Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: As Amazon visits Chicago, city keeps an eye on public image
Amazon is heading to Chicago this week to scout potential sites for its second headquarters, renewing speculation about the city’s odds of landing the $5 billion project that could eventually bring 50,000 high-paying jobs.
Among those keeping a close eye on the public handicapping of the city’s chances is Mayor Rahm Emanuel, according to emails obtained through the state Freedom of Information Act.
WTTW Chicago Tonight: Activists Say ‘No Amazon,’ Call on Mayor to Restore Shuttered CPS Schools
Community organizers opposing a new wave of school closures criticized Chicago’s pursuit of landing Amazon’s second headquarters, saying minority residents are being pushed aside to make way for the tech giant.
A small group of parents and activists gathered outside Wells High School on Monday morning to launch a “No Amazon” campaign, calling out Mayor Rahm Emanuel for a series of recent school closures, and warning Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to steer clear of building his new headquarters in Chicago.
Chicago Sun-Times: CPS finally moves to ban clouted bus company
Chicago Public Schools leaders are poised to finally block a politically connected bus company from being eligible to do business again with CPS — years after the firm was first accused of over-billing the schools.
The move to “debar” Jewel’s Bus Co., which is based on the South Side, also comes a year and a half after federal prosecutors charged owner Jewel Lockhart with tax evasion.
Chicago Sun-Times: TIF assistance needs to grow to replace South Shore Dominick’s, alderman says
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said last month he was prepared to authorize a tax-increment-financing subsidy “north of $10 million” to bring a new grocery store to the Shore Shore site of Chicago’s only shuttered Dominick’s that has yet to find a replacement grocer.
It looks like City Hall might have to go a bit further “north” to seal the deal with Shop & Save.
Chicago Sun-Times: Running tab for DOJ investigation of CPD: $7.4 million and counting
The running tab for legal and consulting fees tied to the U.S. Justice Department’s investigation of the Chicago Police Department has now reached $7.4 million — and Mayor Rahm Emanuel is still negotiating a consent decree with retiring Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
The cost, up from $5.7 million in August, is certain to rise even higher as invoices and expenses get submitted, negotiations with Madigan drag on, and the city defends itself against a class-action lawsuit filed by lawyers for Black Lives Matter Chicago and other community groups seeking federal oversight over the CPD.
Northwest Herald: Crystal Lake-based School District 155 Board to consider 8 layoffs
The Community High School District 155 Board could vote Tuesday to lay off eight employees, including a physical education teacher facing felony financial exploitation charges.
District 155 Superintendent Steve Olson was not available for comment Monday on the potential layoffs listed on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting, or whether the recommended dismissal of one teacher, Rick Lima, is related to pending criminal charges against him.
Daily Herald: Bensenville teachers, school board to resume contract talks
Bensenville Elementary District 2 teachers and school board members will return to the bargaining table Tuesday as they try to resolve lingering contract issues involving salary and insurance benefits.
The two sides last met on Thursday night, one day after many teachers participated in a “Unity Walk” to make residents aware that their most recent contract expired at the start of the school year.
Rockford Register-Star: Rockford City Council delivers closing arguments on home rule
City officials made their closing arguments for home rule as a way to reduce the property tax burden and fight blight during a Monday night City Council meeting, less than 24 hours before Rockford casts what could be a historic vote.
Home rule is a set of powers that allow Illinois cities with more than 25,000 residents broader authority to govern themselves. However, opponents say it’s as an intrusion on private property rights and a tax grab that may lead to higher property, sales and myriad other taxes.
Rockford Register-Star: Rockford video gaming fees could be among state’s highest if voters OK home rule
Mayor Tom McNamara’s administration has proposed enacting one of the stiffest video gaming fees in Illinois if voters approve home rule.
The city proposes an annual fee of $1,000 per machine for those who operate video gaming terminals. It’s double the next highest rate for home rule communities in Illinois that have more than 100,000 residents.
Peoria Journal-Star: Washington sales tax going up from 8.0 to 8.5 percent
The sales tax in Washington will rise from 8.0 to 8.5 percent on July 1.
The City Council on Monday unanimously approved raising the city’s portion of the sales tax from 1.25 to 1.75 percent, causing the total rate to rise the same amount.
Decatur Herald & Review: Decatur City Council OKs new Gleason contract, raise
With praise for City Manager Tim Gleason’s work to restructure of city finances, repair infrastructure and revitalize neighborhoods, the city council voted 6-0 Monday to offer him a new two-year contract with a 6 percent raise. His new salary is $176,507 effective Friday.
“I think if you’re to take a look at the goals the city council had established in 2016, you would find that there’s been significant work accomplished in those four areas,” Councilwoman Lisa Gregory said before the council meeting. “For that reason, I support his work as city manager, and that he needs to be compensated accordingly.”
State Journal-Register: Fire chief selection clause in union contract unique to Springfield
With Springfield Fire Chief Barry Helmerichs retiring at the end of the month, Mayor Jim Langfelder is interviewing Springfield Fire Department members to find a replacement.
Langfelder is mandated to limit his search to the existing force because of a clause in the firefighters’ contract that stipulates the hire must be internal.
Belleville News-Democrat: Despite protests from bar owners, Belleville mayor breaks tie vote to increase fees
Mayor Mark Eckert broke an 8-8 tie vote on the City Council on Monday night by voting to approve fee increases for video gaming terminals and liquor licenses as part of a “second compromise” offered by the administration.
Belleville bar and restaurant owners this month have been fighting proposed increases in their video gaming and liquor licenses. The first plan was tabled by the City Council on March 5 and another proposal with some fees not increasing as much was discussed in a special meeting March 14.