Chicago hiring practices investigated
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the city of Chicago for possible race-based hiring practices following comments made by the mayor during a public appearance Sunday.
In a speech at a church, Brandon Johnson listed several officials he hired, pointing out their race and titles, including deputy mayors and the city’s chief operations officer. The Justice Department said it had reasonable cause to believe a pattern or practice of discrimination may be occurring, a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Federal ‘digital equity’ funding pulled
States across the country, including Illinois, have had their digital equity grant funding pulled after President Donald Trump announced he was ending the program.
The grant would have provided more than $23 million to Illinois organizations to equip households with high-speed internet. U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin said while the president continues to slash programs that serve Illinoisans, the Illinois delegation will continue to push back and stand up for constituents.
Tornado had 190 mph winds
Williamson County in southern Illinois is under a disaster declaration following a powerful tornado that touched down Friday.
Weather officials upgraded the twister to an EF-4 with winds peaking at 190 mph. Dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed south of Marion, but no fatalities were reported. It was the strongest tornado to hit the region since December 2021.
