Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began
Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began
Despite adding 262,600 jobs in 2021, Illinois is still a long way off from a full recovery from the COVID-19 economic downturn.
ComEd bribery scandal restitution denied for second time
ComEd bribery scandal restitution denied for second time
The lawsuit filed on behalf of millions of ratepayers sought to recover the costs incurred during Commonwealth Edison’s attempts to sway former House Speaker Mike Madigan. It was dismissed for a second time.
Secretary of State Offices reopen as Omicron peak subsides, statewide mitigations mount
Secretary of State Offices reopen as Omicron peak subsides, statewide mitigations mount
Secretary of State Jesse White said the offices will reopen over the next two days as drivers’ facilities resume in-person services after the Omicron peak. Governor offers no such assurances about lifting mitigations in the state.
Illinois might allow parents to leave 12-year-olds home alone
Illinois might allow parents to leave 12-year-olds home alone
Illinois has the strictest latchkey law of any state. A new bill looks to change the minimum age parents can legally leave their children home alone from 14 to 12.
Crime surge, police exodus put Illinois criminal justice reforms in crosshairs
Crime surge, police exodus put Illinois criminal justice reforms in crosshairs
Eliminating cash bail and regulating police officers were parts of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act that some lawmakers blame for a rise in crime and loss of police officers. Republican state lawmakers want it repealed, while Democrats say it just needs tweaks.
Investigation finds Illinois politicians packed extra pork into $45 billion plan
Investigation finds Illinois politicians packed extra pork into $45 billion plan
An investigation found $4 billion in funds to be doled out by politicians at their discretion, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker controlling half of it. The extra pork was packed into Illinois’ $45 billion infrastructure plan, including $144 million for Madigan friends – some who never asked for it.
Illinois Supreme Court ponders politicians using campaign cash for criminal defense
Illinois Supreme Court ponders politicians using campaign cash for criminal defense
Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez argued a publicly elected official facing corruption charges should not be able to use campaign funds for a legal defense. If the person is not running for office, the legal bills are a “personal” expense, he contended.
Illinois teachers push back on COVID-19 vax mandate
Illinois teachers push back on COVID-19 vax mandate
Illinois teachers currently face mandated COVID-19 testing if unvaccinated. The Illinois State Board of Education might remove that option depending on whether it follows Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mandate or a high court decision.
Illinois lawmakers fail to replace their ethics watchdog
Illinois lawmakers fail to replace their ethics watchdog
The Illinois General Assembly is without a watchdog. The former legislative inspector general quit after saying she was just a paper tiger. Now lawmakers cannot agree on her replacement.
Amendment 1 would come between teachers, dedication to students
Amendment 1 would come between teachers, dedication to students
Amendment 1 would give Illinois teachers a permanent right to strike, taking more class time away from teachers who believe their place is with their students instead of on the picket line. Voters will decide Nov. 8.
Skokie is latest Illinois community paying pensions by borrowing
Skokie is latest Illinois community paying pensions by borrowing
The village of Skokie issued $176 million in new bonds to fund shortfalls in public safety pensions. The village joins a growing list of municipalities forced to borrow to meet “unsustainable” pension obligations.
Chicago’s COVID-19 rules hit minority neighborhood restaurants harder
Chicago’s COVID-19 rules hit minority neighborhood restaurants harder
Restaurant owners in Chicago communities with low COVID-19 vaccination rates, mostly on the city’s South and West sides, say pushback against the vaccine proof mandate has hurt sales and cost them customers.
Ep. 20: The Illinois exodus with Bryce Hill
Ep. 20: The Illinois exodus with Bryce Hill
According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Illinois has seen eight consecutive years of population decline. The official 2020 counts showed Illinois lost population for the first Census in history. It cost the state one congressional seat. One person leaves Illinois every 4 minutes and 18 seconds. Illinois is losing people and political power. Bryce Hill...
Chicago alderman from Daley family implicated in bank embezzlement
Chicago alderman from Daley family implicated in bank embezzlement
Chicago Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson was implicated in the plea agreement of a former bank employee who federal prosecutors said played a critical role in the embezzlement scheme. She said millions in theft was covered up before the bank failed.