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State Journal-Register: Harmon named Illinois Senate president
Senator Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, was elected as the 39th president of the Illinois Senate on Sunday after hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations.
The race had been weeks in the making, and by the time the closed-door negotiations began Sunday shortly after 11 a.m., the field of candidates was down to two – Harmon, who has served in the chamber since 2003, and Sen. Kimberly Lightford, a Maywood Democrat and the majority leader, who has served in the Senate since 1998.
Daily Southtown: Ethics investigation substantiates complaint against Olympia Fields trustee who served as chief of staff to state Sen. Michael Hastings
An ethics investigation launched last year at the behest of state Sen. Michael Hastings found his former chief of staff engaged in prohibited political activity and misappropriated state resources by using her official email account to conduct personal business.
The legislative inspector general concluded that allegations Hastings made against Cassandra Matz, who worked for him from 2013 until he fired her in 2018, were “factually well-founded” and that her termination was “supported by the facts,” according to an investigative summary report.
Northwest Herald: State of McHenry County address scheduled for County Board meeting
In last year’s State of the County address, McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks said 2019 would bring continued reduction of the county’s property tax burden, streamlining of government and every effort to improve the lives of the people the board represents.
Since then, the County Board voted to approve a $15 million rebate of surplus funds from the Valley Hi Nursing Home, a budget making property tax levy reductions from the past two fiscal years permanent and the inclusion of two referendums to appear on ballots for upcoming elections asking voters about the future of government offices.
Daily Herald: After felony convictions, Elgin man now has chance to become a marijuana craft grower
Felony drug convictions nearly 23 years ago turned life upside down for Peter Maccaro, who said he spent years rebuilding professionally and financially.
Now, the 58-year-old Elgin man hopes to start a new chapter by taking advantage of marijuana’s legalization, particularly its social equity program that gives people with marijuana-related criminal records a leg up into the new business.
Chicago Sun-Times: Cigar, hookah lounge owners say if they can’t sell weed, new smoking license makes no sense
Ever since legal weed became the law of the land in Illinois, hookah lounge owner Mounir Zekkari said he’s been getting phone calls from customers curious about whether his BYOB policy applies to their weed, as well as their wine.
“They are wondering if they can bring it to smoke here and we tell them no,” said Zekkari, who owns Arabia Cafe Hookah Lounge at 1046 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Noble Square.