July 4: Illinois 1 of only 3 states that bans fireworks
July 4: Illinois 1 of only 3 states that bans fireworks
An outdated state law is meant to prevent injuries, which have significantly decreased, and prevents Illinois from benefiting from an industry worth billions of dollars.
By Grace Hansen
Chicago Teachers Union-style political agenda may come to your school district
Chicago Teachers Union-style political agenda may come to your school district
Teacher contracts expire this year in at least 60 districts represented by the Illinois Federation of Teachers — run by CTU President Stacy Davis Gates.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois lawmakers miss chance to improve healthcare access by joining interstate compacts
Illinois lawmakers miss chance to improve healthcare access by joining interstate compacts
Licensed practical nurses and physician assistants remain held back by red tape, making it harder for them to work where they are needed.
By Riya Kapoor
Lawmakers boost their salaries to over $100,000
Lawmakers boost their salaries to over $100,000
Their base pay has risen almost 50% since J.B. Pritzker became governor, compared with just a 30% increase for Illinoisans.
By Lilly Rossi
Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft
Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft
The state finally passed legislation to comply with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the government may not keep surplus equity when property is sold for unpaid taxes.
By Joe Tabor
Poll: Taxes, economy top concerns for Illinoisans
Poll: Taxes, economy top concerns for Illinoisans
A recent survey also shows that fully half of residents would move out of the state given the opportunity.
By Todd J. Behme
Tollway pushes largest toll tax hike on drivers in Illinois history
Tollway pushes largest toll tax hike on drivers in Illinois history
The tollway authority will vote on raising passenger tolls by 45 cents.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker budget includes new tax on online fantasy sports
Pritzker budget includes new tax on online fantasy sports
The budget awaiting his signature also imposes licensing fees on operators.
By Riya Kapoor
Chicago Teachers Union overrides state law on locker rooms, gender identity
Chicago Teachers Union overrides state law on locker rooms, gender identity
The union helped push a state constitutional amendment in 2022 that allows its contracts to override state law.
By Mailee Smith
Over 40% of Illinois bills passed in last week of session
Over 40% of Illinois bills passed in last week of session
Giving Illinoisans a sense of déjà vu, the Illinois General Assembly raced the clock to pass legislation toward the final day of session — or in some cases just after the deadline.
By Lilly Rossi
Pritzker gets his school cell phone ban bill despite CTU opposition
Pritzker gets his school cell phone ban bill despite CTU opposition
The issue was a priority for the governor. Here’s what you need to know.
By Lilly Rossi
Vallas: Pritzker signs a budget giving Illinois tax hikes, higher spending
Vallas: Pritzker signs a budget giving Illinois tax hikes, higher spending
Eight years of the governor’s budgets have exposed the cost of spending-driven budgeting and repeated tax hikes.
By Paul Vallas