Chicago one of only two big cities without mayoral, city council term limits
Chicago one of only two big cities without mayoral, city council term limits
A city charter could impose them. All other big cities have one
Lawmakers pass bill creating apprenticeships for beauty professions
Lawmakers pass bill creating apprenticeships for beauty professions
Under the measure, aspiring barbers, cosmetologists and others would have a path to a license that doesn’t require expensive schooling.
Chicago minimum wage increases could reduce opportunities
Chicago minimum wage increases could reduce opportunities
Hourly pay in the city rises every year per ordinance. On July 1 it goes to $17.05.
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How a school district cut chronic absenteeism by 65%
How a school district cut chronic absenteeism by 65%
Nearly 1-in-4 students were chronically absent in 2023 at New Trier High School. That dropped by 65% after reforms were implemented.
Pritzker’s bright idea
Pritzker’s bright idea
Illinois’ financial transparency ranks among worst in the nation
Illinois’ financial transparency ranks among worst in the nation
The state ranked 46th in a recent report, getting only 51 out of 100 points.
Pritzker budget includes new tax on online fantasy sports
Pritzker budget includes new tax on online fantasy sports
The budget awaiting his signature also imposes licensing fees on operators.
July 4: Illinois 1 of only 3 states that bans fireworks
July 4: Illinois 1 of only 3 states that bans fireworks
An outdated state law is meant to prevent injuries, which have significantly decreased, and prevents Illinois from benefiting from an industry worth billions of dollars.
Pritzker the Backstabber
Pritzker the Backstabber
Chicago Teachers Union-style political agenda may come to your school district
Chicago Teachers Union-style political agenda may come to your school district
Teacher contracts expire this year in at least 60 districts represented by the Illinois Federation of Teachers — run by CTU President Stacy Davis Gates.
Illinois lawmakers miss chance to improve healthcare access by joining interstate compacts
Illinois lawmakers miss chance to improve healthcare access by joining interstate compacts
Licensed practical nurses and physician assistants remain held back by red tape, making it harder for them to work where they are needed.
Lawmakers boost their salaries to over $100,000
Lawmakers boost their salaries to over $100,000
Their base pay has risen almost 50% since J.B. Pritzker became governor, compared with just a 30% increase for Illinoisans.
Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft
Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft
The state finally passed legislation to comply with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the government may not keep surplus equity when property is sold for unpaid taxes.