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Chicago Tribune: The feds’ surgical strike against Speaker Madigan’s allies
There’s something particularly unsettling about federal agents barging into the homes of Speaker Michael Madigan’s closest confidants. The raids didn’t unfold at campaign headquarters or a law firm or a City Hall office. They were unannounced impositions into sacred spaces, into living rooms, along picture-framed hallways, near tossed shoes and empty coffee cups and unmade beds. They were personal.
The feds in mid-May visited the homes of Madigan’s longtime foot soldier, Kevin Quinn; Madigan’s friend and Springfield workhorse, Mike McClain; and his Southwest Side ally, former Chicago Ald. Michael R. Zalewski, in what is now believed to have been a coordinated effort by federal law enforcement officials in Chicago.
Chicago Tribune: Savings from Illinois pension buyback program fall far short of projections
A pension buyout program offered to participants in the three largest state retirement systems in an effort to save Illinois hundreds of millions of dollars has fallen drastically short of projected savings in its first year.
Buyout savings were expected to reduce the state pension contributions from general operating funds by more than $400 million for the state’s fiscal year that ended June 30. But the buyouts have so far generated only roughly $13 million in general funds savings, all from the State Employees’ Retirement System, according to an analysis by budget watchdog the Civic Federation.
Chicago Tribune: Cook County commissioner says ‘racial bias’ may have played role in investigation of political ally’s dismissed $250 parking ticket, demands new probe
Cook County Commissioner Luis Arroyo Jr. wants a new investigation into a parking ticket dispute that led to a top county police official’s ouster last week, saying racial bias may have played a role in the inspector general probe that sparked the controversy.
Arroyo allegedly contacted a high-ranking forest preserve police official in an effort to dismiss a $250 parking ticket issued to a political ally, according to a report from county Inspector General Patrick Blanchard’s office.
Chicago Sun-Times: Six months behind bars for union leader with reputed mob ties
Five months after he pleaded guilty to embezzlement, a onetime union leader with reputed mob ties told a federal judge, “The only reason I’m standing here today is because my name is John Matassa.”
Matassa faced sentencing Monday, more than two years after being hit with a 10-count federal indictment. He explained that he’d been targeted by the U.S. Department of Labor. But U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly saw things differently.
Crain's Chicago Business: Aldermen delay vote on work-schedule law
While the ordinance has been negotiated for more than two years, there is still a flurry of demands and concessions needed before a final draft goes public. The latest version would apply to workers in eight industries: airport support services, building services, health care, hotels, restaurants, retail, manufacturing and warehouses. Hourly workers and salaried employees making up to $50,000 a year would be covered, according to the most recent draft.
Daily Herald: $700,000 reasons why Palatine wants to get tough on vehicle sticker scofflaws
Scofflaws are costing Palatine as much as $700,000 annually by not purchasing vehicle stickers, and village officials want to do something about it.
Palatine village council members have backed a plan to increase police enforcement and enact higher late fees in an effort to gain compliance from the estimated 30% of vehicle owners who aren’t buying the stickers.
Rockford Register-Star: Proposal could pave way for Winnebago County personnel chief’s termination
Winnebago County Board members whose relatives and friends have worked for the county and have been fired or disciplined by Human Resources Director Kim Ponder are considering an ordinance change that would allow the board to terminate her.
County Administrator Carla Paschal recommended Ponder’s termination in a four-page memo that she sent the board on July 10. The board, per county ordinance, may hire, discipline or fire the human resources director upon the recommendation of the administrator and with the consent of the chairman.