Kane County Reporter

Federal prosecutors have requested that the court reject an effort to sever the upcoming racketeering trials of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain. Prosecutors argue that separate trials would allow each defendant to "blame a missing person." This response was filed late Tuesday following McClain's motion last month seeking to sever his case from Madigan’s.

McClain's motion contends that Madigan might point the finger at him during the trial. However, prosecutors believe that both defendants would benefit from separate trials. “This makes it obvious that Madigan, even though he has not joined the motion, wants severance just as badly as McClain,” assistant U.S. attorneys wrote in their 11-page response.

Madigan faces multiple charges including racketeering conspiracy, using interstate facilities in aid of bribery, wire fraud, and attempted extortion.

The USDA has predicted record corn and soybean yields for Illinois this year. The median corn yield is projected at 227 bushels per acre while soybeans are expected at 70 bushels per acre. Despite these high yields, lower sales prices for corn and beans combined with higher costs for fuel and agricultural equipment may affect farmers' cash flows throughout Illinois.

A federal judge has ordered Stateville Correctional Center to be emptied by September 30 due to inhumane conditions. Judge Andrea R. Wood’s order mandates transferring over 420 prisoners to other facilities. State Representative Patrick Sheehan expressed concerns about the impact on correctional employees and local communities.

As children head back to school, safety concerns are paramount according to the State Board of Education and Illinois State Police. They highlight that the most dangerous part of a school bus ride is at the bus stop where children are vulnerable to being hit by motorists illegally passing stopped buses.

Some Illinois school districts have adopted new policies restricting student cellphone use on school properties for the upcoming academic year in an effort to reduce distractions among students.

Legislation filed by State Representative Jeff Keicher aimed at supporting underage trafficking victims has been signed into law by the Governor. House Bill 5465 facilitates expunging or sealing juvenile records of child trafficking victims forced into criminal acts during their abuse.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points to 5.2 percent in July despite an increase of 12,900 nonfarm payrolls based on preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The national unemployment rate stood at 4.3 percent for July.

Morton Salt announced its headquarters relocation from Chicago area to Overland Park, Kansas after more than a century in Illinois citing tax-friendly business environment as one reason for the move.

State Representative Dan Ugaste invites volunteers for Fox River Clean-Up Event organized by River Corridor Foundation of St Charles on September 21 starting at Ferson Creek Park in St Charles.