Full-day kindergarten mandate hits governor’s desk, but costs remain unknown
Full-day kindergarten mandate hits governor’s desk, but costs remain unknown
Illinois may soon require all public school districts to front the costs of a full-day kindergarten program starting in 2027. There is no designated financial support from the state. Opponents said it’s not about a lack of desire or need, but the lack of funding.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pandemic cocktails to-go gets extension in Illinois
Pandemic cocktails to-go gets extension in Illinois
Illinois was one of 14 states that made it legal for restaurant and bar owners to deliver cocktails or sell them to-go as a survival tactic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. J.B. Pritzker just signed the bill to extend the policy into 2028.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois has more graduates but with lower scores, fewer heading to college
Illinois has more graduates but with lower scores, fewer heading to college
Illinois is in the minority of states graduating a higher percentage of students during the first two years of the pandemic. But state data shows those high school students’ SAT scores are dropping and a smaller percentage are immediately continuing onto higher education.
By Hannah Max
Illinois boosts scholarships for private colleges, but not for low-income kids
Illinois boosts scholarships for private colleges, but not for low-income kids
The Illinois General Assembly approved $100 million in grants so students can choose a private or public university. But when it comes to giving that private or public choice to low-income students, there soon may be no choice at all.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pensions put Illinois’ 2024 budget in red by over $4B
Pensions put Illinois’ 2024 budget in red by over $4B
Illinois state lawmakers shorted pensions by $4.1 billion and killed scholarships for low-income students, but gave themselves pay raises and a new office building. Their budget leaves no room for error as revenue projections drop.
By Bryce Hill
U.S. Supreme Court rules government home equity theft unconstitutional
U.S. Supreme Court rules government home equity theft unconstitutional
U.S. Supreme Court justices ruled for a widow from Minnesota whose home was seized and sold for a tax debt, but local government kept $25,000 more than she owed. The ruling should stop the practice in Illinois, where it is especially prevalent.
By Patrick Andriesen
Lawmakers scrap scholarship program for 9,000 working class families in new budget
Lawmakers scrap scholarship program for 9,000 working class families in new budget
The Illinois General Assembly is poised to pass a budget without extending the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program, which allows 9,000 low-income students to attend a school of their choice. The program expires Dec. 31.
By Dylan Sharkey
2nd Pritzker gas tax hike this year to hit Illinois drivers July 1
2nd Pritzker gas tax hike this year to hit Illinois drivers July 1
Illinoisans face the second gas tax hike of 2023 on July 1. The 3.1 cent hike doesn’t need lawmaker approval, thanks to Gov. J.B. Pritzker implementing automatic gas tax hikes.
By Dylan Sharkey
Memorial Day brings extra pain at Illinois gas pumps
Memorial Day brings extra pain at Illinois gas pumps
Memorial Day weekend means millions will hit the road, but Illinoisans should try and fill up across states lines to avoid some of the nation’s highest gas taxes.
By Dylan Sharkey
Brandon Johnson appoints Chicago Teachers Union leader to transition team
Brandon Johnson appoints Chicago Teachers Union leader to transition team
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s cabinet includes staff from the Chicago Teachers Union and Service Employees International Union.
By Dylan Sharkey
What you need to know about picking all those Chicago School Board members
What you need to know about picking all those Chicago School Board members
Chicago revealed proposed district maps for the 2024 school board election that have drawn plenty of criticism. Here’s what you need to know about how, when and from where those 21 members will be picked.
By Joe Tabor