Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago breaks ground on $4.7M torture memorial
(The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson and other Chicago officials have broken ground on a $4.7 million memorial to honor survivors of police torture.
The Chicago Torture Justice Memorial on the city’s South Side recognizes survivors of torture committed by former police commander Jon Burge and detectives under his command.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday morning.
STATE TO PROVIDE $3M FOR QUANTUM TEAMS
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have launched a $3 million capital fund to augment federal funding for teams focused on quantum technologies.
The X-Labs Fast Fund aims to encourage U.S. National Science Foundation X-Labs teams to choose Illinois as the place for pursuing breakthroughs in the quantum technology sector.
Illinois government officials have committed about $200 million in state taxpayer funds to attract federal funding for quantum.
SMALL BIZ LEGISLATIVE VOTING SCORES ANNOUNCED
The National Federation of Independent Business has released its 2025-2026 small business legislative voting record for Illinois.
Five state senators and 23 state representatives scored a 100% pro-small business record during the 2025-2026 session.
State Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, was the only Illinois lawmaker to receive a score of 0%.
The NFIB said the record includes key votes on issues important to small businesses but does not factor in committee votes or behind-the-scenes legislative support.
IL US REP PROPOSES REDUCING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL JOBS
Illinois U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has joined Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, R-PA, and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, D-OR, to introduce legislation that would reduce bachelor’s degree requirements for some federal jobs.
The bipartisan Federal Jobs for STARs Act allows Skilled Through Alternative Routes workers to compete for federal positions based on their skills and experience.
Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, said qualified Americans should not be denied a fair opportunity to compete simply because they don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
COOK COUNTY TO HOST BUDGET TOWN HALL
Cook County officials are holding a preliminary budget forecast town hall on Thursday.
The event is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 118 N. Clark Street in Chicago.
County board president Toni Preckwinkle recently projected a budget gap of $550.7 million dollars for fiscal year 2027.
Patchy Fog then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Will County Board Approves New Fee Schedule for Recorder of Deeds
Will County Board Formally Opposes Heavier, Longer Trucks on National Roadways
Will County Board Approves Permits for Landscaping Business and Restaurant Liquor Service in Frankfort Area
Board Approves Engineering Contracts for Mokena Road Widening
Will County Awards $1.46 Million Contract for Kankakee Street Bridge Replacement in Manhattan Township
Crete Township Community Center to Get New Digital Sign
Will County Executive Proposes $791 Million Budget Focused on Stability Amidst Economic Uncertainty
WATCH: Detransitioner gets a second chance at medical malpractice lawsuit
WATCH: CA Democrats pass congressional redistricting plan
Pew: U.S. immigrant population declines for first time in nearly 60 years
WATCH: Illinois’ FY23 financial audit released amid criticism of tardy reports
European Union says U.S. consumers will end up paying tariffs
