Private driver questioned
Chicago Public Schools Board President Sean Harden is facing criticism after requesting a taxpayer-funded Ford Expedition and personal driver for his part-time, unpaid position.
The estimated cost includes $76,000 for the vehicle and $78,000 for a full-time driver, who CPS officials note would likely have significant downtime given the board’s meeting schedule of 2 to 3 times per month.
The request comes as the district faces a projected $500 million deficit before factoring in a new contract with the Chicago Teachers Union.
Closing arguments continue in Madigan case
Prosecutors have resumed their closing arguments at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur and fellow prosecutor Julia Schwartz delivered more than 10 hours of closing arguments as proceedings continued Friday morning. Closing arguments by Madigan defense attorney Dan Collins will begin Friday afternoon.
Police seek information about Collinsville homicide
Police now believe the Metropolitan Sewer District worker who was shot and killed in her own driveway Tuesday was targeted by gunmen.
According to police, 32-year-old Portia Rowland was warming up her vehicle around 6 a.m. when gunmen approached her, shooting her several times.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is being asked to contact the Collinsville Police Department.
