Larry Roberts
Larry Roberts
Larry Roberts is a Chicago barber who helps former inmates reclaim their lives and dignity through jobs training. We first spoke to him in 2021. His school ran a barber shop inside the Chatham neighborhood Walmart until this spring, when Walmart abruptly closed that location and three others. Larry is looking for a new location...
Lawmakers plan to short pensions by $4.4 billion in 2024 budget
Lawmakers plan to short pensions by $4.4 billion in 2024 budget
No matter what rhetoric about passing a balanced budget comes out of Springfield, the state budget will automatically be unbalanced because of inadequate pension contributions.
By Jordan Carlson
Johnson makes union labor a Chicago priority
Johnson makes union labor a Chicago priority
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has created a new deputy mayor position for labor relations, but the job description is about boosting labor power rather than fostering relations and safeguarding taxpayers.
By Dylan Sharkey
85% of Illinois communities lose people in 2022; Chicago loses 33k
85% of Illinois communities lose people in 2022; Chicago loses 33k
1,108 Illinois communities of all sizes shared in the record loss of more than 104,000 residents in 2022, according to new Census Bureau data. Chicago lost 32% of the state’s total.
By Bryce Hill
Chicago Public Schools principals file petition to unionize
Chicago Public Schools principals file petition to unionize
The Chicago Principals and Administration Association president said the new union would advocate for better pay and working conditions. But Chicago Public School principals already earn nearly 30% more than their Illinois peers.
By Patrick Andriesen
Brandon Johnson issues 4 executive orders on 1st day in office
Brandon Johnson issues 4 executive orders on 1st day in office
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is starting his administration with four executive orders, expanding youth employment and adding three new deputy mayors for immigration, labor and community safety.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois’ revenue volatility among highest in U.S., threatens budget stability
Illinois’ revenue volatility among highest in U.S., threatens budget stability
Illinois just saw a $1.76 billion drop in state income tax collections, proving what a new study just showed: state tax policies give it the nation’s eighth-most volatile revenues. That also makes Illinois very vulnerable when a recession hits.
By Jordan Carlson
Illinois state revenue projections cut by $800M after much weaker Tax Day
Illinois state revenue projections cut by $800M after much weaker Tax Day
April 2023 Illinois state income tax collections came in $1.8 billion lower than April 2022, leading state forecasters to make massive cuts in expected 2023 revenue.
By Jordan Carlson
What to know before Brandon Johnson becomes mayor of Chicago
What to know before Brandon Johnson becomes mayor of Chicago
Former Cook County Commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union lobbyist Brandon Johnson will be sworn in as the 57th mayor of Chicago May 15. Here’s what Chicagoans should know about his political ties, policy proposals and prospects.
By Patrick Andriesen
Laurel Reutter
Laurel Reutter
“The Nurse Licensure Compact is an agreement between states to recognize licenses for nurses from another compact state. Only 12 states aren’t in the compact, and Illinois is one of them, so Illinois nurses can only practice in Illinois.”
Roni Facen
Roni Facen
“Our kids here in this community deserve it. They deserve the opportunity to choose where they go to school and be provided with the best education possible."