Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Sun-Times: Half a century and six U.S. judges later, court oversight of state hiring ends — but lawyer Shakman says it’s too soon
A federal appeals court on Friday ruled in favor of Gov. J.B. Pritzker in his bid to end judicial oversight of the state’s employment practices under the Shakman decree — a decision the decree’s namesake himself doesn’t agree with.
Pritzker moved to vacate the half-century-old Shakman decree with state lawyers telling the 7th U.S. Court of Appeals that “there is no evidence the state is considering political factors in hiring today.”
WBBM: 'This is the lunacy we're living under': GOP congressional candidate slams Kim Foxx, Illinois criminal justice reform
Businessman Chris Dargis said he — and many in law enforcement — are concerned that when Illinois eliminates cash bail at the beginning of 2023, it will lead to more dangerous people out of custody and on the streets.
The Republican Congressional candidate, who’s challenging Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in November, said he understands that people charged with violent crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Chicago Tribune: State Sen. Elgie Sims approached in federal criminal investigation into alleged influence peddling by body-cam company
Illinois state Sen. Elgie Sims was approached in the spring by federal authorities investigating potential influence peddling involving a police body-camera manufacturer that hired the law firm where Sims works as a lobbyist, sources have told the Tribune.
Sims, 51, a Chicago Democrat who spearheaded the state’s massive criminal justice reform law passed last year and represents portions of the South Side and south suburbs, was contacted by the FBI in early May as the investigation intensified, according to two sources who have knowledge of the investigation but are not authorized to speak about it publicly.
MyStateline.com: Illinois’ sales tax holiday kicks off, but there is a catch
Illinois families are spending a little less to get their kids ready for the school year, as the state’s sales tax holiday on school supplies kicked in Friday.
It reduces the state’s portion of the tax rate for 6.25% to just 1.25%. Residents still have to pay local taxes. It covers traditional supplies like pens, pencils, calculators and clothes.
Chicago Tribune: Some Illinois school districts to ditch COVID-19 tests this fall: ‘The demand really wasn’t there’
Despite the urging of the state’s health department to resume school-based COVID-19 testing for students this fall, officials at several Illinois districts said this week they are halting the program due to waning interest from parents and the availability of home tests.
“We’ve decided not to offer SHIELD testing as we start the new school year, but we’re always cautious, and will be ready to pivot back to that partnership if things change,” said Mary Gorr, superintendent of Mount Prospect School District 57.
Chicago Sun-Times: CPS takes another budget hit, loses $30M in expected state funding
A change in state funding has caused Chicago Public Schools to lose almost $30 million in expected state money, representing yet another financial hit as district officials warn of ramifications in both the near and distant future.
In a surprise move Friday, the school district, Illinois’ largest by far, was dropped into the second tier of financial need — a move that comes with a corresponding reduction in funding. The change is due mostly to CPS losing enrollment and, specifically, students from low-income backgrounds.
NBC 5 Chicago: Illinois REAL ID Requirements: Here's Which Documents Are Needed to Apply
In less than a year’s time, an ordinary driver’s license will no longer permit U.S. residents to fly within the country.
Starting May 3, 2023, anyone 18 years old and above will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to fly domestically or visit a federal facility. Designated by a star and surrounding gold circle, REAL IDs are being issued in all 50 states.