Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Report finds bullying, inappropriate behavior and fear pervasive in state Capitol under House Speaker Michael Madigan, who takes responsibility ‘for not doing enough’
An outside investigation into Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s office and his Democratic caucus found that people across the Capitol repeatedly faced sexual harassment and bullying, and feared retaliation if they spoke out.
The report from attorney Maggie Hickey, a former federal prosecutor and state executive inspect or general under former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, was released Tuesday by Madigan’s office. House Democrats selected Hickey to investigate in June 2018, after a series of allegations of harassment and improper behavior and criticism of Madigan’s handling of those accusations.
Chicago Sun-Times: Speaker heard, but not seen? Staffers praise Mike Madigan — even though many had no contact with him
The most powerful politician in the state is indeed behind the curtains — according to snippets from former Inspector General Maggie Hickey’s lengthy report released on Tuesday.
While the report states that many people in the Capitol “spoke highly of Speaker Madigan” and “expressed pride” in working in his office, “very few workers in the Speaker’s Office have or have had interactions with speaker Michael Madigan.”
Chicago Tribune: Chicago Housing Authority boss resigns abruptly from $275,000-a-year post, will stay on until Sept. 27
After serving as head of the Chicago Housing Authority for more than four years, Eugene E. Jones Jr. abruptly resigned from his post without reason on Tuesday, officials said.
His resignation essentially leaves a vacancy at the second largest public housing agency in the country. Jones’ departure also gives Mayor Lori Lightfoot a powerful and incredibly influential seat to fill.
WTTW Chicago Tonight: Amid Contract Negotiations, CPS Teachers Gear Up for New School Year
Teachers at Chicago Public Schools are officially back in the classroom next week, roughly a week before students return.
So far, they still have no contract deal with the Board of Education, and have repeatedly threatened to walk off the job. And another controversy is brewing within their ranks.
Chicago Sun-Times: CPS faces questions from public, school board over proposed budget
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s seven-member school board peppered Chicago Public Schools administrators with questions Tuesday at a pair of hearings meant to offer the public a chance to comment on the school district’s proposed budget for the new fiscal year.
The board’s attendance at the two budget hearings — much less asking questions and having them answered — was a divergence from its predecessor that was viewed by many as a rubber stamp for former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s education policies.
Rockford Register-Star: Rockford Park District board backs Hard Rock Casino plan
The Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners is throwing its support behind Hard Rock International’s plans to build a casino on the former Clock Tower Resort site at East State Street and Interstate 90 in exchange for Hard Rock’s investment in park district facilities and programs.
Rockford Register-Star: Winnebago County’s budget forecast is bleak
Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana is threatening to sue the County Board because he says the county’s proposed fiscal 2020 budget doesn’t contain enough cash for his department to keep residents safe.
The sheriff’s threat comes just weeks after the board approved a $1.7 million allocation for his department to settle a lawsuit he filed in March that alleged the board didn’t give his department enough money for the current fiscal year.
Bloomington Pantagraph: McLean County hires Taylor as assistant administrator
McLean County government has a full administrative team for the first time in nearly a year.
Assistant County Administrator Cassy Taylor started in that role Aug. 5, alongside Administrator Camille Rodriguez and fellow Assistant County Administrator Eric Schmitt.