Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Happy Fourth of July? Nope. We should always call it Independence Day. It reminds us of what we celebrate and what it means.
Rockford workforce program lays concrete foundation for young adults
Rockford workforce program lays concrete foundation for young adults
As Illinois faces high unemployment, a persistent skills gap and thousands of at-risk youth, Rockford delivers opportunity through a targeted workforce program. It offers a model for other Illinois cities.
Pritzker: ‘Commander in Chef’
Pritzker: ‘Commander in Chef’
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Nearly 32,000 Illinois government pensioners paid $100k-plus
Nearly 32,000 Illinois government pensioners paid $100k-plus
State data shows 31,937 members of Illinois’ five pension systems collected $100,000 a year or more in retirement benefits during 2024. Some got over $500,000. See the full list below.
Illinois nurse shortage fix is blocked by unions
Illinois nurse shortage fix is blocked by unions
Joining the multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact offers a solution to Illinois’ growing nurse shortage, but certain special interest groups stand in the way, limiting patients’ access to timely medical care.
Mac Hoffmann: former Statehouse staffer turns Madigan downfall into folk music
Mac Hoffmann: former Statehouse staffer turns Madigan downfall into folk music
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan may be heading for a 7.5-year stint in the federal pen, but his corrupt legend lives on thanks to a folk song by a former staffer.
Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles
Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles
Illinois’ latest budget diverts millions in infrastructure funds to cover structural budget deficits despite substandard road conditions.
Illinois adds 21,200 jobs, but trails most neighboring states in growth
Illinois adds 21,200 jobs, but trails most neighboring states in growth
Despite Illinois experiencing job growth in some sectors, it remains one of the states with the highest unemployment rates. It’s been that way for 66 of the 77 months J.B. Pritzker has been governor thanks to high taxes and too much state spending.
Betting on DraftKings, FanDuel? Expect to see Illinois’ new 50-cent fee
Betting on DraftKings, FanDuel? Expect to see Illinois’ new 50-cent fee
Illinois is adding a 25-cent fee to all bets and 50-cent fee to high-volume sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel starting July 1. Illinoisans lost $1.12 billion in 2024, with $700 million of that on parlays. The new fees will add even more to that total.
Gas, FanDuel, Zyn, AT&T, VRBO: 5 new taxes hitting Illinoisans July 1
Gas, FanDuel, Zyn, AT&T, VRBO: 5 new taxes hitting Illinoisans July 1
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a $55.2 billion budget propped up by five new tax hikes starting July 1. Gas, phone bills, tobacco, sportsbooks and rentals such as VRBO will all come with higher taxes in Illinois.
Fireworks freedom denied: Illinois 1 of only 3 states still saying ‘no’
Fireworks freedom denied: Illinois 1 of only 3 states still saying ‘no’
While 47 states celebrate freedom with fireworks blazing across the sky, Illinois clings to a 1942 ban that limits autonomy and ignores safety data. Illinois residents cross state lines to partake in fireworks fun, while the state loses revenue and credibility.
Pritzker’s latest gas tax hike greets Independence Day travelers
Pritzker’s latest gas tax hike greets Independence Day travelers
Just in time for Independence Day travel, drivers will face Illinois’ latest gasoline tax hike. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has added 29 cents per gallon since 2019 – costing the average driver $143 more per year.
Vallas: J.B. Pritzker’s $55.2B budget fuels Illinois’ financial death spiral
Vallas: J.B. Pritzker’s $55.2B budget fuels Illinois’ financial death spiral
J.B. Pritzker wants a third term as Illinois governor, but based on his history of boosting taxes and creating spending records, can Illinois afford him for four more years? Will the state grow even smaller as Illinoisans get fed up and leave?