Commentary: Bankruptcy looms for Chicago if there’s no pension fix – Chicago Tribune
Comment: A must-read by Richard Porter, a lawyer in Chicago and member of the Republican National Committee:
“Chicago is in a hole that tax hikes only deepen; the only way out of Chicago’s death spiral is debt reduction… We need financial first aid in Illinois now. Waiting and wishing as prosperity bleeds away is cruel and immoral. Chicago needs to restructure and reduce debt now. Give Chicago the benefit of a bankruptcy we
Federal agents raid McCook, Lyons village halls – WGN
Democratic State Senator Martin Sandoval represents both communities. Federal agents searched Sandoval’s offices earlier this week, reportedly looking into whether Sandoval, who chairs the senate’s transportation committee, received kickbacks from companies. But it’s unclear if Thursday’s raids were connected to the Sandoval investigation.
Was corruption at the heart of Illinois’ gas tax hike? – IL Policy
Capital bills are a feeding frenzy for special interests. And Sandoval held the keys to the kitchen. “Governor signs Sandoval’s $45 billion infrastructure improvement package,” boasts a June press release from the state senator’s website.
Might the feds want to have a word about some of those projects? According to the Chicago Tribune, authorities are looking into allegations Sandoval used his public office to steer business in exchange for private kickbacks.
Illinois farmers worry impeachment talk will stall trade deals – Center Square
Chicago Teachers Are Ready To Strike – NPR
The Chicago Teachers Union voted in overwhelming numbers to authorize a strike, union officials announced late Thursday. The union is planning to set a strike date next Wednesday. Teachers likely will walk out in mid-October if no deal is reached by then.