Illinois Quick Hits: Equity and Inclusion Commission launches mentorship program

Illinois Quick Hits: Equity and Inclusion Commission launches mentorship program

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion has announced the launch of its new Mentor Protégé Program designed to provide certified vendors with structured coaching, mentorship and growth opportunities.

This spring, following The Center Square’s investigation, state lawmakers questioned equity commissioners about their oversight of a sizable decline in the number of state-certified businesses owned by racial minorities, women and people with disabilities.

Under the new state budget that took effect on Wednesday, the commissioners received pay increases of roughly $5,000 apiece, raising their salaries to about $153,000 per year.

Jared Strong contributed to this story

NASHVILLE H.S. COACH CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE

A public high school baseball coach has been charged with criminal sexual assault, aggravated sexual abuse and four misdemeanor counts related to obstructing justice.

Chad Malawy, 54, of Nashville, Illinois has been placed on administrative leave from Nashville Community High School.

The charges stem from an investigation by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office and the Nashville Police Department, with forensic help from Illinois State Police.

NEW FEDERAL SWIPE FEE RULES TAKE EFFECT

After new federal rules took effect this week to prevent Illinois and other states from banning fees on the tax and tip portions of credit and debit card payments, the Merchants Payment Coalition said bank and credit union fees could soar for consumers and businesses.

Doug Kantor of the MPC executive committee said in a statement that the rules set a dangerous precedent that endorses unfair price collusion.

The Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act was scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, but lawmakers delayed it to July 1, 2027.

IDOT WARNS OF POSSIBLE PAVEMENT FAILURES

The Illinois Department of Transportation is advising the public to look out for pavement failures due to high temperatures and humidity across the state.

IDOT said pavement buckling and blowouts occur with little warning. The agency urged drivers to stay alert for crews making emergency repairs.

Pavement failures can be reported by calling 800-452-4368 or by reaching out to law enforcement via 911.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Screenshot 2025-10-10 at 12.05.55 PM

Will County Board Committee Passes Contentious ‘Live and Work Without Fear’ Resolution on 4-3 Vote

Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday narrowly passed a controversial resolution affirming the county's commitment to ensuring all residents...
Meeting Briefs

Will County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening in Homer Glen Area

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday confirmed the award of a $10.4 million...
Screenshot 2025-10-10 at 12.12.16 PM

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for October 7, 2025

The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, approved a major construction contract and reviewed extensive plans for both county and state transportation initiatives. The...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for October 7, 2025

The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, held a contentious meeting centered on the county’s finances, narrowly approving a preliminary $161.6 million county-wide tax levy on a...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for October 7, 2025

The Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee spent the bulk of its meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, discussing the county’s long-term facilities master plan. Faced with an aging...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for October 2, 2025

The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday, October 2, 2025, heard a mix of alarming and encouraging public health news, as officials reported a dramatic 50% drop...
Screenshot 2025-10-10 at 12.05.41 PM

Will County Shapes 2026 Federal Agenda, Prioritizing Health, Housing, and Workforce Funding

Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday began finalizing its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, formally adopting key priorities that include...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for October 9, 2025

The Will County Board’s Executive Committee held a contentious meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, dominated by debates over public access and a controversial resolution concerning immigrant rights. A proposal...
Screenshot 2025-10-10 at 11.36.53 AM

Renovations at Veterans Assistance Commission and Court Annex on Track for Winter Completion

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: Will County's new Veterans Assistance Commission facility in Joliet is projected to be completed by December, while...
Screenshot 2025-10-10 at 11.20.34 AM

Will County Considers First Update to Wastewater Ordinance Since 2016

Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting October 2, 2025 Article Summary: Will County is preparing to update its ordinance governing private wastewater systems, with proposed changes including the...
Screenshot 2025-10-10 at 12.12.11 PM

IDOT Plans to Invest Over $1.3 Billion in Will County Roads Through 2031

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has allocated over $1.3 billion for road and bridge projects in...
Those doxxing, threatening ICE agents, arrested, indicted

Those doxxing, threatening ICE agents, arrested, indicted

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Individuals rioting, doxxing and threatening U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and their families continue to be arrested and indicted. Legal action is being taken...
'The Art of the Heal': How TrumpRx, most-favored nation pricing, Big Pharma intersect

‘The Art of the Heal’: How TrumpRx, most-favored nation pricing, Big Pharma intersect

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square AstraZeneca has now joined Pfizer in agreeing to sell its drugs to state Medicaid programs at “most-favored-nation” pricing and deeply discounted rates on TrumpRx.gov But...

GOP stands up for U.S. military strikes on suspected drug boats

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump and the Pentagon show no signs of changing course on using military strikes to destroy suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. "We...
IL lawmakers could address energy prices, transit, taxes during veto session

IL lawmakers could address energy prices, transit, taxes during veto session

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois General Assembly’s fall veto session begins Tuesday, and taxes are expected to be part of...