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Quick-to-strike leaders need to be replaced, Chicago Teachers Union members say

By Patrick Andriesen

01/26/2022

The Members First Caucus said the current Chicago Teachers Union leaders see “work stoppages and strikes as the first step, and not the last one.” They want less political activism and more focus on delivering for members and students.

TAGS: COVID-19, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

Pritzker vetoes COVID-19 sick leave for school workers, says only vaccinated deserve it

By Dylan Sharkey

01/25/2022

Gov. J.B Pritzker vetoed a bill guaranteeing sick leave for school and college employees related to COVID-19. He said he would rather sign a bill reserving compensation for employees fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, public schools, sick leave, vaccines

Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began

By Bryce Hill

01/25/2022

Despite adding 262,600 jobs in 2021, Illinois is still a long way off from a full recovery from the COVID-19 economic downturn.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, jobs, unemployment

ComEd bribery scandal restitution denied for second time

By Patrick Andriesen

01/25/2022

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.

TAGS: bribery, ComEd, Mike Madigan

Secretary of State Offices reopen as Omicron peak subsides, statewide mitigations mount

By Patrick Andriesen

01/24/2022

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.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois Secretary of State, Omicron

Illinois might allow parents to leave 12-year-olds home alone

By Dylan Sharkey

01/24/2022

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.

TAGS: abuse, home alone, Illinois, negligence

Crime surge, police exodus put Illinois criminal justice reforms in crosshairs

By Dylan Sharkey

01/24/2022

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 Republican state lawmakers want it repealed, while Democrats say it just needs tweaks.

TAGS: Chicago, crime, police, SAFE-T Act

Investigation finds Illinois politicians packed extra pork into $45 billion plan

By Patrick Andriesen

01/21/2022

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.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, pork barrel spending, Rebuild Illinois

Illinois Supreme Court ponders politicians using campaign cash for criminal defense

By Patrick Andriesen

01/21/2022

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.

TAGS: campaign finance, Illinois Supreme Court

Illinois teachers push back on COVID-19 vax mandate

By Dylan Sharkey

01/21/2022

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.

TAGS: ISBE: Illinois State Board of Education, public schools, vaccine mandate

Unions flood politicians with cash: How it buys clout in Illinois General Assembly

Government unions in Illinois have tremendous power. Most are allowed to go on strike and can bargain over virtually anything.1 It creates an uneven playing field, with unions able to demand costly provisions in their contracts and threaten to strike – denying Illinoisans needed services – to get what they want.2 Until recently, the potential...

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