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

Pritzker housing proposal partly stalls amid overreach concerns from localities

Pritzker housing proposal partly stalls amid overreach concerns from localities

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Though the entire affordable housing initiative from Gov. J.B. Pritzker didn’t make it through the General Assembly...
HUD shifts $4B homelessness program from 'Housing First' to treatment

HUD shifts $4B homelessness program from ‘Housing First’ to treatment

By Tim ClouserThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a $4 billion funding opportunity for homelessness services on Monday, shifting away from the Housing First...
Poll: Democrats hold slight edge over Rogers in Michigan U.S. Senate race

Poll: Democrats hold slight edge over Rogers in Michigan U.S. Senate race

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square New polling in Michigan's open U.S. Senate race shows each of the leading Democrat candidates narrowly ahead of Republican Mike Rogers in potential general election...
Swipe fee battle continues after delay, court ruling

Swipe fee battle continues after delay, court ruling

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois is still waiting to benefit from a law promised to generate hundreds of millions of dollars...
Walz appoints members to Operation Metro Surge 'Truth Council'

Walz appoints members to Operation Metro Surge ‘Truth Council’

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has appointed members to a new council tasked with documenting the impacts of Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS, two federal...
$45M included in budget for previously unfunded property tax relief

$45M included in budget for previously unfunded property tax relief

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Included in the recently passed state budget, the Illinois State Board of Education will get money for...
Over one ton of cocaine seized at U.S.-Mexico tunnel bust

Over one ton of cocaine seized at U.S.-Mexico tunnel bust

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Border Patrol agents in Southern California have found another underground cross border tunnel, leading to the arrest of four men and the seizure of enough...
National security group urges Congress to investigate Airwallex ties to CCP

National security group urges Congress to investigate Airwallex ties to CCP

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A national security group wants Congress to investigate Airwallex over its ties to China. State Armor Chief Executive Officer Michael Lucci sent a letter to...
Open primary system debated as Californians go to polls

Open primary system debated as Californians go to polls

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Supporters of California’s top-two open primary system are defending it amid challenges and criticism as voters go to the polls Tuesday in the Golden State's...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs two bills

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs two bills

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed two new laws into effect. House Bill 4154 changes pharmacy licensure provisions...
Elon Poll says 2 in 3 proud to be American and Signers would be disappointed

Elon Poll says 2 in 3 proud to be American and Signers would be disappointed

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Sampling 1,000 adults nationwide ahead of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, a poll released Tuesday finds 68% are proud to be American and 69%...
U.S. Supreme Court denies Florida request to sue over immigrant CDLs

U.S. Supreme Court denies Florida request to sue over immigrant CDLs

By Michael Carroll | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court last week swatted away a request from Florida to sue the states of California and Washington over allegations...
Judge says federal rule blocks Illinois from banning ‘swipe fees’

Judge says federal rule blocks Illinois from banning ‘swipe fees’

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Federal law blocks the state of Illinois from prohibiting both banks from outside Illinois and payment card servicers, like Visa and Mastercard,...
Canadians, Brits stress U.S., Texas are key to shipbuilding

Canadians, Brits stress U.S., Texas are key to shipbuilding

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Canadian and British shipbuilding entrepreneurs on Monday explained why the U.S. and Texas are critical to national defense. The leaders of Davie Defense, Gulf Copper...
Tariff litigation expands as federal court weighs next move

Tariff litigation expands as federal court weighs next move

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Two new businesses have sued to block President Donald Trump's 10% tariffs, even as a federal appeals court considers whether to lift an injunction already...