Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

5 news outlets say voters should reject Amendment 1

5 news outlets say voters should reject Amendment 1

The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and News-Gazette all said voters should say ‘no’ to Amendment 1. They see it as giving government unions power to force higher taxes and weaker laws.

By Patrick Andriesen

Jeanne Weber

Jeanne Weber

“Amendment 1 will only make our taxes worse and it will further solidify the pension clause into the constitution so we can't do anything about it. And we will be barred from getting our budget under control.”

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

On Nov. 8, Illinoisans will vote for important judge positions, including three Illinois Supreme Court justices and 16 appellate court judges. Their decisions impact daily life, yet about 25% of voters leave their ballots blank when they get to the judges.

By Aimee Morrissey, Perry Zhao, Joe Tabor

Madigan pleads not guilty to corruption charges

Madigan pleads not guilty to corruption charges

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain, denied all corruption accusations brought against them. Federal prosecutors said Madigan used his position to run a criminal enterprise.

By Dylan Sharkey

Ep. 60: How the ‘workers’ rights amendment’ hurts 93% of Illinois workers

Ep. 60: How the ‘workers’ rights amendment’ hurts 93% of Illinois workers

With only a few days left until Election Day, Illinois’ government unions continue to tout Amendment 1, a proposed constitutional amendment at the top of the Nov. 8 ballot. Amendment 1’s chief sponsor admitted the amendment cannot protect all Illinois workers — so why are proponents still saying it can? Mailee Smith, director of labor...

3 business groups say voters need to reject Amendment 1 to fix Illinois

3 business groups say voters need to reject Amendment 1 to fix Illinois

The Illinois Manufacturers Association president warned Amendment 1 would tie lawmakers’ hands from pursuing fiscal reform. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce president said it would decrease business investment and the Technology and Manufacturing Association of Illinois is worried about property tax increases.

By Patrick Andriesen

Amendment 1 could lock in $4B statewide property tax hike

Amendment 1 could lock in $4B statewide property tax hike

Total property tax extensions are on pace to total more than $40 billion by 2026, $4 billion more than at present. Amendment 1’s expansion of government union power would likely accelerate that increase.

By Bryce Hill