Flash Index increases
The University of Illinois Flash Index for March increased slightly to 102.4 from 102.2 in February.
The Flash Index is the weighted average of Illinois growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income as estimated from receipts for corporate income, individual income, and retail sales taxes. These revenues are adjusted for inflation before growth rates are calculated.
Any reading over 100 indicates economic growth.
Chicago Teachers Union to vote on contract
Public school teachers in Chicago are scheduled to vote next week on a new collective bargaining agreement.
After the Chicago Teachers Union’s House of Delegates approved the tentative deal on Wednesday, voting with paper ballots will be conducted next Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11.
A CTU statement said teachers would receive a cost-of-living adjustment of up to 20% compounded over the four years of the contract and 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Lincoln family artifacts given to State Museum
The Illinois State Museum has announced the donation of a collection of items from President Abraham Lincoln’s extended family in Springfield.
Museum officials said the items were passed down through five generations and offer a glimpse into the social and familial relationships of Lincoln’s Springfield.
Highlights from the donation include a never-before-seen image of Lincoln’s niece, Lizzie Edwards, taken between 1855 and 1860, and Elizabeth Todd Edwards’ personal copy of the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. The public will be able to get a first look at the items Wednesday, April 23.
