Speed cameras issue more tickets in 2021 than Chicago has residents
Speed cameras issue more tickets in 2021 than Chicago has residents
Chicago drivers were issued more speed tickets in 2021 than there are city residents. Annual ticket revenues doubled, but fatal crashes still increased.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
Biden extends transit mask mandate by 1 month
Biden extends transit mask mandate by 1 month
Travelers on planes, buses and other public transportation will have to stay masked until April 18. The federal mandate was to expire March 18.
By Dylan Sharkey
Madigan pleads ‘not guilty’ to 22-count corruption indictment
Madigan pleads ‘not guilty’ to 22-count corruption indictment
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan entered a “not guilty” plea to federal racketeering and bribery charges March 9.
By Dylan Sharkey
After 2 years, it’s time to limit Pritzker’s emergency powers
After 2 years, it’s time to limit Pritzker’s emergency powers
March 12 marks two years of life under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s emergency powers. It is time lawmakers had a say in how long those powers last.
By Joe Tabor
Chicago Public Schools to end mask mandate March 14
Chicago Public Schools to end mask mandate March 14
Chicago Public Schools will make masks optional for students and staff starting March 14, following CDC guidance. The Chicago Teacher’s Union said union leaders were working to block the decision and keep students masked.
By Patrick Andriesen
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan indicted for federal racketeering
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan indicted for federal racketeering
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been indicted for racketeering and bribery in a federal corruption probe spanning more than two years.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pritzker mandates masks in health care clinics one day after mask mandate ends
Pritzker mandates masks in health care clinics one day after mask mandate ends
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has revised the indoor mask mandate issued in August, limiting indoor masking to health care and congregate facilities. Also, he said the Illinois Department of Public Health director is resigning.
By Dylan Sharkey
Politicians convicted of corruption can run for re-election under Illinois law
Politicians convicted of corruption can run for re-election under Illinois law
After a corrupt politician gets caught in Illinois, they can again run for office. State Rep. Curtis Tarver II has introduced a bill to stop that.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois Supreme Court denies Pritzker’s appeal of school mask mandate decisions, schools move to mask optional Feb. 28
Illinois Supreme Court denies Pritzker’s appeal of school mask mandate decisions, schools move to mask optional Feb. 28
After the Illinois Supreme Court determined the state’s appeal of decisions regarding the governor’s school mask rules was moot, the governor declared schools can move to mask optional policies on Feb. 28.
By Amy Korte, Mailee Smith
Bill would let Illinois parents decide when kids are old enough to be home alone
Bill would let Illinois parents decide when kids are old enough to be home alone
Illinois is the only state to outlaw leaving children home alone until they are 14. Lawmakers are considering throwing out the minimum age altogether, joining 39 other states that leave it up to parents.
By Dylan Sharkey
What you need to know about Pritzker’s legal fight to keep students masked
What you need to know about Pritzker’s legal fight to keep students masked
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is asking the Illinois Supreme Court to let him keep his authority to force Illinoisans to mask. But his effort to keep his COVID-19 mandate power is ignoring relevant data.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago public schools keep masks in place as city, parochial schools end mandate
Chicago public schools keep masks in place as city, parochial schools end mandate
Chicago Public Schools’ Board of Education said vaccination rates have it keeping students and staff in masks Feb. 28 and beyond. Parents are asking what it will take to see classrooms without masks. More private schools are taking off masks.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago cops must get COVID-19 shots, arbitrator rules
Chicago cops must get COVID-19 shots, arbitrator rules
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot won a round in her fight to make Chicago Police Department workers get their COVID-19 vaccinations. Now all city employees, including police officers, must be vaccinated.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago dropping mask, vaccine proof mandates Feb. 28
Chicago dropping mask, vaccine proof mandates Feb. 28
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the city will end its mask mandate at the end of February, in line with the statewide date. The mandate requiring proof-of-vaccination will also end Feb. 28.
By Dylan Sharkey