Rockford suffers worst month of job loss in nation
Rockford suffers worst month of job loss in nation
Eight of 13 Illinois-based metro areas lost jobs in April.
Exelon lobbyist pushes $14.4 million payday for Springfield lawmakers
Exelon lobbyist pushes $14.4 million payday for Springfield lawmakers
The Illinois General Assembly voted for a decade to eliminate annual cost-of-living adjustments for lawmaker salaries after the Great Recession. Now, former state lawmakers are suing the state to put that money right back into politicians’ pockets.
Election law changes may be coming to Illinois: What you need to know
Election law changes may be coming to Illinois: What you need to know
New legislation awaiting Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature foresees the possibility of felons being allowed to hold office. Other election law changes would expand vote by mail, push back the 2022 primary election and make Election Day 2022 a state holiday.
Masks on, or masks off? What to know about mask rules as Illinois reopens
Masks on, or masks off? What to know about mask rules as Illinois reopens
Chicago and state mask mandates have been dropped for fully vaccinated Illinoisans in most circumstances. Here is where masks will continue to be required, or not.
Illinoisans freed from mask mandates
Illinoisans freed from mask mandates
Masks to stay on in Illinois schools despite June 11 reopening
Masks to stay on in Illinois schools despite June 11 reopening
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants masks on and social distancing intact when children return to school next year. Most COVID-19 restrictions will be dropped June 11, but not all.
What voters should know about how amending Illinois’ constitution will boost government union power
What voters should know about how amending Illinois’ constitution will boost government union power
State lawmakers are asking voters to enshrine union powers in the Illinois Constitution. Here’s what to know before deciding the question on the November 2022 ballot.
Melissa Taylor
Melissa Taylor
“Finally, I decided to apply for unemployment. I hesitated to apply before because I know there are people who might need it more, but we’re out of options.”
Illinoisans pay 10th highest lifetime taxes in U.S.
Illinoisans pay 10th highest lifetime taxes in U.S.
Illinoisans will pay nearly one-third more in taxes during their lives than the average American. They will pay almost double what Indiana and Kentucky residents will pay.
Former Illinois Senate president returns to lobby for utility on energy bill
Former Illinois Senate president returns to lobby for utility on energy bill
The former president of the Illinois Senate is now a lobbyist for a power utility. Illinois needs stronger rules on when their peers can return to sway state lawmakers.
Nick Poplawski
Nick Poplawski
"Union leaders would say they didn’t like what Janus was doing, but we saw the merit to the other side saying, ‘This is your money. You should be able to decide where your money goes.’"
Illinois ranks 7th worst in U.S. for pandemic unemployment assistance rollout
Illinois ranks 7th worst in U.S. for pandemic unemployment assistance rollout
Illinois was among the nation’s worst for delays in helping gig workers and the self-employed receive pandemic assistance unemployment payments, a federal audit found. Rampant fraud and inadequate reporting was also discovered nationwide.
Pritzker breaks fair maps promise
Pritzker breaks fair maps promise
Illinois reopens June 11, but keep those masks handy
Illinois reopens June 11, but keep those masks handy
Illinoisans on June 11 will take off their masks and breathe a sigh of relief – except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mandates.