Ashley Cullen-Williams
Ashley Cullen-Williams
“A lot of funding gets diverted or allocated to other things before students immediate needs are considered. Students need to be well in order to excel at life. Students need access to supportive environments, quality connections and college and career opportunities.”
S&P: Growing debt, refusing reforms, population loss doom Illinois public pensions
S&P: Growing debt, refusing reforms, population loss doom Illinois public pensions
S&P Global Ratings said Illinois’ public pension systems are in trouble, and will get worse thanks to the Illinois Exodus and because state leaders refuse to fix the problems.
By Noah Shaar
Chicago Public Schools hiring 2,000 staffers, but might be missing 100,000 students
Chicago Public Schools hiring 2,000 staffers, but might be missing 100,000 students
The Chicago Board of Education approved a $9.3 billion budget that hires 2,000 new, permanent staff using temporary COVID-19 federal aid. There are also concerns about whether 100,000 students will return.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago’s debt grows to $43,700 per taxpayer despite federal COVID-19 aid
Chicago’s debt grows to $43,700 per taxpayer despite federal COVID-19 aid
Fiscal watchdog Truth in Accounting’s July 2021 report showed the Windy City’s pension-fueled debt rose by $2.3 billion from 2019 to 2020 despite receiving substantial federal aid during the pandemic.
By Perry Zhao
COVID-19 tests, masks required to see some of Illinois State Fair
COVID-19 tests, masks required to see some of Illinois State Fair
2021’s Illinois State Fair will require all visitors to wear masks indoors and prove vaccination or a negative test to enter certain venues.
By Noah Shaar
Even private schools must mask up after Pritzker flip-flop
Even private schools must mask up after Pritzker flip-flop
Gov. J.B. Pritzker promised to respect local school boards and private school autonomy, until too few were doing what he wanted. So he reversed himself, mandating masks for both private and public Illinois schools.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois unemployment accounts repeatedly hijacked by thieves
Illinois unemployment accounts repeatedly hijacked by thieves
Unemployment benefits are being stolen by thieves who redirect the funds. Repeat victims say the problem is within Illinois Department of Employment Security computers, but the state won’t release data to pinpoint the problem.
By Patrick Andriesen
Rod Blagojevich sues so he can again seek election
Rod Blagojevich sues so he can again seek election
Rod Blagojevich is out of federal prison, and now wants to be back on the ballot. Illinois’ former governor sued Aug. 2 for the right to run for public office again despite his conviction for public corruption.
By Noah Shaar
Pritzker mandates masks for Illinois schools
Pritzker mandates masks for Illinois schools
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a statewide mask mandate for Illinois schools, overriding local school boards.
By Brad Weisenstein
CJay Harmer
CJay Harmer
"The need for social-emotional learning has gone through the roof, and that’s what makes what out superintendent did so extraordinary."
Illinois gasoline taxes rise to No. 2 in nation
Illinois gasoline taxes rise to No. 2 in nation
Illinois drivers now pay the second-highest taxes on their gasoline in the nation, a new survey found. Before the state doubled the gas tax, Illinois ranked much lower.
By Noah Shaar
Masks back on for all schools, most Illinoisans, public health leaders recommend
Masks back on for all schools, most Illinoisans, public health leaders recommend
Illinois public health administrators joined the CDC’s calls for masks in all elementary and high schools, although school districts have the final say. They recommend most Illinoisans, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, should be masking in indoor public spaces.
By Noah Shaar