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.
Latest News Stories
Deadline approaches for $1 million school choice award
Biometrics privacy law’s territorial reach limited, appeals court says
Watchdog says Biden Education Department defied court order on Title IX enforcement
Congress skips town without passing $72B immigration enforcement bill
EPA slashes regulations on refrigerants finalized during Biden-era
Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate still more than 5%
Mace amendment would spare Democrats she targeted
Illinois to require hidden ‘junk fees’ included in advertised price
WATCH: Trump says Iran ‘won’t have nuclear weapon’
Prescription board bill advances without money
Feds charge 15 in $90M Minnesota childcare, Medicaid fraud
House GOP pushes Pritzker for local control