Frequently asked questions: Updated rules on COVID-19 and schools
Frequently asked questions: Updated rules on COVID-19 and schools
Breaking down the state's latest rules concerning COVID-19 restrictions in Illinois K-12 schools.
Pritzker’s unbalanced ‘balanced’ budget
Pritzker’s unbalanced ‘balanced’ budget
Pritzker OKs gerrymandered maps, breaking promise to end partisan games
Pritzker OKs gerrymandered maps, breaking promise to end partisan games
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Democrats’ partisan legislative and judicial redistricting plans. He had repeatedly promised to veto any maps drawn by state lawmakers for their own benefit.
Illinois lawmakers give themselves $1,200 raise, double office budgets
Illinois lawmakers give themselves $1,200 raise, double office budgets
The fiscal year 2022 budget includes pay hikes for members of the Illinois General Assembly, who were already among the nation’s highest-paid state lawmakers. It also boosts office allowances and leader stipends.
Pritzker hints at $7 million COVID-19 vaccine lottery
Pritzker hints at $7 million COVID-19 vaccine lottery
Illinoisans are not getting COVID-19 vaccinations at the rate they once were, so Gov. J.B. Pritzker may turn to cash prizes through a vaccine lottery to boost immunizations.
Scott + Karen Dvorak
Scott + Karen Dvorak
Scott Dvorak “I’m a father of eight kids. They range from like kindergarten to high school and there’s really no way that we can afford to pay for eight kids in Catholic school. My wife is a teacher with the Diocese, and I work in sales, so the scholarships have really helped our family. “They’re...
Teachers union vows to keep chasing health rules for Illinois private schools
Teachers union vows to keep chasing health rules for Illinois private schools
After nearly 17,000 Illinois parents opposed a bill to impose state health mandates on private schools, and state lawmakers let the effort sit, it seemed the fight was over. Not quite. A teachers union lead lobbyist pledged to keep pursuing it.
Scholarships for low-income students survive Pritzker’s threat, gain a year
Scholarships for low-income students survive Pritzker’s threat, gain a year
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wanted to gut the Invest in Kids program for low-income students. Lawmakers opposed that, adding a year to the program.
Tax hikes fail to balance Illinois budget, but lawmakers raise own pay
Tax hikes fail to balance Illinois budget, but lawmakers raise own pay
Leaders claimed the budget was balanced and included no tax hikes, but neither is true. Illinois state lawmakers for the 21st time passed a deficit budget – one that includes $655 million in new taxes and a nearly $1,200 raise for themselves.
Pritzker declares disaster for 16th time despite June 11 reopening prediction
Pritzker declares disaster for 16th time despite June 11 reopening prediction
Illinois could fully reopen by June 11, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker decided the state was still a disaster zone and he needed emergency powers until the end of June.
Illinois passes ethics package, first step in reforming culture of corruption
Illinois passes ethics package, first step in reforming culture of corruption
Illinois made an important first step in its break with the corrupt practices that defined the legislative process under former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. New ethics rules about lobbying, financial disclosures and the legislative watchdog were passed in the final hours of the session.
Illinois bill to impose more public health controls on private schools dies
Illinois bill to impose more public health controls on private schools dies
Private schools kept most of their students in class during the COVID-19 pandemic, making public schools look bad. Union bosses tried and failed to force through a bill to mandate state controls on private school operations in the case of a new health crisis.
Chicago plan to cap Uber, Lyft fares could lead to fewer rides
Chicago plan to cap Uber, Lyft fares could lead to fewer rides
A Chicago alderman wants to cap ride-share prices during peak demand. But price controls could leave more riders stranded if extra drivers are no longer attracted by extra cash.
Madigan chief pleads ‘not guilty’ as Illinois pushes for corruption fixes
Madigan chief pleads ‘not guilty’ as Illinois pushes for corruption fixes
Tim Mapes, longtime chief of staff to former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to federal charges he lied to a grand jury about Madigan and bribery. Strong ethics reforms can help fix Illinois’ culture of corruption.