Chicago Tribune: Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Democratic legislative leaders herald budget deal, but day ends without a vote
Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois legislative leaders announced Wednesday afternoon they had a deal on a roughly $50 billion state budget that they planned to quickly bring to the Senate floor, but the chamber adjourned about seven hours later without voting on the measure.
The Center Square: Illinois Democrats release details of 2023 state budget negotiations
Topping $50 billion, Illinois Democrats say they have reached a budget agreement. The proposed fiscal 2024 budget is similar to what Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled earlier this year. It includes $700 million for K-12 and early childhood education, and an additional $100 million so those under the median income can go to community college tuition free but at taxpayer expense.
The Center Square: Bill heading to Pritzker's desk requires ISBE to create new literacy plan
Lawmakers in Springfield have approved a measure requiring the Illinois State Board of Education to create a literacy plan for public school students that changes how reading is taught and helps increase the number of students who come to master it.
Chicago Tribune: Plan to house migrants at Far Northwest Side college met with boos and support as total new arrivals reach 10,000
Far Northwest Side neighbors bitterly shouted down city officials and each other during a divisive meeting Tuesday on a plan to house hundreds of migrants at Wilbur Wright College. It was the latest conflict into how to absorb the influx of migrants that has left hundreds sleeping in police stations.
Sun-Times: Johnson wins first test of city council muscle
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson won passage of the compromise he forged, shrinking the number of committees from 28 to 20 and replacing Finance Committee Chairman Scott Waguespack (32nd) with Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), whose decision to abandon Mayor Lori Lightfoot and endorse Johnson was a turning point in Johnson’s winning campaign. The vote was 41-9.
Daily Herald: Struggle for control leads to past due bills
DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek has come under fire for unpaid bills totaling $180,520. The 11 unpaid bills range from $16 to $87,055. While most date back to March or April, a $16 invoice from Alphagraphics is from September.
ABC 7 Chicago: DCFS manager accused of stealing at least $1.6M in day care funds and spending it at casino
A former manager with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is accused of stealing at least $1.6 million in funds meant for day care services and spending the money at a casino.
The Pantagraph: Durbin discusses federal aid for local projects during Bloomington visit
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, met with Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe on Tuesday to discuss the prioritization of local projects eligible for federal funding.