Read the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Illinois warns extra $300 in weekly unemployment benefits would last only three weeks and leave out thousands of jobless workers
Illinois hasn’t been approved for the extra $300 weekly unemployment benefits authorized by President Donald Trump, but is already warning the aid will be limited.
The state said Monday it has applied for the Lost Wage Assistance program, which President Donald Trump created through executive action to extend federal jobless benefits after the $600 weekly supplement ran out at the end of July.
Chicago Tribune: Former county official and McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski pleads guilty to extortion charges, cooperates with investigation
Former Cook County commissioner and McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to conspiring with a local police official to extort a restaurant owner who needed permission to host events serving alcohol.
During the hearing before U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber, prosecutors announced that Tobolski is cooperating with the investigation and his assistance is ongoing. Tobolski is in line for a significant break on his sentence if he cooperates fully, prosecutors said.
The Center Square: Even before COVID-19, extending the outdoor dining months with sidewalk and patio service in spring and fall was a trend in the restaurant industry. With public health restrictions limiting inside seating because of COVID-19, extending the outside dining season this fall just makes sense.
Even before COVID-19, extending the outdoor dining months with sidewalk and patio service in spring and fall was a trend in the restaurant industry.
With public health restrictions limiting inside seating because of COVID-19, extending the outside dining season this fall just makes sense.
The Center Square: Without nuclear plant money, two Illinois towns could face tough decisions
The planned closure of two nuclear power plants in Illinois could require rural tax districts to make difficult choices when they cut millions of dollars in spending.
Nuclear power company Exelon announced last week it would decommission facilities in Byron and Dresden in late 2021. The company blamed the low cost of energy for the plants’ early closures, rather than a patronage scandal in Springfield.
Chicago Sun-Times: Estimated city shortfall hits combined $2 billion for this year and next
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday blamed rising coronavirus case levels in Chicago and two rounds of looting for a dramatic increase in the city’s budget shortfall — to a combined $2 billion for this year and next.
The “seismic disruption” of Chicago’s economy is so great, Lightfoot called the 2021 spending plan a “pandemic” budget that can be balanced only with replacement revenues from Washington, concessions from city unions and new revenues that just might include a dreaded property tax increase.
Northwest Herald: 'I stand by what I did': Longtime McHenry County prosecutor fired for helping out friend
Longtime McHenry County prosecutor, Assistant State’s Attorney Michael P. “Mick” Combs, was abruptly terminated Aug. 24 for what he described as helping “a personal friend” in a scenario where he did not see any conflict, Combs said.