Where you can and can’t buy recreational marijuana in Illinois
Where you can and can’t buy recreational marijuana in Illinois
Many Illinois municipalities have voted to ban or restrict marijuana sales when it becomes legal for sale. Here’s a list of where pot will, won’t and might be legally bought.
Bill aims to pay Illinois lawmakers only for days they actually work
Bill aims to pay Illinois lawmakers only for days they actually work
Lawmakers can currently work one day to qualify for a whole month’s pay. A bill to change that has been stuck in committee since the spring.
Former Chicago official had side job with red-light camera company
Former Chicago official had side job with red-light camera company
The former deputy aviation commissioner had an undisclosed position as a sales representative for SafeSpeed LLC. The red-light camera vendor keeps emerging in federal probes.
Income tax hike dropped Illinois’ economic freedom rank, ‘fair tax’ would drop it more
Income tax hike dropped Illinois’ economic freedom rank, ‘fair tax’ would drop it more
The largest permanent income tax hike in Illinois history was followed by a slide to 34th least-free state in the union, behind nearly every neighboring state.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
Senate President John Cullerton announces retirement amid sweeping Illinois corruption probe
Senate President John Cullerton announces retirement amid sweeping Illinois corruption probe
Cullerton and House Speaker Mike Madigan have held office in the Illinois General Assembly for nearly 90 years combined.
By Austin Berg
All Illinois taxpayers on the hook for CTU’s 244-sick-day pension sweetener
All Illinois taxpayers on the hook for CTU’s 244-sick-day pension sweetener
A provision included in the bargaining agreement reached between Chicago and its teachers union will allow teachers to trade up to 244 unused sick days for pension credits – billable to all Illinois taxpayers.
By Vincent Caruso
With corruption accelerating, slam the brakes on Illinois red-light cameras
With corruption accelerating, slam the brakes on Illinois red-light cameras
Whether or not they’re proven to be part of the state’s culture of corruption, Illinois should bring red-light camera programs to a full stop.
By Austin Berg
Ending dues deductions, recovering fees harder for public employees under bill passed by Illinois lawmakers
Ending dues deductions, recovering fees harder for public employees under bill passed by Illinois lawmakers
SB 1784 would hurt workers trying to stop paying union dues or trying to learn about their options. Union leaders get greater access to them and their personal information.
By Joe Tabor
Report: Illinois pension debt soars to $137B, despite record taxpayer contributions
Report: Illinois pension debt soars to $137B, despite record taxpayer contributions
Illinois’ contributions to its pension funds exceeded $10 billion in 2019 for the first time in state history – and it wasn’t nearly enough to keep the state’s pension debt from growing.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois Senate passes bill to end clock change during daylight saving time
Illinois Senate passes bill to end clock change during daylight saving time
Some state lawmakers are pushing a proposal to do away with the unpopular practice of changing the clock twice a year.
By Vincent Caruso
FBI wiretapped cellphone of close Madigan confidant
FBI wiretapped cellphone of close Madigan confidant
The FBI wiretap of Mike McClain's phone is an indication authorities could be looking into criminal activity between House Speaker Mike Madigan and utility giant ComEd.
By Austin Berg
Recent FBI raids on Illinois politician a reminder of $9.9B ‘corruption tax’
Recent FBI raids on Illinois politician a reminder of $9.9B ‘corruption tax’
As more Illinois politicians face federal corruption indictments, Illinoisans are reminded that lawmakers’ misdeeds come with a steep price tag.
By Bryce Hill