Illinois lawmakers enact gerrymandered political maps
Illinois lawmakers enact gerrymandered political maps
Gov. J.B. Pritzker promised to pass fair maps. On Aug. 31, politicians enacted maps that go back on that promise.
Illinois ethics reform uncertain after House rejects Pritzker’s amendatory veto
Illinois ethics reform uncertain after House rejects Pritzker’s amendatory veto
Illinois made an important first step in its break with the corrupt practices that defined the legislative process under former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. New ethics rules about lobbying, financial disclosures and the legislative watchdog were passed in the final hours of the session, but the reforms may die after the House rejected a technical change to the legislation by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Pritzker mandates indoor masks, vaccinations for school, medical workers
Pritzker mandates indoor masks, vaccinations for school, medical workers
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced all Illinoisans age 2 and up are required to wear masks inside public spaces effective Aug. 30. All school and health care workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 5, as must college students.
Pritzker emergency No. 20 comes nearly 3 months after Illinois’ full reopening
Pritzker emergency No. 20 comes nearly 3 months after Illinois’ full reopening
Illinois has been ruled by executive order since early March 2020, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker reissuing statewide COVID-19 disaster proclamations every 30 days. On Aug. 20 he declared Illinois a disaster for the 20th time.
Illinois hits snags with new COVID-19 vaccine verification system
Illinois hits snags with new COVID-19 vaccine verification system
Vax Verify, Illinois’ new resident immunization portal, contains incorrect COVID-19 vaccine records. In a state where data leaks and hacks have been too common, the potential for health information being exposed is a reasonable worry.
How to keep government transparent through Illinois Open Meetings Act
How to keep government transparent through Illinois Open Meetings Act
Most Illinois government meetings are open to the public, with a few exceptions. Here’s what to know about Illinoisans’ rights to see what government is doing by using the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
Pritzker administration forces Christian school to follow mask mandate
Pritzker administration forces Christian school to follow mask mandate
Timothy Christian Schools tried to keep their mask-optional policy despite Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s statewide school mask mandate. The state quickly stripped the schools of their recognition, crippling their high school seniors as they started college applications. Masks are now on.
COVID-19 tests, masks required to see some of Illinois State Fair
COVID-19 tests, masks required to see some of Illinois State Fair
2021’s Illinois State Fair will require all visitors to wear masks indoors and prove vaccination or a negative test to enter certain venues.
Illinois unemployment accounts repeatedly hijacked by thieves
Illinois unemployment accounts repeatedly hijacked by thieves
Unemployment benefits are being stolen by thieves who redirect the funds. Repeat victims say the problem is within Illinois Department of Employment Security computers, but the state won’t release data to pinpoint the problem.
Rod Blagojevich sues so he can again seek election
Rod Blagojevich sues so he can again seek election
Rod Blagojevich is out of federal prison, and now wants to be back on the ballot. Illinois’ former governor sued Aug. 2 for the right to run for public office again despite his conviction for public corruption.
Pritzker mandates masks for Illinois schools
Pritzker mandates masks for Illinois schools
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a statewide mask mandate for Illinois schools, overriding local school boards.
Masks back on for all schools, most Illinoisans, public health leaders recommend
Masks back on for all schools, most Illinoisans, public health leaders recommend
Illinois public health administrators joined the CDC’s calls for masks in all elementary and high schools, although school districts have the final say. They recommend most Illinoisans, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, should be masking in indoor public spaces.
Citizenship 101: How to be a more involved Illinoisan
Citizenship 101: How to be a more involved Illinoisan
What you need to know to better get answers about what local and state government leaders are doing in Illinois.
Pritzker emergency No. 19 comes almost 2 months after Illinois’ full reopening
Pritzker emergency No. 19 comes almost 2 months after Illinois’ full reopening
Gov. J.B Pritzker extended his own emergency powers and Illinois’ disaster zone status through Aug. 21, claiming they were necessary to promote state vaccination efforts. When asked when he would give up his emergency powers, Pritzker wouldn’t say.