Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Madigan gets another term as Illinois Democratic chairman despite sexual harassment complaints on his watch
House Speaker Michael Madigan was easily re-elected chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois on Monday, publicly reasserting his control over a vast political operation after a tumultuous few months in which some within his own party had called for his resignation.
As members of the party’s central committee lauded Madigan for his ability to win elections and push back against Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s policies, they also nodded to challenges within. That includes allegations of sexual harassment and abusive behavior that felled two of Madigan’s top campaign operatives, prompting calls for the speaker to step down as party chairman amid questions about how complaints were handled.
Associated Press: Illinois past-due fees on debt top $1B since 2015
Illinois has racked up more in late-payment fees in less than three years than it did in the 18 years combined, according to a report The Associated Press obtained Monday, and some major creditors say they’ve waited more than a year to receive the interest they’re owed.
The report by state Comptroller Susana Mendoza found that the $16 billion in past-due debt that piled up during a two-year budget stalemate comes with a steep price. Since July 2015, Mendoza reported, prompt-payment penalties have totaled $1.14 billion, $100 million more than the total from 1998 up to then.
Chicago Tribune: Madigan hasn't made 'final decision' on legal marijuana issue
As lawmakers eye the possibility of legalizing recreational marijuana in Illinois, House Speaker Michael Madigan says he hasn’t made up his mind on the issue.
“I haven’t come to a final decision,” he said Monday.
Chicago Tribune: Metra looks for ways to combat missed fare problems
Summer concert and festival season is coming, and that means more packed Metra trains, and issues over conductors not collecting all fares.
“It’s clearly a concern,” Metra CEO Jim Derwinski told reporters Monday after a speech before the City Club of Chicago.
Peoria Journal-Star: Peoria County officials on the November ballot may be in for a raise
Some of Peoria County’s elected officials may be in for a raise.
The Peoria County Board’s county operations committee approved upping the salary for three countywide officials who will be on the ballot in November.
Decatur Herald & Review: As gas prices rise, Decatur drivers feel the burn
As Amar Lotey watches gas prices creep upward, he knows his customers at Marathon Gas on Pershing Road will feel it.
“The drivers are going to have less money to buy a drink or candy or a snack,” said Lotey, who owns the station. “All of the money is going to go in filling up the tank.”
Belleville News-Democrat: Tax auction for St. Clair County is Wednesday in Belleville
A St. Clair County public auction for 357 properties and 41 mobile homes that were delinquent on real estate taxes will take place in Belleville.
The auction will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, in the St. Clair County Courthouse, located at 10 Public Square in Belleville.