rules, leading transparency advocates to suggest government bodies statewide will now be empowered to essentially shield troves of data from public access.
Justice Lisa Holder White wrote the opinion, issued May 18, reversing the initial ruling of a Cook County Circuit Court judge and Illinois First District Appellate Court opinion in favor of journalist Matt Chapman.