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State Journal-Register: Illinois gas prices are at their highest levels since the summer of 2019
Prices for unleaded gasoline in Springfield and statewide have surged to levels not seen since summer 2019.
A report from GasBuddy, a website that tracks gas prices at the local, state and national levels, shows the average price of regular, unleaded gasoline has reached near $3 per gallon in Springfield, with prices hitting an average of $2.92 per gallon on Friday. The price of gas peaked at $2.99 on March 16. Statewide, prices also have reached close to $3, with unleaded hitting an average of $2.99 a gallon on Friday. The statewide price peaked at $3.07 on March 17.
Chicago Tribune: Editorial: When will CTU stop clout-building, and start thinking of the students?
What do you think nirvana would look like for the Chicago Teachers Union? It seems CTU President Jesse Sharkey offered a glimpse of that perfect world, while talking about what lies ahead for the always fraught, ever-contentious relationship between the union and Chicago Public Schools.
“We’re in a different situation that one we’ve ever been in. … It’s continuous bargaining,” Sharkey said.
The Center Square: Illinois to open COVID-19 vaccinations to people 16 and older
As COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise in Illinois, the state will soon expand eligibility to allow more people to make appointments to get vaccinated.
Starting Monday, people 16 and older are now eligible to get a shot. Chicago will wait until April 19 to expand eligibility.
Associated Press: Judge awards back pay to ex-lawmakers who rejected raises
Two former Illinois state lawmakers who argued that a freeze on raises violated the state Constitution can collect back pay, a judge said.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza pledged to appeal the decision and called the former lawmakers “shameless grifters” pursuing a “brazen money grab.”
WBEZ: Transportation Costs Are A Burden For Low-Income Chicago-Area Residents, Report Finds
Transportation costs burden the Chicago region’s low-income residents more than their higher-income counterparts, according to a new report from a planning agency.
A report, released this week by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), shows that low-income residents spend 16% of their money on transportation, compared to 6% for high-income households.