Get the latest news from around Illinois.
State Journal-Register: TRS says it needs a 10% increase in state contribution next year
The largest state-funded pension system said Wednesday it will need a 10 percent increase in its state contribution in next year’s budget.
The Teachers’ Retirement System said the state will have to kick in more than $4.8 billion for the next budget that will start July 1, 2019. That’s an increase of about $400 million from the current budget.
Chicago Tribune: Watchdogs want outside investigation of Chicago psychiatric hospital where troubled teens allegedly were sexually abused
Top child welfare watchdogs want outside experts to take a closer look at conditions inside a prominent Uptown psychiatric hospital following a rise in complaints this year alleging that highly vulnerable kids were sexually and physically abused as a result of lax supervision and improper staff conduct.
Among the more serious allegations, two girls ages 7 and 12 accused a male hospital worker of touching them sexually. In another case, an 8-year-old boy told his mother he was battered by peers and exposed to two masturbating roommates.
WTTW Chicago Tonight: Obama Center Gets Unanimous City Council Approval to Land in Chicago
Former President Barack Obama on Wednesday thanked Chicago alderman for their 48-0 vote approving a 99-year land agreement to allow his presidential center to make its home in Jackson Park.
“Michelle and I could not be prouder or more excited to bring the center to the South Side, a community that has given us both so much and we look forward to continuing our work with our neighborhoods and friends across the city to build this center, to make it a centerpiece,” Obama said in a video issued over Twitter. “It’s going to be very exciting. And I hope that it’s go into serve as a reminder to every child in Chicago and every visitor from around the world that their potential is limitless.”
WBEZ: Chicago Aldermen Propose Major Changes To Help Drivers With Tickets, Towed Vehicles
A Chicago alderman has proposed a sweeping overhaul of the way the city punishes drivers who can’t afford to pay tickets, calling for an end to late penalties that double the underlying fines and contribute to thousands of bankruptcies filed here each year.
The proposed changes would give motorists more time to pay tickets, allow some to perform community service in place of some fines and penalties, and make it easier to get on city payment plans.
Chicago Sun-Times: Taxi, rideshare drivers unite for City Hall protest seeking regulation
Nnamdi Uwazie said that when he began driving taxis about 23 years ago, it was a good job that helped him support a family.
Now, the father of three teenagers said he struggles to provide for his kids, a problem that began when rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft came into the city.
Northwest Herald: State funding allows McHenry County school districts to add staff, programs
Harvard School District 50 has received more than $4 million in new revenue from the state since the evidence-based school funding formula was initiated last year, making it one of the largest beneficiaries in the state.
Total funding was about $2.28 million in fiscal 2018 and about $1.94 million in fiscal 2019.
Daily Herald: Carol Stream village hall to soon reopen after $15.3 million reconstruction
Carol Stream village employees and police officers will move back into their newly expanded municipal center next week after working out of temporary headquarters for nearly 18 months.
Employees will return to the Gary Avenue building — closed since May 2017 for a $15.3 million reconstruction — over three days starting Nov. 7. Village hall could reopen to the public at the end of that move-in process next week, but officials say residents should check the village’s website and social media accounts for updates about access.