Illinois Quick Hits: Equity and Inclusion Commission launches mentorship program
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion has announced the launch of its new Mentor Protégé Program designed to provide certified vendors with structured coaching, mentorship and growth opportunities.
This spring, following The Center Square’s investigation, state lawmakers questioned equity commissioners about their oversight of a sizable decline in the number of state-certified businesses owned by racial minorities, women and people with disabilities.
Under the new state budget that took effect on Wednesday, the commissioners received pay increases of roughly $5,000 apiece, raising their salaries to about $153,000 per year.
Jared Strong contributed to this story
NASHVILLE H.S. COACH CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE
A public high school baseball coach has been charged with criminal sexual assault, aggravated sexual abuse and four misdemeanor counts related to obstructing justice.
Chad Malawy, 54, of Nashville, Illinois has been placed on administrative leave from Nashville Community High School.
The charges stem from an investigation by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office and the Nashville Police Department, with forensic help from Illinois State Police.
NEW FEDERAL SWIPE FEE RULES TAKE EFFECT
After new federal rules took effect this week to prevent Illinois and other states from banning fees on the tax and tip portions of credit and debit card payments, the Merchants Payment Coalition said bank and credit union fees could soar for consumers and businesses.
Doug Kantor of the MPC executive committee said in a statement that the rules set a dangerous precedent that endorses unfair price collusion.
The Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act was scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, but lawmakers delayed it to July 1, 2027.
IDOT WARNS OF POSSIBLE PAVEMENT FAILURES
The Illinois Department of Transportation is advising the public to look out for pavement failures due to high temperatures and humidity across the state.
IDOT said pavement buckling and blowouts occur with little warning. The agency urged drivers to stay alert for crews making emergency repairs.
Pavement failures can be reported by calling 800-452-4368 or by reaching out to law enforcement via 911.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Energy cost concerns loom as legislators look at policy changes
WATCH: Trump touts ‘historic’ ‘Peace Summit’ as world leaders convene in Egypt
PJM exit: A price solution or power move?
U.S. consumers to pay 55% of tariff costs, Goldman Sachs says
JPMorganChase to invest $10B in U.S. firms key to national security
Broadview, Illinois reduces ICE protest zone after ‘chaos,’ 15 arrests
Louisiana: Voting Rights Act ‘balkanizes’ competing racial factions
Illinois’ ‘F’ grade leaves taxpayers on the hook for billions, watchdog says
Democrat Mills to challenge Collins with for U.S. Senate
Some New York school districts spend almost or more than $100,000 a student
Illinois quick hits: Chicago Jewish Alliance on peace developments; Blue Ribbon Schools announced
WATCH: Trump’s emergency Guard appeal denied; Fiscal Fallout reviews state salaries
