FBI asking about Madigan money, political clout in corruption investigation
FBI asking about Madigan money, political clout in corruption investigation
There is little doubt the FBI is targeting the longtime House speaker and Democratic political boss in their sweeping investigation of Illinois corruption.
By Austin Berg
New taxes and fees on Illinois driving, vehicles total $1.9B
New taxes and fees on Illinois driving, vehicles total $1.9B
Jan. 1 marks a second wave of taxes aimed at drivers to support an infrastructure package championed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and shrouded in corruption allegations.
Up to 140,000 able-bodied Illinoisans may need jobs to get food stamps in 2020
Up to 140,000 able-bodied Illinoisans may need jobs to get food stamps in 2020
Just Cook County food stamp recipients were facing work requirements Jan. 1 if they were under age 50, able-bodied and had no dependents. Now the rules will apply throughout Illinois starting April 1.
By Vincent Caruso
A decade after recession, Illinois’ construction industry is ice cold
A decade after recession, Illinois’ construction industry is ice cold
Why is Illinois construction so weak? As it turns out, big government programs can’t paper over weak fundamentals.
By Austin Berg
Repeal Day: Prohibition ended 86 years ago, but Illinois’ alcohol taxes, regulations remain sobering
Repeal Day: Prohibition ended 86 years ago, but Illinois’ alcohol taxes, regulations remain sobering
With the ratification of the 21st Amendment, 1933 marked the end of Prohibition in the United States. Illinois, however, has continued to serve a cocktail of prohibitive regulations on alcoholic beverages.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois lawmakers should hold Pritzker to his ‘fair maps’ promise
Illinois lawmakers should hold Pritzker to his ‘fair maps’ promise
Even without a constitutional amendment, there are changes lawmakers could make as soon as session resumes to get politics out of mapmaking.
By Austin Berg
When drivers shift into ‘park’ after Jan. 1, Illinois will move to collect taxes
When drivers shift into ‘park’ after Jan. 1, Illinois will move to collect taxes
Illinoisans paying to park will see a new tax beginning in January. Even parking on someone’s lawn for a special event will be taxed.
Look past the faces of Illinois corruption to see the larger problem
Look past the faces of Illinois corruption to see the larger problem
Focus too much on single aspects of Illinois corruption and the big picture will be lost, along with chances to fix the problems.
By Amy Korte
Sandoval resigns Senate seat amid federal corruption probe, effective Jan. 1
Sandoval resigns Senate seat amid federal corruption probe, effective Jan. 1
The once-powerful state officeholder previously resigned as chairman of the influential Illinois Senate Transportation Committee in October.
By Vincent Caruso
Senate President John Cullerton set to collect $2M pension
Senate President John Cullerton set to collect $2M pension
Due to a pension sweetener available only to veteran Illinois lawmakers, Cullerton’s annual pension will soon be more than he ever made from his Statehouse salary.
By Austin Berg
As nation celebrates small businesses, Illinois considers taxing them more
As nation celebrates small businesses, Illinois considers taxing them more
Most new jobs in Illinois are created by small businesses, yet state leaders are asking voters to hurt them by raising taxes on these employment dynamos.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
More Illinoisans on food stamps this Thanksgiving, 50K recipients will soon need jobs
More Illinoisans on food stamps this Thanksgiving, 50K recipients will soon need jobs
This Thanksgiving, about 17,500 more Illinoisans will be using food stamps. By New Year’s, about 50,000 Cook County recipients must find jobs or lose benefits.
Ifeoma Nkemdi
Ifeoma Nkemdi
“I’ve been teaching for 15 years. I was part of the 50 schools closings [in 2013]. “I remember being really involved with the [Chicago Teachers Union], even getting on the news for them. “Even during that time, it just seemed as though we were placed there to show, ‘Hey we’re equitable. Here look, we’re putting...