State COVID-19 Cases Top 110,000
SPRINGFIELD – On Sunday, the state reported 2,508 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 110,304. Illinois Department of Public Health also reported an additional 67 deaths, making the statewide total 4,856. The Coles County health department says two more residents of Charleston Rehab and Healthcare died of COVID-19. The countywide caseload now stands at 119 and 9 deceased. The Macon County health department reports a man in his 60’s passed away due to coronavirus. The countywide caseload is 185 including 19 deaths. – Reginald Hardwick, Illinois Newsroom
Judge Won’t Reconsider Lawsuit Brought By Madigan Opponent
CHICAGO — A federal judge won’t reconsider a decision to throw out a lawsuit alleging Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan conspired to put up sham candidates in a 2016 Democratic primary. The Chicago Tribune reports U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly denied a motion Saturday to reconsider a lawsuit brought by Jason Gonzales. Gonzales lost to Madigan by a wide margin and alleges Madigan’s team put up phony candidates with Hispanic-sounding names to confuse voters. Madigan spokeswoman Eileen Boyce says the ruling reaffirms Gonzales had a chance make his case to the voters and lost. Gonzales plans to appeal. – Associated Press
Minor Damage Reported After 2 Northwest Illinois Tornadoes
COLETA — Officials are reporting minor damage after at least two tornadoes touched down in northwest Illinois. The National Weather Service says one touched down in Whiteside County near Coleta on Saturday afternoon. The Ogle County Sheriff’s Department reported another touched down near Chana around 4:30 p.m. Sauk Valley Media says authorities reported downed power lines, scattered debris and one destroyed machine shed. – Associated Press
Illinois Lawmakers Pass $40B Budget
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers have approved a $40 billion state budget and a plan to address tax rates for a casino expansion during a whirlwind special session held amid the coronavirus pandemic. The budget approved early Sunday largely maintains funding from the current budget, which the exception of health care agencies affected by the outbreak. It also relies heavily on federal funding. The House vote was 68-44 and was largely along party lines. Senate Republicans also voted against the plan, objecting to a small spending spike during a time of uncertainty. The Senate vote was 37-19. – Associated Press
Female Students Represent Illinois In Cybersecurity Program
CHICAGO — Forty-five Illinois students will represent the state in a national challenge aiming to increase girls’ participation in studying cybersecurity. State officials says 385 Illinois students participated in this year’s Girls Go CyberStart program, the first year the state took part. Winners will be announced during the last week of May. Participants in the national finals include 279 teams and 268 individuals from around the country. Illinois has several teams and more than 20 individual students competing for recognition and some cash prizes. – Associated Press