Political battles have erupted between county elected officials and county board members in Illinois. In Champaign County, Auditor George Danos is currently engaged in a political and personal dispute with some county board members. Similarly, in DuPage County, Clerk Jean Kaczmarek is locked in a power struggle with members of the county board. The board members summoned Kaczmarek to discuss her decisions to award several no-bid contracts, but she asserted her independence as an elected official and refused to comply. The clerk’s office defended its actions, citing state law that grants the clerk authority to run her office autonomously. DuPage County Board Chairwoman Deborah Conroy criticized Kaczmarek for disregarding the rules governing public bodies. The issue may end up in court, as Kaczmarek suggested. State’s Attorney Robert Berlin warned that a legal battle would be time-consuming and costly.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, in his campaign for higher office, has introduced a new online service called the “E-Notary” portal. This service allows Illinois residents in need of a notary public to access notarization services online. The initiative aims to modernize the office and its services, providing convenience for those requiring official document signings. The process can be completed remotely through approved notarization service providers listed on the Illinois secretary of state’s website. Electronic signatures and seals are permitted, but individuals must have a valid ID and access to a device supporting audio-video communication.
Moody’s Analytics has raised its stance on Illinois bonds from “stable” to “positive,” indicating increased trust in the state’s ability to repay borrowed funds. The agency attributed this change to Illinois’ improved fund balance, budget reserves, and efforts to strengthen its financial health. State Comptroller Susana Mendoza highlighted the importance of Illinois’ financial actions in gaining positive attention from bond ratings agencies. Higher credit ratings result in lower interest rates when the state issues bonds. Illinois has experienced nine consecutive credit upgrades in recent years and aims to continue moving in the right direction.
The Chicago Bears’ owners have proposed a plan to build a taxpayer-subsidized stadium in Chicago, estimated to cost $3.2 billion. The team intends to contribute $2.3 billion, with the NFL providing a loan, and seeks $900 million in public subsidies through bonds issued by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Additionally, the Bears are requesting $325 million in publicly funded upfront infrastructure costs and suggesting that the city or state allocate another $1.2 billion to convert Soldier Field into a multisport park. The team would gain new revenue streams, including stadium naming rights and events beyond Bears home games. While Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson supports the plan, Governor J.B. Pritzker remains skeptical. The Bears have hired lobbyists to promote the deal with public officials.
The University of Missouri-Columbia has appointed former Memphis AD Laird Veatch as its new athletic director, succeeding Desiree Reed-Francois, who left for the AD position at the University of Arizona. Reed-Francois’s departure was accompanied by tensions between her, the Mizzou administration, and members of the board of curators. Curator Bob Blitz’s comments about the desired qualities in a new AD were seen as veiled references to Reed-Francois. Reports indicate that Mizzou was owed $3 million upon her departure, and it is unlikely that the university will forgive this debt. Mizzou President Mun Choi emphasized the importance of honoring the terms of Reed-Francois’s contract.
Readers responded to the recommendation of historical western fiction author Will Henry, noting that he also wrote children’s books. Henry’s book “Smokey The Cow Horse” won the 1927 Newberry award and remains available on platforms like Audible and AbeBooks. Another reader recommended “Death of a Legend” and “The Fourth Horseman,” highlighting their engaging storytelling and historical themes.