Get the latest news from around Illinois.
State Journal-Register: It’s try, try again for fair redistricting maps
It’s been tried via petition drive a couple of times without success. Now the focus is going to be on the General Assembly doing something about it.
The “it” is what is popularly known as the fair maps amendment which tries to get the politics out of the once every decade process of drawing new political maps in the state. It has been the goal and dream of good government types forever to change that with the hope of more evenly dividing political power in Illinois.
The Center Square: Illinois Gig Economy Bill could mean uncertainty for workers, businesses
State lawmakers across the country, including in Illinois, are considering new laws that would classify more workers as employees rather than contractors in the growing gig economy.
California was the first state to try to regulate companies operating in the gig economy, telling organizations like Uber and Lyft that drivers are employees, not contractors.
Chicago Sun-Times: Running for Cook County judge (but not so anyone would know it)
Attorneys Maureen O’Leary and Bonnie McGrath are both on the March 17 Cook County ballot in judicial races. But, from all appearances, voters would be hard-pressed to know they’re running.
They haven’t reported any fundraising or spending. Their opponents haven’t seen them at campaign events. Until January, neither of them even had a campaign website.
Northwest Herald: Report shows questions remain about McHenry County absorbing township government
With about a month before residents cast their votes deciding whether to consolidate one of the largest townships in McHenry County, several questions remain about how the county government could absorb the responsibilities of a dissolved township, according to an administrative report compiled in January.
Under a township consolidation bill signed into law last year, a referendum to dissolve one of McHenry County’s 17 townships could be added to an election ballot by a majority vote from a township board of trustees or the collection of a mandatory number of signatures from township voters.
State Journal-Register: Parking downtown: City seeks to replace outdated meters as revenue lags
Springfield’s parking meters are so out of date that they can no longer be repaired when they break.
Annual revenue from the machines, which cover the majority of streets in the downtown business district, has been on a steep downward trajectory the past few years.