Illinois Quick Hits: Equity and Inclusion Commission launches mentorship program

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

Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025 The Will County Legislative Committee met on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to continue developing its 2026 state and...
Screenshot 2025-11-05 at 4.18.41 PM

Will County Saves $5.7 Million in Bond Refinancing, Maintains High Credit Ratings

Will County Finance Committee Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: A recent bond transaction successfully saved Will County over $5.7 million in future debt payments, while a presentation from the...
Illinois quick hits: Bailey to stay in governor's race

Illinois quick hits: Bailey to stay in governor’s race

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Bailey to stay in governor's race Republican candidate Darren Bailey has decided to stay in the race for Illinois governor. In...

WATCH: IL comptroller candidates focus on transparency, timely reporting

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Transparency is a key talking point for Illinois comptroller candidates. One Republican and five Democrats have filed...
Democratic senators under fire explain why they supported GOP bill to end shutdown

Democratic senators under fire explain why they supported GOP bill to end shutdown

By Thérèse Boudreaux | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After breaking from the rest of the Democratic Caucus to help Republicans advance a deal that would...
Giannoulias ramps up campaign for state regulation of auto premiums

Giannoulias ramps up campaign for state regulation of auto premiums

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has expanded his campaign to regulate auto insurance rates. Giannoulias visited...
Illinois quick hits: Illinois U.S. senators split on shutdown vote

Illinois quick hits: Illinois U.S. senators split on shutdown vote

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois U.S. senators split on shutdown vote Illinois U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth differed as the Senate voted to...
End to government shutdown in sight after senators make funding deal

End to government shutdown in sight after senators make funding deal

By Thérèse Boudreaux | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. senators finally broke the government funding impasse Sunday night, voting 60-40 to advance a bill ending...
Screenshot 2025-11-06 at 3.37.51 PM

Will County Saves Nearly $5.74 Million in Bond Refinancing, Explores Future Borrowing Options

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board’s Capital Improvements & IT Committee learned that the county has successfully saved nearly...
Black and white speed limit 25 sign

Will County Board Advances New Speed Limits in Green Garden and Frankfort Townships

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved new speed limits for a section of Stuenkel Road in Green Garden...
Will County Logo Graphic

New Lenox Garage Variance Denied After Neighbor Cites ‘Massive’ Scale and Neighborhood Impact

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously denied a New Lenox Township homeowner's request for a variance...
Screenshot 2025-11-06 at 4.17.20 PM

State Veto Session Passes Energy Bill Limiting County Zoning, Approves Toll Hike for Mass Transit

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025 Article Summary: A state lobbyist reported to Will County that the Illinois General Assembly passed a major energy bill...
Large naval presence in Caribbean ahead of Ford arrival

Large naval presence in Caribbean ahead of Ford arrival

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square As the number of suspected narcotic transport boats destroyed by the U.S. military grows, so does the number of naval vessels in the Caribbean. Secretary...
Voting rights group warns CA redistricting push could undermine trust in IL

Voting rights group warns CA redistricting push could undermine trust in IL

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (THE CENTer Square) – California Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging states like Illinois to redraw congressional maps, but voting rights...
Chicago downtown office space vacancy rate jumps to record high levels

Chicago downtown office space vacancy rate jumps to record high levels

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Chicago’s downtown office vacancy rate now at a record-high 28%, Illinois Policy Institute researcher LyLena...