Sullivan Resigns Over ‘Rape’ Email SPRINGFIELD — Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s agriculture director has resigned after acknowledging that he received, but did not act on, a lobbyist’s email seven years ago which referenced an alleged rape cover-up and illegal hiring practices. The email was originally obtained by Chicago public radio station WBEZ. John Sullivan said in…
2 Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan From Illinois, Virginia KABUL, Afghanistan — The Pentagon says the two soldiers killed Saturday in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb were from Illinois and Virginia. On Sunday, military officials identified the casualties as 21-year-old Pfc. Miguel A. Villalon of Joliet, Illinois; and 29-year-old Staff Sgt. Ian P. McLaughlin of Newport…
Michael Madigan’s Friend Dodges Questions About ‘Rape’ Comment In An Email Consummate Illinois Democratic insider Michael McClain dodged questions Thursday about an email in which he sought leniency for a state worker in a disciplinary case, having argued that the man was politically loyal and had stayed silent about “the rape in Champaign.” In his…
Illinois Task Force On Property Taxes Earns Critique SPRINGFIELD – Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin says a statewide task force designed to address local property taxes has so far failed to do so. He and other House Republicans roundly criticized the group Wednesday, which was created shortly after state lawmakers approved a ballot question…
An Email From A Powerful Former State Lobbyist Hints At A Rape Cover-Up A powerful former Springfield lobbyist and close friend of House Speaker Michael Madigan once sought leniency for a state worker in a disciplinary case by arguing that the worker “kept his mouth shut” about an unspecified rape in Champaign. In the previously…
Decatur Schools, TA Union Fail To Reach Agreement In Latest Talks DECATUR – Negotiators for Decatur Public Schools and the union representing its teaching assistants met with a federal mediator for more than three hours Monday night. It was the first bargaining session between the two sides in nearly a month. A statement released by…
Chicago-Area U.S. Soldier Killed In Attack In Kenya A U.S. solider from the Chicago area was among three people killed in an attack on a military base in Kenya. The family of Henry Mayfield Jr. of Hazel Crest confirmed his death to NBC affiliate WMAQ. The 23-year-old held the rank of Army Specialist. Mayfield’s mother…
Illinois Sold More Than $3 Million In Legal Weed On First Sales Day Illinois’ recreational cannabis dispensaries made around $3.2 million in sales on New Year’s Day, according to early estimates from a state agency overseeing the now-legal industry. Customers lined up at 20 dispensaries that were open across the state and made more than…
Illinois Sees First Legal Sales Of Recreational Cannabis The sale of cannabis for recreational purposes is now legal in Illinois. The change took effect with the new year, to the delight of pot fans. Many began lining up hours early at dispensaries. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that about 500 people were outside Dispensary 33 in…
Students Serve Ex-Prof With Sexual Assault Suit Via Email URBANA – The alleged victims of a former University of Illinois associate professor turned to email to finally serve him with their federal lawsuit accusing him of sexually and emotionally exploiting them. The civil lawsuit filed by some of Gary Xu’s former students had been held…
Illinois Boy Charged In Fatal Fire To Be Evaluated By Expert EUREKA — A 9-year-old boy charged in a central Illinois fire that killed five people will be evaluated by a child trauma expert to determine if he’s fit to stand trial. The Chicago Tribune reports that the boy’s attorney, Peter Dluski, said in a…
Rantoul Votes To Acquire Land For Sports Complex RANTOUL – An agreement for the village of Rantoul to acquire 65-acres of land from the Warner farming family for use as a new sports complex won unanimous approval from village trustees Monday night. The resolution calls for the village to lease the land south of the…
Rantoul To Vote Monday Night On Sports Complex RANTOUL – The Rantoul Village Board is holding a special meeting Monday night, where they’ll vote on an agreement to acquire land for a 65-acre outdoor sports complex. The resolution calls for the village to lease the site south of the Rantoul Walmart for the first six…
Knott Named University of Illinois Secretary URBANA – Gregory Knott has been named the new secretary of the University of Illinois. Beginning next month, he’ll take on a wide-range of duties, from setting agendas and maintaining records for the board of trustees … to advising and assisting administrators, including President Tim Killeen. Knott has been with…
Teen Charged In Fiery Crash That Killed Woman In Home DECATUR – A teenager accused of crashing a car into a house while drunk has been charged in the death of an 87-year-old Decatur woman. A Macon County coroner’s jury ruled Wednesday that Mary Hinton’s death inside her home was caused by the actions of…