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.
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.
Bill to boost Chicago police pensions would cost taxpayers $3 billion
Bill to boost Chicago police pensions would cost taxpayers $3 billion
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill to boost Chicago firefighter cost-of-living increases last year, costing taxpayers $850 million. Despite Mayor Lori Lightfoot calling it “irresponsible,” a new bill would do the same for city police at more than triple the cost.
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.
Ep. 27: Failure to launch: Small business job creators struggle to grow in Illinois
Ep. 27: Failure to launch: Small business job creators struggle to grow in Illinois
Lots of businesses tried to get started during 2021 in Illinois, but the ones that create jobs had a tough time launching. That’s why Illinois’ unemployment remains high and salaries depressed during a national labor shortage. Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to explain. Host: Hilary Gowins Guest: Bryce Hill
Your Story: COVID 19’s 2nd anniversary proves Illinoisans remain resilient
Your Story: COVID 19’s 2nd anniversary proves Illinoisans remain resilient
During the past two years, about 80 Illinoisans shared how the COVID-19 pandemic was changing their lives, children’s educations and businesses. Here is how some of them have come through the pandemic, both those who thrived and those who lost.
Amendment 1 would cement strikes as go-to weapon for Chicago Teachers Union
Amendment 1 would cement strikes as go-to weapon for Chicago Teachers Union
The Chicago Teachers Union has gone on strike five times and walked out on students at least three other times since it got the right to strike in 1984. Gaining greater power through Amendment 1 would embolden militant union tactics.
Kevin Promenschenkel
Kevin Promenschenkel
"If I wouldn’t have done what I did I wouldn’t even be in business today.”
Pritzker fact check: College applications up because high schools now require them
Pritzker fact check: College applications up because high schools now require them
Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently boasted Illinois was No. 1 for growth in high school applications for college aid. He failed to mention state law now makes students complete the application if they want to graduate.
Desi Mulingbayan
Desi Mulingbayan
"“I’m trying to rebuild our bar business, but it’s been difficult to compete with neighboring towns that have fewer mandates, and there is more competition popping up in the area."
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.
JoAnn Chumley
JoAnn Chumley
“The shutdowns definitely hurt the city in taxes. When people don’t spend money at local businesses, towns are losing money that would have been taxable.”
Vicki Granacki
Vicki Granacki
“My income decreased substantially due to the pandemic because I have a couple vacancies, and I readjusted rent for some of my tenants. Even though I have less income than before the pandemic, my taxes keep increasing.”
Sheldrick Holmes
Sheldrick Holmes
“As a business owner, I think the pandemic responses were too built within the bureaucracy of the system of government, which is has too many layers to get necessary approvals. In a state of emergency, you cannot have that.”