Senate approves Chicago School Board maps
The Illinois Senate approved a plan to phase in an elected Chicago School Board. The measure has voters this year choosing 10 school board members with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appointing the other 10.
Voters would select all 20 board members in 2026 under the plan. Republicans opposed the measure saying the bill enacts gerrymandered maps for the Chicago School Board. The measure is now up for House consideration.
Human trafficking bust
Illinois State Police arrested five men following a human trafficking investigation in the Danville area.
Troopers with the Trafficking Enforcement Bureau conducted a two-day operation working to identify individuals paying for sex. The five face several charges, including aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child. One of the men also faces drug charges for possessing meth.
Keith Urban to headline State Fair
The Illinois State Fair has revealed the headline act for this year’s fair. Keith Urban will perform Friday, Aug. 9, with special guest MacKenzie Porter.
Urban has won four Grammys, 13 CMAs and has celebrated nine gold, platinum or multi-platinum albums. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023 by Dolly Parton.
Tickets go on sale March 9 at 10 a.m.