Civic Federation finds nearly 9,000 tax-guzzling government units in Illinois
Civic Federation finds nearly 9,000 tax-guzzling government units in Illinois
A recent comprehensive analysis found the real number of government units in Illinois is 30% higher than the U.S. Census Bureau’s count. Too many government units mean too many taxes.
By Jordan Carlson
Bill fights Illinois corruption with online access to government spending, records
Bill fights Illinois corruption with online access to government spending, records
Putting the public’s business on public display can help Illinois reform its culture of corruption and control government waste. An Illinois House bill will put more local government records online.
By Jordan Carlson
Pritzker’s COVID-19 restrictions may return to parts of Illinois
Pritzker’s COVID-19 restrictions may return to parts of Illinois
COVID-19 cases are again on the rise. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker may again impose restrictions on parts of the state.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker threatens tax credit scholarship programs for low-income kids, families
Pritzker threatens tax credit scholarship programs for low-income kids, families
A tax credit is providing scholarships for Illinois’ low-income and minority students, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker is targeting the program that lets them thrive when public schools are a poor fit.
By Hilary Gowins
Illinois gas prices top $3, highest since Pritzker doubled gas tax in 2019
Illinois gas prices top $3, highest since Pritzker doubled gas tax in 2019
Gas was $3.05 per gallon in Illinois. It was over $1 higher than a year ago and the highest since the state gasoline tax doubled to 38 cents per gallon and is set to increase again July 1.
By Brad Weisenstein
Illinois’ economy recovering, but continues to lag rest of Midwest
Illinois’ economy recovering, but continues to lag rest of Midwest
Illinois’ unemployment rate remains the highest in the Midwest despite March jobs growth
By Bryce Hill
Benny Durbin
Benny Durbin
“I just didn’t feel well-represented, or like there was enough support from our union. They didn’t really help us when we went into negotiations. They never really asked us what we wanted.”
Ald. Burke, Sen. Sandoval political crony guilty of lying about bribes
Ald. Burke, Sen. Sandoval political crony guilty of lying about bribes
A longtime political operative for Chicago Ald. Ed Burke and the late state Sen. Martin Sandoval pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about bribes.
By Brad Weisenstein
Tabitha Hardin
Tabitha Hardin
"The weekend we reserved our U-Haul, there was a record number of one-way rentals out of Illinois."
Ed Hendricks
Ed Hendricks
“My children were struggling before St. Teresa. They were in a public school in a much bigger population of students and less accountability. They had the wrong kind of friends.”
Judge says taxpayers owe 2 Illinois senators who voted to reject raises
Judge says taxpayers owe 2 Illinois senators who voted to reject raises
Judge rules in favor of two former state senators seeking the back pay they rejected and then crowed about rejecting. Ruling applies only to the pair.
By Brad Weisenstein
Pritzker signs bill making it easier for Chicago Teachers Union to walk out on students
Pritzker signs bill making it easier for Chicago Teachers Union to walk out on students
A new law gives the Chicago Teachers Union more leverage in contract negotiations, and more opportunities to go on strike. Eight of the nation’s 10 largest school districts prohibit teacher strikes.
By Mailee Smith
Two Illinois border states revoke governors’ mask mandates
Two Illinois border states revoke governors’ mask mandates
High courts in Wisconsin and Michigan have both ruled governors cannot repeatedly issue disaster declarations as a basis for mask mandates and other orders without legislative approval. A year into the pandemic, Illinois’ governor is still doing it.
By Laura Bianchi
Brigette Barber
Brigette Barber
“We pretty much did what we had to do to survive.”