The Latest Breaking News from Illinois

CPS to drop mask mandate ‘in the near future,’ CEO says

The move to a mask-optional policy would follow the vast majority of Illinois school districts that have abandoned their requirements amid an ongoing legal challenge.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 2, 2022

Former House Speaker Michael Madigan indicted in political corruption probe

Madigan is now one of the most significant politicians in Illinois history ever to face criminal charges, despite having left office more than a year ago.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 2, 2022

DXP Enterprises Acquires Drydon Equipment, Burglingame Engineers For Undisclosed Sum

DXP Enterprises Inc (NASDAQ:DXPE) has completed the acquisitions of Drydon Equipment, Inc. and Burglingame Engineers. The company signed the definitive agreements on March 1, 2022, and the financial terms were not disclosed. Drydon is a distributor and manufacturers representative of pumps, valves, controls, and process equipment in the Central and Northern Illinois, Northwest…

Benzinga · Mar 2, 2022

Illinois House Democrats oust three bare-faced Republicans for violating masking rules

Despite Gov. J.B. Pritzker lifting the mask mandate for most public settings, Illinois House Democrats are sticking to rules requiring face coverings in their chamber. One maskless Republican insisted, “It’s time to stand up for sanity in here.” But Democrats accused unmasked colleagues of throwing…

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 2, 2022

What Illinois House, Senate members are doing for Biden’s State of the Union address

Rep, Mary Miller, R-Ill., is boycotting the speech. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, distributed blue and yellow ribbons to members.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 1, 2022

Rare virgin prairie in Illinois gets reprieve from bulldozer; airport expansion again on hold

A rare stretch of virgin prairie has received yet another reprieve from the bulldozer, with the Federal Aviation Administration telling the Tribune that Chicago Rockford International Airport has agreed to delay construction until June 1.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 1, 2022

Diversity on Illinois corporate board shows slow growth, new report finds

The study by researchers at the University of Illinois also documents greater attention to gender, racial and ethnic balances, a sign that companies are giving a higher priority to inclusion.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 1, 2022

Pritzker’s public health chief Dr. Ngozi Ezike stepping down: ‘She saved lives, many, many thousands of lives’

As she prepared to leave the public stage on March 14, the state’s top doctor spoke of serving as a key adviser, calm leader, comforting voice — and “a role model to young girls, girls of color, little Black girls, that they can be leaders in any field.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 1, 2022

Illinois wine industry pushes to change Prohibition-era distribution law

The Illinois wine industry, a small but growing network of boutique wineries and vineyards dotting the state, is looking for a little more shelf space at your local retailer.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 1, 2022

Illinois Department of Transportation needs to address ‘snow ramp’ vaulting accidents

Stephanie Zimmermann and Lauren FitzPatrick’s thorough reporting shines a light on the need for IDOT to at least start discussions on how these accidents can be avoided and whether plowed snow can be placed elsewhere.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 1, 2022