(SPRINGFIELD) A law involving public libraries in Illinois that created political divides is now set to go into effect in less than two weeks on January 1st, 2024. The new law will withhold state funding from libraries that remove books because of questionable material or personal disapproval. Plus the libraries must adopt the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights, which holds that “materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation” or subscribe to a similar pledge. Last year, Illinois awarded more than 1,400 library grants that totaled $62 million.
(SPRINGFIELD) A judge on Monday temporarily postponed sentencing dates for four former executives and lobbyists at the state’s largest utility company convicted of conspiring to bribe former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The “ComEd 4” as they are now known, had asked the judge to stay the case while the U.S. Supreme Court reviews a case that focuses on the federal bribery statute that the four were convicted under back in May. The judge granted a part of the request, but denied the other yesterday in Chicago.
(SPRINGFIELD) An earthquake shook downstate Illinois yesterday. The U.S. Geological Survey reports the 3.2 magnitude earthquake occurred at around 4:10 Monday morning with the epicenter located near Waltonville, in Jefferson County. There were no damage reports. It was last month that a slightly stronger earthquake, at 3.6 magnitude, was centered just southwest of LaSalle, up in LaSalle County, where there was also no reports of damage.