Get the latest news from around Illinois.
The Center Square: Pritzker considering new rules to enforce statewide COVID-19 orders
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said his administration is continuing to look for ways to enforce his executive orders as he tours COIVD-19 hot spots in Illinois to encourage local officials to adopt their own ordinances.
At his stop Monday in Springfield to promote a $5 million ad campaign promoting universal face coverings as a public health issue, Pritzker said he’s considering what rules his administration could put in place to have state penalties for violations of his executive orders.
Capitol News Illinois: Mendoza warns of dangers ahead for Illinois budget
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is adding her voice to those warning that the state will face dire consequences if the federal government does not approve an economic aid package for state and local governments.
“Without question, Illinois — and every other state, frankly — will need financial support from the federal government to bring much-needed stability back to state and local government,” Mendoza wrote in the latest edition of her Fiscal Focus magazine, which she distributed in a news release Monday. “Taxpayers, bond houses, businesses, human service providers, schools, and colleges and universities need to know that together we will pull through this unprecedented time.”
WBEZ: Chicago Teachers Union is planning a strike vote over back-to-school plans
The Chicago Teachers Union is planning to take a strike vote early next week demanding that city schools start the academic year with remote learning, WBEZ has learned.
The union may be the first in the nation to vote to take a strike vote in the name of safety as COVID-19 cases rise around the country. The American Federation of Teachers, CTU’s parent union, has said it would support local unions that want to strike as a last resort in the name of safety.
Crain's Chicago Business: Illinois manufacturers' outlook improves from worst of pandemic
That’s the word from two trade groups that represent factory owners here, one of which is considerably more pessimistic than the other.
The Center Square: Illinois House spent $143K for alternate location during May's pandemic session
The truncated COVID-19 session the Illinois legislature organized in late May in Springfield had an additional $143,000 taxpayer cost so the House could legislate while remaining socially distant.
The legislature was in session in January, February and part of March before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Session days were then canceled to reduce the spread of the virus.