Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: Second chances: Employers more open to hiring people with criminal backgrounds
Three documents that would have seemed improbable 15 years ago now hang, carefully arranged, above Andre Joachim Jr.’s desk: a master’s degree in counseling, certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors, and an Illinois license as a professional counselor.
Fifteen years ago, Joachim was just about to enter prison — for the fourth time.
Northwest Herald: Hebron Township to host information session on District 19 referendum plan
Hebron-area residents will have a chance this month to learn more about Alden-Hebron School District 19’s potential referendum to fund millions in school improvements.
Hebron Township Trustee Mike Von Bergen has organized an informational meeting for people who could be affected by the proposed referendum.
Rockford Register-Star: Now’s no time for county to raise taxes
I was disappointed to read that Winnebago County Board Chairman Frank Haney is proposing a 2019 county budget that raises our property taxes. I’m afraid his recommendation, if ratified by the County Board, will set a dangerous precedent, signaling other taxing districts that it’s now OK to raise taxes, too.
Well, it isn’t OK to raise taxes. Not when Illinois already has some of the nation’s highest property taxes, and not when Illinois is likely to elect a governor committed to implemeting a graduated income tax without telling us the rates. And not when there’s no hint of meaningful public safety pension reform coming from the men in charge of the General Assembly.
Bloomington Pantagraph: $39M jail addition enters final phase; December opening planned
The finishing touches are underway on the new addition to the McLean County jail as construction on the $39 million project enters its final phase.
The 80,000-square-foot addition, located just east of the existing facility, will increase the county’s inmate capacity from 225 to 354 beds when it is occupied. A bridge connects the new facility with the current jail that is part of the Law and Justice Center downtown.