Get the latest news from around Illinois.
The Center Square: Independent analysis shows decline in Illinois’ COVID-19 case fatality rate
Illinois’ COVID-19 fatality rate has plummeted, according to an analysis by Wirepoints, but there’s still signs policies are failing where help is needed most.
Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski’s team crunched the numbers from three months early in the pandemic and found the case fatality rate was just under 5 percent. From the last three months, the case fatality rate is 0.9 percent.
The Center Square: Bipartisan demand for leaders to call hearings over Pritzker’s handling of pandemic response
Two state lawmakers, a Democrat and a Republican, are pushing for joint hearings to cover the spectrum of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, and state Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-Chicago, said eight months into the pandemic, it’s beyond time to hold hearings. They’ve sent letters to their respective legislative leaders and to the governor to hold public hearings but haven’t heard back.
Chicago Tribune: Starting Monday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot imposing 10-person limit on weddings, funerals and other events, urges people to stay home as COVID-19 cases spike
As coronavirus cases in Chicago continue to spike, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced she will impose a 10-person limit on weddings, birthday parties, funerals and some social events starting Monday morning.
While stopping short of issuing a citywide shutdown order, Lightfoot on Thursday also urged residents to stay home during the coming weeks. As part of her stay-at-home advisory, Lightfoot is encouraging residents not to leave their homes except to work, attend school, seek medical care, shop for groceries or pick up takeout food. Those who do go out are encouraged to wear a face mask at all times.
NPR Illinois: Bill aims to eliminate cash bail
Cash bond could be eliminated in Illinois if a push by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is successful.
State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) said his measure would benefit lower-income people who are sometimes detained as long as years waiting for their case to be brought to trial or dismissed because they can’t make bail.
Chicago Sun-Times: Lightfoot needs to compromise to get pandemic budget passed, powerful ally says
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is following through on her promise to improve her strained relationship with the City Council, but she still needs to compromise to get her “pandemic” budget passed, a powerful ally said Wednesday.
Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), chairman of the Council’s Budget Committee, said it’s too soon to say what changes the mayor must make to round up the 26 votes needed to pass a budget that nobody likes, given the tough choices it requires.
Chicago Tribune: Mayor Lori Lightfoot has delivered a warning to Chicago aldermen who might vote against her budget: sources
As Mayor Lori Lightfoot works behind the scenes to muster the votes she needs to pass her 2021 city budget, she has delivered a message to City Council members: those who vote against her spending plan should not expect their wards to be prioritized, according to aldermen.
In recent weeks, Lightfoot has held a series of meetings with aldermen during which she’s lobbied for their support on her controversial spending plan, which includes a $94 million property tax increase this year and annual bumps in the future, hundreds of city employee layoffs and a gas tax hike. The mayor’s budget also relies on increased money from fines and fees, including a plan to ticket people caught by electronic speed cameras going 6 mph over the limit.