Get the latest news from around Illinois.
News-Gazette: Neither borrower nor lender be?
Can Illinois borrow its way out of debt? That’s part of the plan.
Remember the old saying that “desperate people take desperate measures”? It sprang to mind last week when Gov. Bruce Rauner announced that he’s decided to “exercise borrowing authority to issue $6 billion in bonds to pay down a portion of the state’s bill backlog.”
Yes, that’s right. After abandoning the idea of spending their way out of debt, the state’s leaders have embraced a new plan — borrowing their way out of debt.
NBC 5 Chicago: Cook County Employees Padded Time Cards, Now Face Termination: Sheriff
As many as 13 employees of the Cook County court system could lose their jobs after a lengthy investigation showed they padded their time cards to earn more money than they earned.
“An extensive, months-long investigation into time fraud by Cook County sheriff’s deputies and supervisors has resulted in disciplinary action against 48 officers,” a statement from Sheriff Tom Dart’s office announced Friday.
Peoria Journal-Star: Could Amazon find a second home in Peoria?
After learning that Amazon was looking for a second headquarters city, Journal Star reporter Steve Tarter penned this letter.
Dear Jeff Bezos,
I heard that you’re looking for a second HQ for Amazon. I’d like to suggest Peoria.
Decatur Herald & Review: $300,000: City may tear down gutted Decatur warehouse
Taxpayers may wind up paying to remove a block-long pile of charred and scattered rubble that has become a haven for scavengers and illegal dumping, nearly three years after fire gutted the century-old East Grand Avenue warehouse.
City Manager Tim Gleason estimates it will cost $300,000 to clear what’s left of the building, which is believed to contain asbestos, and the nearly acre parcel. Because the owner died last year, the city is facing a protracted legal battle and is exploring paying for the cleanup with property tax revenue to avoid an even longer wait, Gleason said.
State Journal-Register: Springfield’s new comprehensive plan nearly complete
The first in-depth look at the city of Springfield’s future in nearly two decades centers on themes of appearance, neighborhood preservation and consistent development.
Details of the city’s comprehensive plan for growth from 2017 to 2037 are expected in a few weeks. But those involved in drafting “Building a New Legacy for Springfield” say beautification, historic preservation and zoning have been most frequently mentioned in community surveys, ward meetings, steering committee meetings and discussions with city leaders during 16 months of work. Another round of comments and a public meeting are planned before the document goes to the Springfield City Council.
Belleville News-Democrat: Swansea starts revolt against too many layers of government taxes
The S.S. Illinois is sinking in the Red Ink Sea with no one in Springfield particularly interested in bailing. The only motivator we seem to be able to trust is the politicians’ self-interest, so maybe this line of reasoning can be our lifeline.
Eliminate some of our 6,963 layers of local government and the tax savings are fair game for our hungry, hungry state leaders.
The Swansea village leaders have an initial target: St. Clair Township.