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The three excessive force lawsuit settlements involving police officer Matt Rush total $320,000. Concerned citizens have been calling for for Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz to file charges against Rush. Council members also may lobby with Urbana leaders for changes in the police union arbitration process.
Illinois is on track to fall more than $6 billion further into debt amid the months-long budget stalemate. Comptroller Leslie Munger says spending will outpace last year's rates by $1.2 billion, which also includes a $5 billion revenue drop from the rolled back temporary income tax increase.
The Illinois Attorney General's office wants the 4th District Appellate Court to delay enforcement of the January 5 ruling which found a 2012 state law involving tax exemptions for hospitals that provide charity care to be unconstitutional. The motion for a stay was filed with the appelate court on January 28. Carle is appealing last month's ruling to the Illinois Supreme Court.
The Illinois Senate President is encouraging Governor Bruce Rauner to rethink his priorities on student aid legislation, but the governor was quick to repeat his promise of a veto.
University of Illinois Ecomomist Fred Giertz says the monthly Flash Index fell to 105.3 in January from 105.5 a month earlier, which he says is consistent with a national slowdown. But he says the economy is growing, just at a slower rate. Giertz also says it's unclear if Illinois' now 8-month budget impasse is having much of an impact.
