Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Arrests ordered of 2 former Madigan operatives for failing to answer questions in lawsuit
A federal judge on Monday ordered the arrests of two former political operatives of Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan for failing to appear for depositions in a lawsuit filed by Madigan’s opponent in the 2016 election.
Joseph Nasella and Michael Kuba were each found in contempt of court by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly, who authorized deputy marshals to “use necessary and reasonable force” in making the arrests, court records show.
WBEZ: This Procedure Can Spike Lead Levels In Your Water — But You Probably Wouldn't Know About It
When Chicago workers were replacing the water main outside Miguel Del Toral’s home, he said they accidentally broke the lead pipe that brought water to his building. As an acclaimed water scientist, Del Toral knew this mistake could cause spikes of toxic lead in his water for more than a year.
But when he actually tested his water, he said the results were especially “horrific.”
Northwest Herald: Lawmakers launch petition opposing bill to empower McHenry County Board chairman
A pair of Republican lawmakers have teamed up to gather signatures for a petition opposing a proposed bill that would effectively give the McHenry County Board Chairman executive power – something voters rejected at the polls years ago.
The petition – launched from the offices of State Rep. Steve Reick, R-Woodstock, and State Rep. Tom Weber, R-Lake Villa – is available online and targets House Bill 3317, legislation that would restructure power on the McHenry County Board, giving the chairman veto power and the authority to act without full approval of the board.
State Journal-Register: As Illinois farmers get older, farms get bigger and fewer
Ross Pauli is getting ready for another planting season doing maintenance on some of the equipment he’ll use on his 800-acre farm in Edwards in rural Peoria County.
He’s still on crutches from ankle surgery performed over the winter but doesn’t expect that to slow him down. “I can drive a tractor now but the ankle has taken longer than I thought to heal,” said Pauli, who started farming in 1980.
Daily Herald: Elgin's 2-year East Chicago Street rebuild expected to start in May
Elgin plans to spend $17.2 million this year on street resurfacing, underground sewer work and bridge repairs, giving way to a “busy, busy summer,” city senior engineer Mike Pubentz said.
A two-year, $7.6 million project, including federal funds, to reconstruct East Chicago Street is expected to start in May, Pubentz said. The work spanning East Chicago Street from Center to Liberty streets and Geneva Street from Chicago to Fulton streets, will be “fairly inconvenient for people,” he told the city council last week.
Bloomington Pantagraph: Bloomington City Council OKs motor fuel tax hike, video gambling fee
Motorists in Bloomington will be paying more for gasoline, with the City Council doubling the local motor fuel tax to pay for street and sidewalk repairs.
The council voted 5-4 Monday night to increase the local motor fuel tax from 4 cents to 8 cents, effective May 1.