Pritzker seeks end to hiring oversight as watchdog details more patronage
Pritzker seeks end to hiring oversight as watchdog details more patronage
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker argues his state agencies no longer need a federal minder to ensure hiring is not political. That federal watchdog has four recent examples of why state hiring still needs oversight.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois child protection director gets 3rd contempt charge in 8 days
Illinois child protection director gets 3rd contempt charge in 8 days
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services director was held in contempt of court for allegedly violating the right to proper housing of a 17-year-old boy. It’s the director’s third contempt charge in eight days, highlighting DCFS’ struggle to place kids.
By Dylan Sharkey
High school parents sue to block Pritzker COVID-19 vax mandates
High school parents sue to block Pritzker COVID-19 vax mandates
Illinois parents of athletes sued to prevent school districts and state powers from mandating vaccinations for high school students. The lawsuit argues such an order would be arbitrary and violate students’ rights.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago, Cook County under emergency rule for 22 months. How can that be?
Chicago, Cook County under emergency rule for 22 months. How can that be?
Chicago and Cook County leaders have exercised executive emergency powers for 22 months to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. Why can they do that and when does it end?
By Joe Tabor
Chicago’s $1 million-plus speed cameras hurting low-income areas
Chicago’s $1 million-plus speed cameras hurting low-income areas
Nearly half of Chicago’s highest cash-generating speed cameras were on the South Side. Two, including the top $3.1-million camera, are hitting Ward 20 Ald. Jeanette Taylor’s low-income constituents with fines she said they can’t afford.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois has been subject to Pritzker’s emergency powers for nearly 22 months. Where does this power come from?
Illinois has been subject to Pritzker’s emergency powers for nearly 22 months. Where does this power come from?
Illinois’ emergency management statute grants the governor broad powers to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the General Assembly has shown no interest in amending it.
By Joe Tabor
St. Charles City Council rejects vaccine mandate
St. Charles City Council rejects vaccine mandate
Chicago and Cook County have implemented vaccine mandates, requiring proof of vaccination to enter gyms, restaurants and other venues. St. Charles, which is in Kane and DuPage counties, does not fall under the purview of these mandates, but has pre-emptively opposed such a rule.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois lawmakers plan to spend little time in Springfield
Illinois lawmakers plan to spend little time in Springfield
The Illinois General Assembly begins a new session Jan. 5, but it is not expected to last long. They may have a new state budget and wrap up almost two months early.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois driver facilities closed for COVID-19 until mid-January
Illinois driver facilities closed for COVID-19 until mid-January
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said driver services facilities and his offices statewide will remain closed for in-person services until mid-January as the state aims to curb record COVID-19 cases.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago now requires COVID-19 vaccination, ID for public venues
Chicago now requires COVID-19 vaccination, ID for public venues
Planning an evening out in Chicago? You now need proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a photo ID to get in most places.
By Dylan Sharkey
Vaccination proof, ID required to enter Chicago restaurants, bars, gyms
Vaccination proof, ID required to enter Chicago restaurants, bars, gyms
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s new mandate will require Chicagoans ages 5 and older to prove they received a COVID-19 vaccination and to show a photo ID before entering restaurants, bars and gyms starting Jan. 3.
By Patrick Andriesen
Lightfoot’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate upheld for Chicago firefighters, city workers
Lightfoot’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate upheld for Chicago firefighters, city workers
The ruling upholding Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s vaccination mandate for city workers, except police, sets a precedent ahead of arbitration between the city and more than 20 Chicago labor unions.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois may sell Thompson Center for $70M, buy back part for $148M
Illinois may sell Thompson Center for $70M, buy back part for $148M
Has Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker got a deal for you: Sell a whole state building in downtown Chicago for less than half of what taxpayers will pay to get back one-third of it.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois ranks dead last in lawsuit freedom
Illinois ranks dead last in lawsuit freedom
How free are Illinoisans? Below average in most measures, and not very regarding lawsuits, the Cato Institute found.
By Dylan Sharkey