Illinois bill would give ISBE authority to revoke schools’ state recognition
Illinois bill would give ISBE authority to revoke schools’ state recognition
Gov. J.B Pritzker has warned district administrators since early August that ISBE would strip state recognition from Illinois schools defying his statewide mask mandate. House Bill 4135 aims to give the state board of education that power.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chris Stephens
Chris Stephens
“There’s a lot of investors nationally that I know that will not invest in Illinois. There [are] large investors pulling out of this state because they don’t want to pay for other people’s bad mistakes.”
Marius Powell
Marius Powell
“You need stable housing to get yourself together, hold a job and contribute to society. Without proper housing people end up using more resources.”
Illinois lawmakers enact gerrymandered political maps
Illinois lawmakers enact gerrymandered political maps
Gov. J.B. Pritzker promised to pass fair maps. On Aug. 31, politicians enacted maps that go back on that promise.
By Joe Tabor
Suburban residents risk losing homes over rising pension costs
Suburban residents risk losing homes over rising pension costs
Because the cost of generous government retirement packages has grown faster than existing government revenues can sustain, property taxes continue to climb.
By Amy Korte
Illinois ethics reform uncertain after House rejects Pritzker’s amendatory veto
Illinois ethics reform uncertain after House rejects Pritzker’s amendatory veto
Illinois made an important first step in its break with the corrupt practices that defined the legislative process under former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. New ethics rules about lobbying, financial disclosures and the legislative watchdog were passed in the final hours of the session, but the reforms may die after the House rejected a technical change to the legislation by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
By Joe Tabor
Chicago ranks No. 2 in the nation for combined state and local sales tax
Chicago ranks No. 2 in the nation for combined state and local sales tax
The Windy City tied with four other major cities as imposing the nation’s second highest sales tax on residents among 124 considered. The report warns the city’s new status could be costing Chicago businesses their competitive edge.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker mask mandate leads to threats against 58 schools, districts
Pritzker mask mandate leads to threats against 58 schools, districts
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Aug. 4 mask mandate drew criticism from the communities he just weeks earlier promised would keep local control over student COVID-19 safety. School districts that fail to kowtow face severe state sanctions.
By Patrick Andriesen
Comptroller Mendoza’s plan aims to rebuild Illinois’ rainy-day fund
Comptroller Mendoza’s plan aims to rebuild Illinois’ rainy-day fund
Automatic transfers into Illinois’ rainy-day reserves could help when another fiscal crisis similar to COVID-19 happens.
By Adam Schuster, Perry Zhao
Pritzker mandates indoor masks, vaccinations for school, medical workers
Pritzker mandates indoor masks, vaccinations for school, medical workers
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced all Illinoisans age 2 and up are required to wear masks inside public spaces effective Aug. 30. All school and health care workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 5, as must college students.
By Patrick Andriesen, Brad Weisenstein
Pritzker’s record: 24 tax, fee hikes taking $5.24 billion more from Illinoisans
Pritzker’s record: 24 tax, fee hikes taking $5.24 billion more from Illinoisans
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has added more than $5.24 billion in new or higher taxes and fees since taking office. Despite all that new revenue, the nation’s highest taxed state remains a fiscal mess unable to balance a budget for 21 years.
By Adam Schuster, Patrick Andriesen
Zaniya Campbell
Zaniya Campbell
“It’s crazy to think about how far I have come. I’m very lucky to have had counselors and social workers like Miss Ashley and Miss Angelina, and that special programs like Curt’s Café exist to see the good in me when school didn’t.”