Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Associated Press: Illinois’ 200th birthday party gets late start, low budget
Illinois is on the brink of its bicentennial bash, but political skirmishing that has battered the state could be blamed for late party planning, a comparatively low budget, and ultimately, its contribution to future generations.
The plans to celebrate Illinois’ Dec. 3, 1818, admission to the Union seem to pale compared with the two states that joined just prior. Indiana and Mississippi spent tens of millions of dollars and have flashy “legacy” projects to show off. The Prairie State, just seven weeks from kickoff of its yearlong festivities, is aiming to raise a modest $4 million to $6 million.
Chicago Tribune: Emanuel presents budget this week
The mayor’s administration last week began trickling out details of his plan, a typical effort to try to keep some things from getting overshadowed on speech day Wednesday.
Emanuel plans to propose $24 million in new money for police training changes and community policing expansions, an amount the administration calls a “down payment” on making reforms at the Chicago Police Department called for in a scathing federal report. His administration, though, did not say Friday where the new money will come from, except to indicate it will be included in the mayor’s overall spending package.
Chicago Tribune: Aldermen, make a U-turn on ride-sharing fees
Chicagoans won a sweet victory when Cook County repealed its tax on pop, but they shouldn’t celebrate for long. Local officials continue to look for new ways to nickel and dime their constituents, and their latest proposal would dramatically increase the price of hailing a ride with services such as Uber and Lyft.
Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, chair of the City Council’s Transportation Committee, wants the 2018 budget to include a $1-per-ride fee on ride-sharing companies, nearly double the current fee of 52 cents. This tax would almost certainly lead to lower pay for drivers and higher prices for passengers, hurting consumers when innovation is supposed to be making their lives better.
Chicago Sun-Times: Fired sheriff’s officer wins lawsuit; could undo dozens of firings
After years of litigation over the 2012 firing of a single Cook County sheriff’s police officer, dozens of other officers, jail guards and courtroom deputies fired for misconduct could get their jobs back, and hundreds more suspended without pay could be in line for possibly six-figure payouts.
The state Supreme Court last month declined to consider an appeal of a lower court ruling that found Sheriff Tom Dart and the Cook County Board improperly appointed members to the Sheriff’s Merit Board, which hands out firings and suspensions for sheriff’s sworn personnel.
State Journal-Register: Study to explore Illinois’ energy future
The Illinois Commerce Commission has launched an 18-month study to explore the use of emerging technologies to improve the state’s electric grid.
The “NextGrid: Illinois’ Utility of the Future” study is the collaborative effort of the ICC, Ameren Illinois, ComEd, and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Illinois, the Herald-Whig reported.
Daily Herald: As Rosemont prepares new TIF district, theater's future uncertain
Rosemont is setting up its ninth tax increment financing district in hopes of luring a redevelopment opportunity that could result in the demise of the 22-year-old Rosemont Theatre.
The proposed 6-acre district would encompass the village-owned theater and the parking lots around it at River Road and Balmoral Avenue. It would include pieces of previously established TIF 3 and TIF 4.
Daily Herald: Strike declared by support services workers in Palatine Township District 15
Support personnel at Palatine Township Elementary District 15 are on strike after negotiations with the school board broke down early Monday, officials said.
The 454 members of the Educational Support Personnel Association declared the strike Monday after a 12-hour bargaining session ended without a contract at 5 a.m., officials said.
Northwest Herald: Crystal Lake-based School District 155 asking for more property tax dollars
Crystal Lake-based Community High School District 155 Board members could vote this week on a tentative tax levy increase of about $3.2 million more than the actual total extended the previous year, which would amount to a 4.45 percent increase.
If the proposed levy is approved, it could mean an increase in taxes for District 155 residents. District officials have estimated that a District 155 resident with a $250,000 home would pay about $49.50 more toward the district’s portion of his or her property tax bill than last year.
Northwest Herald: Crystal Lake to consider grants for new businesses
Crystal Lake City Council members will meet Tuesday to consider granting $10,000 to a man who wants to open a specialty knife store that would sell products topping $2,500.
Richard Roberts, who runs SRI Investments in McHenry, is seeking a grant to open the Knife Experience Store.
Bloomington Pantagraph: Normal to consider tax rebate for retailer
Town officials expect a new national retailer to use the former Dick’s Sporting Goods space — but only after they approve a sales tax rebate.
The Normal City Council will consider forgoing up to $800,000 in future sales tax from stores at two connected shopping centers including Bed, Bath and Beyond, Fresh Market and Petco in exchange for more than $4 million in private spending to improve those centers.
Belleville News-Democrat: Madison County felonies are on the rise. That affects everyone, especially taxpayers.
A rising number of felonies in Madison County is putting more pressure on the county jail and the offices of the public defender and state’s attorney.
Felonies have risen by almost 30 percent in the past five years, up from 2,639 in 2012, to 3,372 in 2016, according to John Rekowski, the public defender; and in 2017, the amount of felonies was projected to increase to 3,914 — a nearly 50 percent increase since 2012.