Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Belleville News-Democrat: When politicians choose voters, voters get few choices
Well before the 2020 census again engages us in partisan warfare, we expect The Supremes to deliver a loud rendition of this hit: “Stop! In the name of law. Before you break my state.”
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments on a Wisconsin case brought by Democrats who say the Republicans in power drew a map that cheats them. The case could bring all states to constitutional heel and end gerrymandering, the practice of drawing legislative districts to benefit the party in power.
Chicago Tribune: Sorry to interrupt your victory lap, CPS, but ...
Chicago Public Schools officials can breathe easier now that Illinois lawmakers have lavished hundreds of millions more dollars on the district. On Thursday, school officials released a revised budget proposal that includes that windfall of state funding and higher property taxes. We imagine smiles at City Hall, too, where Mayor Rahm Emanuel plots his 2019 re-election campaign.
So who would disrupt this Kumbaya moment to remind leaders of the urgent imperative of closing more schools? That would be us.
NBC 5 Chicago: Greater Number of Students Leaving Illinois for College
The state of Illinois is among the states leading the nation in the number of college freshmen pursuing higher education in other states, according to a state agency.
The State Journal-Register in Springfield reports the Illinois Board of Higher Education says between 2000 and 2014, the number of freshmen who left the state to attend college rose by about 64 percent.
Chicago Sun-Times: County job supplements pol’s $161-an-hour township gig
The last time we heard much about John O’Sullivan, the south suburban political operator was bitterly bidding goodbye to his job at Cook County’s forest preserves.
County Board President Toni Preckwinkle made clear she had no more use for the former state representative and Worth Township Democratic committeeman known as “Johnny O.”
Daily Herald: Cook County sheriff moves to fire 9 employees in wake of courthouse rape
Sheriff Thomas Dart announced Friday he intends to terminate nine Markham courthouse employees determined to have allowed the rape of a female detainee by two male detainees in a holding cell at the courthouse.
In addition, the sheriff’s office announced it has reached, in principle, a settlement with the 52-year-old victim for $3.25 million.
Chicago Tribune: Emanuel's podcast loosens up tightly scripted mayor
A few weeks ago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel sat down at an expansive, polished conference table across from 72-year-old Claude Lamb, who a few months earlier had been homeless with just $10 in his pocket.
Both had lavalier microphones fastened to their shirts for the latest episode of Emanuel’s new podcast. And in the straight-to-brass-tacks style that often animates his politics, the mayor wasted no time asking Lamb how he had reached his recent predicament.
Daily Herald: Questions persist on tollway's no-transponder fee
What happened to the Illinois tollway’s softer approach to nudging I-PASS customers who drive through tolls without transponders into getting one?
Effective in 2018, the Illinois tollway will double rates for I-PASS users who leave home without their transponder.
Daily Herald: Mount Prospect District 57 to discuss potential tax increase
Mount Prospect Elementary School District 57 will hold three community forums in October to discuss the district’s financial issues and the possibility of seeking a tax increase in a referendum next March.
Residents will have an opportunity to provide input and ask questions at the forums, which will be held in the Fairview School Multi-Purpose Room, 300 N. Fairview Ave., Mount Prospect.