Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

April 3, 2026/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Chicago city workers reportedly owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and fines, yet more than half the workers have never been enrolled in a payment plan or had their wages garnished.

According to data the city’s finance department provided to the Chicago Sun-Times under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, nearly 80% of the scofflaws have jobs with the Chicago Board of Education or the Chicago Transit Authority and owe nearly $15.7 million to the city.

MAN GETS 95-YEAR SENTENCE FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF STATE TROOPER

A Chicago man has been sentenced to 95 years in prison for attempting to kill an Illinois state trooper during a traffic stop in Springfield.

Cristobal Santana was sentenced in Sangamon County court Friday for the shooting that injured Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green in 2023.

SPRING TURKEY SEASONS OPEN THIS MONTH

Illinois’ first spring turkey hunting season starts Monday and runs through April 10 for the south zone of the state.

Spring turkey hunting is scheduled April 13 to April 17 for the north zone. More information can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources spring turkey season website.

Latest News Stories

Lawmakers, policy groups react to social media warning suit

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Bill sponsors and public interest groups have been quick to respond to a lawsuit filed last week against Colorado, challenging a new law that would...

From Mexico to Knoxville, five cartel leaders wanted in drugs, weapons conspiracy

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Despite many arguing the border crisis is over because illegal entries at the southwest border have dropped to their lowest level in recorded history, border-related...

Trump administration pushes to remove noncitizen Medicaid enrollees

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration is cracking down on noncitizens receiving Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services....

Federal government spending big on healthcare plans that aren’t being used

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A new report raises concerns about taxpayer waste in federal healthcare programs, as studies show billions of dollars in subsidies and benefits may not be...

Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In return for soaring state spending on education, Illinois taxpayers are getting chronic absenteeism, poor academic proficiency...

Crypto companies ask Trump to block bank data fees

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Crypto and fintech leaders want President Donald Trump to stop banks from imposing new charges on customer data access, warning that such fees could curb...

Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is reviewing damage from the...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for August 14, 2025

The Will County Board Executive Committee received a comprehensive update on the county's expenditure of $134 million in federal ARPA pandemic relief funds, learning that 61% of the total has...

Peotone Schools Face ‘Fiscal Cliff,’ Board Considers School Closures and New Construction

Committee of the Whole Article Summary: Facing a severe financial crisis and a rapidly approaching deadline from a major road project, the Peotone School District 207-U board is now seriously...

Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who represents the 15th Congressional district in southeastern Illinois, is reintroducing legislation...

Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a one-percent tax on groceries. Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker...

Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their...

Committee of the Whole Eyes School Closures and New Construction Amid Budget Crisis

Committee of the Whole Article Summary: Facing a severe financial crisis with a projected $4.2 million operating deficit, the Peotone School District 207-U board is now seriously exploring the closure...

Acting, Consulting Superintendents to Lead Peotone Schools During Owens’ Absence

Article Summary: Superintendent Brandon Owens is recuperating at home following a vehicle accident, prompting the Peotone Board of Education to establish an interim leadership team. Assistant Superintendent Carole Zurales will...

Peotone School Board Rejects Mandating Live-Streaming in 4-3 Vote

Article Summary: The Peotone school board has opted against requiring its meetings to be live-streamed, finalizing a new committee policy after a 4-3 vote defeated the mandate. The decision followed...

« Previous
1
…
169
170
171
172
173
…
188
Next »