Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Chicago Teachers Union modifies proposals to try to reach a deal before strike date, says ball now in city’s court
The Chicago Teachers Union says it has modified demands on two of its key issues — class sizes and staffing — to try to reach a contract deal before its Thursday strike date.
CTU President Jesse Sharkey said its new proposal “does not solve all our outstanding issues” but does “provide a path to a contract.”
Chicago Tribune: Do CPS teachers want a deal or a strike? Mayor says CTU ‘refusing to negotiate in good faith;' union calls city offer ‘half-baked’
An attorney who has done extensive work for the Chicago Teachers Union shared a link on Facebook this week about an upcoming rally with this curious message: “Brothers @ sisters -the strike is on.”
Not so fast, a union official responded, adding a comment to clarify that attorney Robin Potter’s post was “not accurate” and that the Oct. 17 strike deadline was still ahead. Potter doesn’t represent the union and isn’t involved in contract talks, the union officials were swift to point out.
Crain's Chicago Business: How long can Illinois let these universities shrink?
It’s not the paradox it seems. Intense competition for students today is forcing states to spend more on recruiting, financial aid and facilities. Illinois has been on the losing end of that battle, with a net outflow of college-bound students in a trend that shows no signs of letting up.
Chicago Sun-Times: Facing criticism, Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson goes on the defense over inspector general’s Laquan McDonald report
Flanked by several African American Chicago aldermen supporting him, Supt. Eddie Johnson went on the defense Saturday morning at a news conference to respond to an inspector general’s report released this week noting he was among police brass who viewed video of the Laquan McDonald shooting and did not object to it.
Johnson said that he did not see the video until two weeks after the fatal incident and that as a deputy chief of patrol at the time, he was not involved in any decisions about disciplinary action following uses of force.
Decatur Herald & Review: Facing tight budget, Decatur creates civilian officer jobs over police union objections
City leaders are introducing a new civilian position to help with Decatur police duties as budget pressures force lower staffing levels, but the move has prompted backlash from the union that represents officers.
The Police Benevolent and Protective Association Unit 39 filed an unfair labor practice charge Oct. 4 with the Illinois Labor Relations Board. The union says the city violated the law because it did not bargain with the union before creating the new “community liaison officer” position that will handle some police duties.