Unless legislative map process changes, Pritzker’s veto threat means little
Unless legislative map process changes, Pritzker’s veto threat means little
Illinois legislative maps are drawn by state lawmakers who pick their voters, instead of the other way around. Without independent mapmaking, nothing will be changed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s threat to veto a partisan map.
More Illinoisans collect unemployment as nation recovers
More Illinoisans collect unemployment as nation recovers
Bans on indoor dining and bar service continue to hurt Illinois jobs numbers, placing the state low in a national recovery ranking.
By Brad Weisenstein
Returning to school: What Illinois parents, teachers, school boards need to know
Returning to school: What Illinois parents, teachers, school boards need to know
Illinois students are returning to school, but some unions are scaring teachers about their safety in the classroom. The science doesn’t support those fears, and the law may put teachers at odds with union demands.
By Mailee Smith
Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Illinois
Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Illinois
This page will be updated daily to reflect developments related to the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois.
By Brad Weisenstein
Chicago teachers refusing to return to school face discipline, up to firing
Chicago teachers refusing to return to school face discipline, up to firing
The Chicago Teachers Union is encouraging Chicago Public School teachers to “take action” against the school district, but the union’s agenda risks teachers’ jobs without backing by science or law.
By Mailee Smith
Pritzker extends mask mandate for another 150 days
Pritzker extends mask mandate for another 150 days
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker continues to run the state’s COVID-19 response by executive mandate, with state lawmakers still silent 10 months into the pandemic.
By Brad Weisenstein
Holiday scratch-offs win bupkis for Illinois students
Holiday scratch-offs win bupkis for Illinois students
Anyone betting those lottery tickets they gifted will help education would lose.
Illinois’ sobering ‘sin taxes’ are among the nation’s highest this New Year’s
Illinois’ sobering ‘sin taxes’ are among the nation’s highest this New Year’s
Excise taxes have failed to improve Illinoisans’ health while creating an undue burden for those with the least. But lawmakers have yet to kick the habit.
Government unions invested $10M in Madigan, but could that end in 2021?
Government unions invested $10M in Madigan, but could that end in 2021?
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has funded a lot of campaigns – and his legal defense – with money from government unions. Even if unions still back him in the New Year, members have options.
Leaving an 8th grader ‘Home Alone’ could land parents in jail
Leaving an 8th grader ‘Home Alone’ could land parents in jail
A vague and restrictive state law could mean the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services comes knocking if parents leave their 13-year-old home alone.