Lawmakers pass bill creating apprenticeships for beauty professions
Lawmakers pass bill creating apprenticeships for beauty professions
Under the measure, aspiring barbers, cosmetologists and others would have a path to a license that doesn’t require expensive schooling.
By Todd J. Behme
Chicago minimum wage increases could reduce opportunities
Chicago minimum wage increases could reduce opportunities
Hourly pay in the city rises every year per ordinance. On July 1 it goes to $17.05.
By Lilly Rossi
How a school district cut chronic absenteeism by 65%
How a school district cut chronic absenteeism by 65%
Nearly 1-in-4 students were chronically absent in 2023 at New Trier High School. That dropped by 65% after reforms were implemented.
By Rich Witzel
Illinois’ financial transparency ranks among worst in the nation
Illinois’ financial transparency ranks among worst in the nation
The state ranked 46th in a recent report, getting only 51 out of 100 points.
By Jessica Rehberg
Pritzker budget includes new tax on online fantasy sports
Pritzker budget includes new tax on online fantasy sports
The budget awaiting his signature also imposes licensing fees on operators.
By Riya Kapoor
July 4: Illinois 1 of only 3 states that bans fireworks
July 4: Illinois 1 of only 3 states that bans fireworks
An outdated state law is meant to prevent injuries, which have significantly decreased, and prevents Illinois from benefiting from an industry worth billions of dollars.
By Grace Hansen
Chicago Teachers Union-style political agenda may come to your school district
Chicago Teachers Union-style political agenda may come to your school district
Teacher contracts expire this year in at least 60 districts represented by the Illinois Federation of Teachers — run by CTU President Stacy Davis Gates.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois lawmakers miss chance to improve healthcare access by joining interstate compacts
Illinois lawmakers miss chance to improve healthcare access by joining interstate compacts
Licensed practical nurses and physician assistants remain held back by red tape, making it harder for them to work where they are needed.
By Riya Kapoor
Lawmakers boost their salaries to over $100,000
Lawmakers boost their salaries to over $100,000
Their base pay has risen almost 50% since J.B. Pritzker became governor, compared with just a 30% increase for Illinoisans.
By Lilly Rossi
Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft
Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft
The state finally passed legislation to comply with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the government may not keep surplus equity when property is sold for unpaid taxes.
By Joe Tabor
Poll: Taxes, economy top concerns for Illinoisans
Poll: Taxes, economy top concerns for Illinoisans
A recent survey also shows that fully half of residents would move out of the state given the opportunity.
By Todd J. Behme