Illinois Quick Hits: Equity and Inclusion Commission launches mentorship program

Spread the love

(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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Exclusive: BlackRock pressured ‘woke’ ideology on companies

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The nonprofit Consumers’ Research urged the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to conduct tougher enforcement efforts on investment firms like BlackRock in...
Trump's tariffs on imported drugs could raise prices

Trump’s tariffs on imported drugs could raise prices

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Analysts are warning that U.S. consumers could face higher prices after President Donald Trump promised it will hit imported drugs with a 100% tariff next...
Lawmaker responds to IL’s push for adult COVID shots against CDC guidance

Lawmaker responds to IL’s push for adult COVID shots against CDC guidance

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois health officials recommend all adults get the COVID-19 vaccine this fall, defying recent U.S. Centers...
Immigration advocates sue Trump administration over 'unlawful' ICE arrests

Immigration advocates sue Trump administration over ‘unlawful’ ICE arrests

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A coalition of immigrants rights advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its immigration enforcement in Washington, D.C. The advocacy organizations, which...
18% of med schools receive F when judged by academic excellence, DEI rejection

18% of med schools receive F when judged by academic excellence, DEI rejection

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Of 154 medical schools analyzed, 28 received a grade of “F” from a new ranking system launched by medical group Do No Harm that ranks...
Plastics industry one of ‘most powerful economic engines’ thanks to nation’s shale gas, ingenuity

Plastics industry one of ‘most powerful economic engines’ thanks to nation’s shale gas, ingenuity

By Tate MillerThe Center Square The American plastics industry is one of the “most powerful economic engines” in the U.S. due to the nation’s ingenuity and its abundant and affordable...
Congressional candidate defends 'dark humor' video about Kirk assassination

Congressional candidate defends ‘dark humor’ video about Kirk assassination

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A Michigan Democrat candidate for the U.S. House is doubling down after posting a video in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination stating: “Hey,...
Trump tells parents to get vaccines not available in U.S.

Trump tells parents to get vaccines not available in U.S.

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump told parents Friday to break up measles, mumps and rubella vaccines and not get them in combinations, a preference not possible in...
Grocery tax stalls in Chicago council, measure approved in Bloomington

Grocery tax stalls in Chicago council, measure approved in Bloomington

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Bloomington has joined hundreds of Illinois municipalities by reinstating a one-percent grocery tax that will soon be...
GOP leader argues against Democrats' descriptions of ICE

GOP leader argues against Democrats’ descriptions of ICE

By Dave MasonThe Center Square California Democratic officials are accusing masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers of being a “secret police” force spreading terror in immigrant communities. But the...
Illinois quick hits: Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence; 'peacekeeper' arrested for battery

Illinois quick hits: Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence; ‘peacekeeper’ arrested for battery

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence A Guatemalan national has pleaded guilty to being illegally present in the United States after...
lake land college.4

Lake Land College Formalizes Academic Restructuring with Faculty Association MOU

Article Summary: Lake Land College and its faculty union have formalized a departmental restructuring through a Memorandum of Understanding approved by the Board of Trustees. The agreement clarifies the role...
Trump tariffs drugs, furniture, heavy trucks to 'protect' U.S. markets

Trump tariffs drugs, furniture, heavy trucks to ‘protect’ U.S. markets

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump announced a fresh wave of tariffs Thursday on imported pharmaceutical drugs, some building supplies and heavy trucks that he said is to...

WATCH: Trump supports expanding Antifa terror designation internationally

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square On the heels of President Donald Trump designating Antifa a domestic terror organization, he said he supports expanding the designation internationally. The Center Square asked...
Experts warn action needed to preserve Colorado River

Experts warn action needed to preserve Colorado River

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square The Colorado River has been in decline since the turn of the 21st century – and emergency action may be required sooner than projected, experts...