Illinois quick hits: Members sue teachers union for audit; Lt. Gov. touring downstate

Members sue teachers union for audit

The Liberty Justice Center has filed a lawsuit on behalf of four Chicago Teachers Union members, demanding that the union produce an audit after failing to do so for four years.

The Liberty Justice Center previously sent a demand letter to the union on behalf of several anonymous CTU members, offering the opportunity to comply and avoid litigation. After CTU failed to provide the missing audits by the letter’s deadline, the Liberty Justice Center filed the lawsuit to compel the audits’ release.

Baustert family donates to NIU

Northern Illinois University has received the largest single donation in school history.

The Baustert Family Foundation has donated $40 million to NIU. The money will support the development of the school’s future home for health professions education and research.

The new facility will be named Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center, with construction slated to begin in 2026.

Lt. Gov. touring downstate

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is touring downstate Illinois, with scheduled stops in Bloomington, Springfield, Murphysboro, Carbondale, and Vienna.

Stratton’s office said the trip highlights her commitment to uplifting communities across the state. In Carbondale, the Lt. Governor will meet with the Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois to discuss support for minority-owned businesses.