Get the latest news headlines from around Illinois.
WGN: Illinois Dems OK new legislative maps over criticism
Illinois Democrats unveiled a newer version of their revised state legislative boundary map Tuesday. Forty-five minutes later, lawmakers met in committee and by the end of the day, the House, along a party-line vote, passed the measure.
Republicans slammed the lack of transparency.
The Center Square: Legislative Audit Commission calls for another audit of IDES
The Illinois Department of Employment Security has dealt with an avalanche of fraud cases during the pandemic and will soon have to undergo another audit.
The Legislative Audit Commission voted Wednesday to conduct another audit of the agency related to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program after June 30, 2020.
ABC 20: ISBE issues new remote learning guidance for school districts
The Illinois State Board of Education came out with new remote learning guidance for school districts after some have closed down due to a high number of students in quarantine.
School districts like Riverton say they’re glad they have this guidance now, but they’re not planning to use it unless they absolutely have to.
WBBM: HUD awards Illinois government agencies $7.4 million to address lead-based paint hazards
Hundreds of Illinois families will benefit from a generous grant the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding local and state government agencies in its effort to combat lead-based paint and other home health hazards.
The Cook County Department of Public Health will receive $4 million in Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LBPHR) grant program and Healthy Homes Supplemental funding to address lead hazards in 185 housing units. The city of Springfield will receive $3.4 million from the same funding sources to address lead hazards in 169 housing units.
St. Louis Public Radio: Southwestern Illinois leaders launch incubator to grow locally owned businesses
Civic and business leaders in the metro-east aim to foster new local businesses through the help of an incubator that officially launched Aug. 26.
The Metro East Business Incubator will serve as a hub for local entrepreneurs to find mentors, contacts for local governments, events and other resources for those trying to scale a small business, said Amy Determann, executive director of the incubator.
The Center Square: School districts across Illinois grapple with a lack of school bus drivers
As the school year gets underway, signs that read “school bus drivers wanted” are a familiar sight throughout Illinois. The nationwide driver shortage is being felt in the Land of Lincoln.
Numerous districts are forced to tier bus schedules, with buses making multiple rounds to prevent overcrowding.
WBBM: Illinois to reopen 3 more unemployment offices Thursday
They’ve been closed for almost a year and a half but starting tomorrow people seeking help with unemployment claims can go to IDES offices in Pilsen, Wheeling and downstate Belleville. It’s by appointment only and you must call at least 24 hours in advance.
Those who call the IDES Scheduling Hotline at 217-558-0401 can request a callback. Last Thursday IDES began offering in-person appointments in Champaign, Harvey, Mt. Vernon and Rockford.