Illinois lifts nuclear ban, but tightens grip on energy supply
Illinois lifts nuclear ban, but tightens grip on energy supply
Lawmakers pass a bill to end the ban on large nuclear plants but include plans on expanding state control over energy.
$53 billion pension spike advances during last-minute veto session
$53 billion pension spike advances during last-minute veto session
A bill that would increase Tier 2 pension benefits was passed out of Illinois House Executive Committee on Oct 30.
How many people in your county can’t access SNAP after Nov.1?
How many people in your county can’t access SNAP after Nov.1?
If the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Illinoisans could lose access to critical food aid after Nov. 1.
Illinois lawmakers hike toll roads and sales taxes to fund Chicago-area transit
Illinois lawmakers hike toll roads and sales taxes to fund Chicago-area transit
Illinois lawmakers passed a new plan to keep Chicago-area public transit running. The plan hikes sales taxes in the Chicago area but stops major service cuts for the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace.
Capital One leads Illinois mass layoffs as companies announce 1,722 job cuts
Capital One leads Illinois mass layoffs as companies announce 1,722 job cuts
Illinois companies announced 1,722 mass layoffs in September, with restructuring at Capital One leading to the single largest loss of jobs statewide.
Diana Graham
Diana Graham
Diana Graham has served as the president of the Lotus Neighbors for Action block club in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood for nearly two decades. After 55 years of walking her block at Madison and Lotus, Miss Graham has become a cornerstone in her community. Whether it’s connecting people on her block with jobs, paying out of...
Illinois facing lawsuits over property tax theft
Illinois facing lawsuits over property tax theft
Lawsuits are mounting from homeowners, investors and counties. Unless lawmakers act, taxpayers could pay millions in damages over Illinois' unconstitutional tax sale system.
Just 2-in-5 Chicago students read at grade level under lowered proficiency standards
Just 2-in-5 Chicago students read at grade level under lowered proficiency standards
Chicago Public Schools students struggle in reading and math as just 2-in-5 read at grade level and about 1-in-4 do math proficiently. And that’s after Illinois lowered proficiency standards to make the numbers look better.
Half of Illinois students reading at grade level, fewer in math under loosened standards
Half of Illinois students reading at grade level, fewer in math under loosened standards
Newly released data from state assessments show just half of Illinois public school students could read at grade level and 2-in-5 could do math proficiently in 2025. That’s after the state lowered proficiency standards to make the numbers look better.
An Illinois wealth tax would be a legal disaster
An Illinois wealth tax would be a legal disaster
Illinois’ latest tax scheme, a 4.95% “wealth tax” on unrealized gains for billionaires, risks violating the state constitution, likely resulting in a long and costly legal battle.
Illinois House Democrats push first-in-the-world wealth tax, streaming, concert taxes
Illinois House Democrats push first-in-the-world wealth tax, streaming, concert taxes
State lawmakers are rushing a first-in-the-world wealth tax on billionaires. They also want taxes on streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify and steep surcharges on concerts and ticketed events.
Halloween: Headless Meets Mindless
Halloween: Headless Meets Mindless
Chicago Teachers Union spent $173K on poolside recording studio, won’t show audit to members
Chicago Teachers Union spent $173K on poolside recording studio, won’t show audit to members
Questionable spending plus the union’s refusal to release required annual audits should concern members.
Chicago-area Transit crisis: 7 principles to guide Illinois transportation reform
Chicago-area Transit crisis: 7 principles to guide Illinois transportation reform
Transit reform can support Illinois riders and taxpayers. These seven principles outline a path to affordability, accountability and efficiency.