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Chicago Sun-Times: Pritzker’s claims about Downstate capital spending leave some unanswered questions
During his mostly Downstate tour to tout Illinois’ first capital construction program in a decade, Gov. J.B. Pritzker at each stop has emphasized the local benefits of his $45 billion infrastructure plan, one he says is ultimately fair to the more rural areas that didn’t strongly back his election bid.
Chicago Sun-Times: Former alderman hires defense lawyers as feds’ net widens
Former Ald. Michael Zalewski (23rd) has hired one of the city’s leading criminal defense law firms, the first confirmation he is caught up in the sweeping federal investigation of the City Council.
Newly-disclosed campaign finance reports show Zalewski paid $25,000 in May to Breen & Pugh, whose name partners Thomas Breen and Todd Pugh are considered among the city’s go-to lawyers for politicos in trouble.
Chicago Tribune: Like Airbnb-hotel hybrids, short-term rental startups are setting up shop in Chicago
Short-term apartment rental companies with a new twist on a classic concept are colonizing downtown Chicago buildings.
Start-up companies that operate hundreds of apartments are competing with long-established “corporate rental” companies for guests who want the space, privacy and convenience of an apartment with the amenities of a high-end hotel. Investors are pouring money into the new niche, offering developers a revenue stream that, say the startups, supports the growth of condo and apartment buildings for permanent residents, too.
Daily Herald: Lawsuit from ex-cops alleges corruption in Island Lake
A federal lawsuit accuses Island Lake Mayor Charles Amrich, ex-Trustee Mark Beeson and former Building Commissioner Wayne Schnell of corruption, racketeering and attempting to impede criminal investigations into their behavior.
The suit was filed July 8 by three former Island Lake police employees: Anthony Sciarrone, who served as trustee and as police chief, and was fired as chief last fall; Billy Dickerson, a sergeant who was fired in January; and Joseph Rivera, a part-time officer who quit last December.
Rockford Register-Star: Winnebago County state’s attorney detours Chairman Frank Haney’s legal odyssey
Winnebago County State’s Attorney Marilyn Hite Ross has stalled — is trying to derail — Chairman Frank Haney’s legal crusade to reclaim his executive power.
Haney’s personal lawyer, Ken Florey, was appointed in June by Judge Donna Honzel as the chairman’s special state’s attorney — the first step of Haney’s plan to roll back ordinance changes that the County Board has approved since 2016. Collectively, the board-approved ordinances have diluted the chairman’s role, transferring much of the chairman’s powers and duties to either the board or the county administrator.
Bloomington Pantagraph: City Council to discuss moratorium on video gambling machines
The City Council is continuing to explore the city’s moratorium on adding new gambling machines, but Mayor Tari Renner would like it lifted prior to Sept. 1.
The council will discuss the issue at its committee-of-the whole meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall. Because it is essentially a work session, no action is expected.