Get the latest news from around Illinois.
News-Gazette: Puerto Illinois?
Economist Herbert Stein, stating a fundamental rule that goes well beyond his area of expertise, warned that “trends that can’t continue, won’t.”
Puerto Rico, an American territory, last week came face to face with the reality of which Hertbert Stein spoke.
Facing billions of dollars in debt, it filed for the equivalence of bankruptcy in federal court, the first time an American state or territory has ever taken such action.
Chicago Tribune: Quinn gets Capitol portrait, leaving only Blagojevich without one
More than two years after leaving office, former Gov. Pat Quinn plans to return to the Illinois Capitol on Monday to unveil his official portrait — a painting that is designed to not only capture his likeness but also offer a detailed history lesson about his life and time as the state’s 41st chief executive.
The festivities are set to begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Hall of Governors on the second floor of the statehouse. The hall features portraits of previous Illinois governors, and after Quinn’s painting goes up, only one will be missing: impeached and imprisoned ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
NBC 5 Chicago: GOP State Senator Bill Brady Takes Lead in Brokering 'Grand Bargain'
With time running out – the Illinois General Assembly is set to conclude the legislative session at the end of the month – the pressure is on to reach a budget compromise.
Republican State Sen. Bill Brady, once a candidate for governor himself, is taking a the lead role in brokering a deal.
Chicago Tribune: State says more U.S. tourists visiting Illinois, staying longer
More than 1 million additional visitors from around the country traveled to Illinois last year compared with 2015, and they spent more time here, according to new state tourism figures.
Illinois Tourism Director Cory Jobe is scheduled to announce the numbers and tout tourism’s economic impact at 10 a.m. Monday during a press conference in Chicago.
Belleville News-Democrat: Practicing penmanship with a letter to Illinois lawmakers
Dear state lawmakers,
We take pen in hand to ask why, of all the issues facing you, you thought it was most important to demand that students learn to write in cursive.
You all are such an influence on the education system already.
Here is some vocabulary. “Unfunded mandate:” a demand made by a law without providing the financial resources to carry out the stipulation.
Chicago Tribune: University of Illinois at Springfield faculty ends strike
University of Illinois at Springfield administration and faculty have reached a tentative contract agreement, ending a dayslong strike that fell on the last week of spring classes, both sides announced late Sunday.
UIS United Faculty, which represents about 160 tenured and tenure-track professors, went on strike last Tuesday. Striking instructors did not teach classes or hold office hours during the walkout, though university and union officials could not say how many classes were affected.
Associated Press: Illinois schools opt for virtual summer learning programs
Some Illinois school districts are revamping their summer school programs this year with virtual programs designed to allow students to complete lessons outside of the classroom.
But education experts are worried that online learning programs aren’t the best approach for younger students, the Chicago Tribune reported. They are questioning whether the move is due to the school districts’ desire to cut costs and redirect money at a time when the state is $13 billion behind in allocating school funds due to the budget impasse.
Chicago Sun-Times: Tensions rising between Emanuel and Claypool over CPS
With city taxpayers about to be placed firmly on the hook to prevent the school year from ending early, tensions are rising between Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the trusted mayoral friend now serving as his hand-picked CEO of the Chicago Public Schools.
It was Forrest Claypool’s idea to file an unprecedented lawsuit that accused the state of distributing school aid in a way that discriminates against districts like Chicago serving poor and minority students.
Crain's Chicago Business: Sprint will add 105 stores and 500 jobs here
Sprint is doubling down on Chicago, adding 105 stores and more than 500 jobs over the next 18 months.
The expansion by the wireless carrier, announced today, follows a similar buildout that two years ago. Sprint says it will add stores both in the city and suburbs including Schaumburg, Rosemont and Skokie.
DNA Info: South Side Golf Course Plans Hit Snag Over Questions Of Cost
The groundbreaking for a plan to combine the South Shore and Jackson Park golf courses has been delayed, but Chicago Park District Supt. Mike Kelly is holding to his promise to be done by 2020.
Kelly said fundraising efforts are now being delayed until the full scope of infrastructure costs is determined and federal or state money is secured to pay for that work.
Bloomington Pantagraph: Council looks to form transportation commission
City residents with concerns about stop signs, speed limits or other traffic issues soon may gain a greater voice in the decision-making process with the creation of a transportation advisory commission.
The proposed board would review or put forward proposals, have public hearings and advise the city staff and the City Council on transportation matters, said Ward 4 Alderman Amelia Buragas, who proposed the commission.