Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he will sign budget with legislative pay increases, defends lawmakers’ hard work
Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday defended “how hard these legislators are working” in saying he would sign $1,600 pay increases for the General Assembly’s 177 members that were part of the $40 billion state budget lawmakers approved to end their spring legislative session.
State senators on Friday approved legislation sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton to prohibit the 2.4 percent cost-of-living pay increases from automatically taking effect, something budget negotiators contended was part of a paperwork mix-up. But the House, under Speaker Michael Madigan, never took up the legislation.
Crain's Chicago Business: U of I System snags $1.9 billion in funding
The state budget, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to sign, allocates about $1.3 billion for spending on new buildings, renovations and other upgrades over multiple years, including re-appropriating $500 million previously directed at a new research network to be centered in Chicago at the yet-to-be-built Discovery Partners Institute. The capital plan also includes $98 million for a computer design research and learning center at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Peoria Journal-Star: Illinois Central College lands $5.1 million in capital bill
Schools and service agencies around central Illinois are already learning how they’ll benefit from the recently passed state capital construction bill, including at Illinois Central College, where some $5.1 million is to come for building and road improvements.
The funding there, including at the administration and library building and for roadway and parking lot work, is among just shy of a dozen line items specifically spelled out in the language of the capital bill.
Chicago Tribune: A tough bet for Lightfoot: Where to put Chicago's casino? Possibilities range from former Reese hospital to public housing sites
Chicago casino gives Mayor Lori Lightfoot her first chance to shepherd a major construction and economic development project from start to finish, but she faces a tough choice: Make a safe bet by putting the gambling venue near the Loop or roll the dice on an area that needs jobs and tourist dollars.
Building a casino, plus related restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues, could awaken a long-dormant site like the 440-acre South Works, U.S. Steel’s former steel plant site on the far south lakefront.
Chicago Sun-Times: Lightfoot says Burke should resign; time to ‘focus on himself and his family and move on’
Ald. Edward Burke (14th) is entitled to a “presumption of innocence,” but can’t continue to function as an alderman with the “sword of Damocles” hanging over his head, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday.
Hours after Burke appeared in federal court to plead not guilty to racketeering, bribery and extortion charges, Lightfoot said Burke has not responded to her demand that he resign from the City Council, nor does she expect him to do so.
Chicago Sun-Times: Masturbating Cook County Jail inmates could cost taxpayers $2 million-plus in legal fees
Legal fees for cases relating to masturbating detainees at Cook County Jail could reach more than $2 million.
The Cook County Board’s Finance Committee on Wednesday will consider the latest $486,216.39 in fees and expenses for five cases brought by public defenders, sheriff’s officers and other female county employees exposed to the harassment. That comes on top of nearly $1.7 million the Board has already paid out.