Chicago schools closed Jan. 5 when the Chicago Teachers Union voted to keep members out of classrooms, trying to force an end to in-person learning over COVID-19 concerns.
While the start of the COVID-19 pandemic caused consumer spending to drop across the U.S., the decline was worse in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s harsher restrictions appear to be the culprit.
The Illinois General Assembly begins a new session Jan. 5, but it is not expected to last long. They may have a new state budget and wrap up almost two months early.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said driver services facilities and his offices statewide will remain closed for in-person services until mid-January as the state aims to curb record COVID-19 cases.
Planning an evening out in Chicago? You now need proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a photo ID to get in most places.
Chicago’s speed cameras in 10 months churned out nearly as many tickets as the prior 3 years combined, handing every city household 2.2 tickets. The 8-fold spike came immediately after the city started ticketing at 6 mph over the limit.
More Illinoisans fled for other states from July 2020-July 2021 than during any other year in recorded history, driving the state’s record population decline.
Illinois suffered the largest population decline in the Midwest and of neighboring states during 2021.
Government unions in Illinois have tremendous power. Most are allowed to go on strike and can bargain over virtually anything.1 It creates an uneven playing field, with unions able to demand costly provisions in their contracts and threaten to strike – denying Illinoisans needed services – to get what they want.2 Until recently, the potential...
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s new mandate will require Chicagoans ages 5 and older to prove they received a COVID-19 vaccination and to show a photo ID before entering restaurants, bars and gyms starting Jan. 3.
Guest: Austin Berg