January 22, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago pays OT to potentially ineligible workers

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Chicago’s inspector general has advised the city’s human resources and finance departments that from 2020 through 2024, the city paid $26.5 million in overtime to potentially ineligible employees.

According to the advisory, Chicago paid the overtime to workers in 24 city departments, the elections board, city clerk’s office and city council.

The inspector general’s office said the human resources and finance departments have committed to collaborate and ensure that the city would no longer pay overtime to ineligible employees.

AIRMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

A former airman stationed in Illinois has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography.

The federal charges followed execution of a search warrant at 32-year-old Michael E. McCay’s residence on Scott Air Force Base in February 2023.

Prosecutors say McCay was sexually exploiting at least two minor victims through online applications, including Roblox and Snapchat.

ALEC EDUCATION

The American Legislative Exchange Council has released its annual Index of State Education Freedom.

Illinois ranks 44th out of 50 states, down from 38th one year ago. ALEC gave the Land of Lincoln a D grade, partly due to failing grades for student-centered funding programs and open enrollment.

Top-ranked Florida earned an A+. Iowa ranked 4th overall with an A, and Indiana was 6th with an A-. Kentucky finished below Illinois at #48.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Better-than-expected inflation report generates cut predictions

Better-than-expected inflation report generates cut predictions

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Investors are predicting another rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s meeting next week after a better-than-expected inflation report Friday, while stocks reached new highs. Inflation...
Op-Ed: 340B needs transparency to fulfill Its mission

Op-Ed: 340B needs transparency to fulfill Its mission

By TaLana Hughes | Sickle Cell Disease Association of IllinoisThe Center Square For the 5,000 people in Illinois living with sickle cell disease, access to affordable medical care and life-saving...
India’s Reliance says it will abide with sanctions on Russian oil purchases

India’s Reliance says it will abide with sanctions on Russian oil purchases

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries said Friday it will adjust its refining operations to abide with U.S. and European sanctions on purchases of Russian crude oil....
7th Graders have been learning about cells.2

From Creative Cells to Chemical Reactions: Science in Action

In Mr. Harris's science classes, students are engaging in dynamic, hands-on learning across the grade levels. Seventh graders recently brought biology to life, unleashing their creativity to complete their cell...
On her Senior Night, Madi Gelb rises up and powers through the Marshall defense for a resounding kill to score a point for the Lady Warriors. —photo by Terri Cox

Marshall Edges Lady Warriors in Thrilling Senior Night Matchup

Featured image caption: On her Senior Night, Madi Gelb rises up and powers through the Marshall defense for a resounding kill to score a point for the Lady Warriors. —photo...
Critics warn Illinois’ ‘megaproject’ tax breaks shift costs to taxpayers

Critics warn Illinois’ ‘megaproject’ tax breaks shift costs to taxpayers

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Springfield proposal grants major tax breaks to “megaprojects,” which critics warn could leave homeowners and...
WATCH: Pritzker creates accountability commission amid increased immigration enforcement

WATCH: Pritzker creates accountability commission amid increased immigration enforcement

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the executive...
Screenshot 2025-10-23 at 3.16.23 PM

Casey City Council Passes Ordinance Holding Parents Responsible for Minors’ Vandalism

Casey City Council Meeting | October 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey City Council has approved a new ordinance making parents and legal guardians financially liable for ordinance violations, such...
Illinois quick hits: Report: $17,300 state debt per person; Metro East crime suppression operations

Illinois quick hits: Report: $17,300 state debt per person; Metro East crime suppression operations

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Report: $17,300 state debt per person A new report from Reason Foundation shows that Illinois’ state government has $222 billion in...
Trump suspends trade talks with Canada over Ronald Reagan ad

Trump suspends trade talks with Canada over Ronald Reagan ad

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump suspended all trade talks with America's largest trading partner over an ad that features former President Ronald Reagan speaking about tariffs in...
lake land college.2

Lake Land College to Invest $195,000 in Advanced Farming Equipment

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | September, 2025 Article Summary: The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of a new Strip-Till Bar for $195,000 to...

WATCH: Trump touts counter-narco operations during law enforcement roundtable

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square In the midst of the U.S. counter-narcotics measures in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean and a major crime crackdown, President Donald Trump hosted a...
WATCH: GOP leader calls Pritzker’s accountability commission a 'political stunt'

WATCH: GOP leader calls Pritzker’s accountability commission a ‘political stunt’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has created a new government commission to document the conduct of federal law...
Unions sue Trump over immigrant drivers license crackdown

Unions sue Trump over immigrant drivers license crackdown

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Two national public employee unions sued the Trump administration over its restrictions preventing illegal immigrants from obtaining commercial drivers licenses. The American Federation of Teachers...
Battery storage financials remain in question as lawmakers consider energy omnibus

Battery storage financials remain in question as lawmakers consider energy omnibus

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers are expected to include battery storage as part of an energy omnibus bill at the...