Cathy Stuehmeier
Cathy Stuehmeier
“I’m preparing to retire now. I own newspapers. I’ve spent about 57 years in media. I started with the Centralia Sentinel, which was a daily local newspaper. I spent seven or eight years with the Sentinel and learned a lot from the past ownership.” “I was one of the first females to walk into the...
Flashback: What Illinois lawmaker’s progressive tax plan looked like 5 years ago
Flashback: What Illinois lawmaker’s progressive tax plan looked like 5 years ago
Here's what the progressive tax looked like nearly five years ago when state lawmakers were pushing a plan to tax Illinoisans $3.6 billion more, starting with those making $17,300.
By Bryce Hill
4 steps to rid Illinois Statehouse of Madigan’s corrupt legacy
4 steps to rid Illinois Statehouse of Madigan’s corrupt legacy
Now that the 103rd Illinois General Assembly is sworn in, an early order of business will be to establish the rules of the chambers. Those rules need more reform to ensure another Mike Madigan doesn’t gather too much power.
By Joe Tabor
Survey: Illinois 2nd in U.S. for residents leaving
Survey: Illinois 2nd in U.S. for residents leaving
Illinois is the second-most popular state to leave based on a survey of movers by United Van Lines. Illinois has also experienced nine straight years of population loss.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois state senator pushing progressive tax voters rejected
Illinois state senator pushing progressive tax voters rejected
An Illinois state senator is reviving an effort to change Illinois’ income tax structure from a flat tax, even though voters soundly defeated the change in 2020. Expect higher taxes, retirement taxes if he gets his way.
By Dylan Sharkey
How to vote in the 2023 Chicago election
How to vote in the 2023 Chicago election
Late January is the start of voting for the Feb. 28 Chicago municipal elections for early, in-person voting and for those who’ve requested mail-in ballots. Here’s your guide to voting in Chicago for mayor, alderman and other city offices.
By Hannah Schmid
State lawmaker incomes grow at double rate of Illinoisans’ incomes
State lawmaker incomes grow at double rate of Illinoisans’ incomes
State lawmakers have voted to increase their salaries by more than $17,000 during Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration, far outpacing growth in their constituent’s incomes.
By Bryce Hill
Illinois lawmaker pay 4th-highest in U.S. after Pritzker OKs $12,000 raises
Illinois lawmaker pay 4th-highest in U.S. after Pritzker OKs $12,000 raises
State lawmaker pay has increased by more than $17,000 during Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration. State representatives and senators make the most for jobs considered less than full time, 4th in U.S. overall.
By Bryce Hill
Record number of Illinois voters cast ballot by mail in 2022 midterms
Record number of Illinois voters cast ballot by mail in 2022 midterms
Illinois’ 2022 general election saw the second-highest voter turnout in a midterm year of the past quarter century, with more than half of registered residents casting a ballot. Vote by mail participation increased 67% over 2018.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
2022 midterms show mail voting spreads rapidly across Illinois
2022 midterms show mail voting spreads rapidly across Illinois
Over 742,000 Illinoisans voted by mail in November, 67% more than the previous midterm. While many Northern Illinois counties saw record voter participation, Cook County reported its lowest turnout in 25 years.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
Chicago Public Schools spends 55% more on 20% fewer students since 2010
Chicago Public Schools spends 55% more on 20% fewer students since 2010
Over 87,000 students have left Chicago Public Schools and student proficiency rates have dropped since the militant Caucus of Rank and File Educators took over the Chicago Teachers Union in 2010. All that, and 55% higher costs.
By Hannah Schmid
Illinois House bill would give more power to Chicago Public Schools unions
Illinois House bill would give more power to Chicago Public Schools unions
The Chicago Teachers Union has already created havoc for kids and parents in Chicago Public Schools, with 5 work stoppages in the past 11 years. Now lawmakers are giving principals and other employees union powers, creating more potential instability for students and parents.
By Mailee Smith