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

Bill Gates to testify on Epstein relationship Wednesday

Bill Gates to testify on Epstein relationship Wednesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Bill Gates, the billionaire founder of Microsoft, will testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee in a closed-door hearing on Wednesday over ties to convicted...
Republican to offer Bears stadium bill, new property tax initiatives

Republican to offer Bears stadium bill, new property tax initiatives

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Republican state representative announced he will be releasing his own framework that will take a crack...
Trump weighs buying Chagos Islands to secure base

Trump weighs buying Chagos Islands to secure base

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Trump administration is considering buying the Chagos Islands in the central Indian Ocean from Mauritius, but the cost of such a deal is unclear...
Correctional center’s planned relocation draws mixed reactions

Correctional center’s planned relocation draws mixed reactions

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Local officials are not happy about the Illinois Department of Corrections’ decision to relocate Logan Correctional Center...
Raman edges ahead of Pratt in Los Angeles mayoral race

Raman edges ahead of Pratt in Los Angeles mayoral race

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Election results for Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt became uncertain Sunday evening after City Councilmember Nithya Raman edged past him. Mayor Karen Bass remained...
Illinois to ban automated ticket scalping, reselling ‘ghost tickets’

Illinois to ban automated ticket scalping, reselling ‘ghost tickets’

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A bipartisan effort to protect eventgoers from fraudulent tickets and online ticket scams made its way through...
Dozens of U.S. lawmakers demand privacy reforms as FISA deadline looms

Dozens of U.S. lawmakers demand privacy reforms as FISA deadline looms

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Congressional leaders are desperate to renew the federal government’s authority to conduct mass electronic surveillance before the authority expires, but dozens of lawmakers in both...
Illinois Quick Hits: IDOR announces remote retailer amnesty dates

Illinois Quick Hits: IDOR announces remote retailer amnesty dates

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Revenue says the state’s remote retailer tax amnesty program will be available from...
Federal judge blocks Trump's 100K visa fee

Federal judge blocks Trump’s 100K visa fee

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A federal judge in Massachusetts on Monday blocked President Donald Trump's policy seeking to implement a $100,000 fee on visas for highly skilled foreign workers....
U.S. House report: Minnesota officials failed to stop fraud

U.S. House report: Minnesota officials failed to stop fraud

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A new U.S. House oversight report alleges Minnesota officials were aware of "rampant" fraud risks in taxpayer-funded social programs for years but failed to act,...
Senator says disability service workers’ raise falls short

Senator says disability service workers’ raise falls short

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state senator says wages for direct support professionals who provide services for people with developmental...
Illinois Quick Hits: Cyber attack shuts down Evanston High School

Illinois Quick Hits: Cyber attack shuts down Evanston High School

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Evanston Township High School officials say they are cooperating with the FBI after a ransomware attack on...
DC schools use sex ed curriculum that avoids using ‘male,’ ‘female,’ promotes abortion

DC schools use sex ed curriculum that avoids using ‘male,’ ‘female,’ promotes abortion

By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square An education defense group is exposing what it says is the District of Columbia Public Schools “extreme” and “inappropriate” sexual education curriculum, where the terms...
U.S. Supreme Court slaps down Biden administration energy ruling

U.S. Supreme Court slaps down Biden administration energy ruling

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday slapped down a decision from the Biden administration that regulated efficiency standards for furnaces and water heaters. Justices on...
Trump calls on Iran, Israel to 'stop shooting,' return to talks

Trump calls on Iran, Israel to ‘stop shooting,’ return to talks

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square The ceasefire and a potential Iranian deal could be in shambles as Israel and Iran exchanged missile attacks early Monday. President Donald Trump, still seeking...