Masks on, or masks off? What to know about mask rules as Illinois reopens

By Patrick Andriesen

06/11/2021

Chicago and state mask mandates have been dropped for fully vaccinated Illinoisans in most circumstances. Here is where masks will continue to be required, or not.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, masks

Masks to stay on in Illinois schools despite June 11 reopening

By Patrick Andriesen

06/10/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants masks on and social distancing intact when children return to school next year. Most COVID-19 restrictions will be dropped June 11, but not all.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, masks, public schools

Illinois reopens June 11, but keep those masks handy

By Patrick Andriesen

06/08/2021

Illinoisans on June 11 will take off their masks and breathe a sigh of relief – except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mandates.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, JB Pritzker, masks, reopen

Frequently asked questions: Updated rules on COVID-19 and schools

By Mailee Smith

06/07/2021

Breaking down the state's latest rules concerning COVID-19 restrictions in Illinois K-12 schools.

TAGS: COVID-19, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois, ISBE: Illinois State Board of Education, K-12

Pritzker hints at $7 million COVID-19 vaccine lottery

By Patrick Andriesen

06/04/2021

Illinoisans are not getting COVID-19 vaccinations at the rate they once were, so Gov. J.B. Pritzker may turn to cash prizes through a vaccine lottery to boost immunizations.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker

Teachers union vows to keep chasing health rules for Illinois private schools

By Patrick Andriesen

06/03/2021

After nearly 17,000 Illinois parents opposed a bill to impose state health mandates on private schools, and state lawmakers let the effort sit, it seemed the fight was over. Not quite. A teachers union lead lobbyist pledged to keep pursuing it.

TAGS: COVID-19, education, health care

Pritzker declares disaster for 16th time despite June 11 reopening prediction

By Patrick Andriesen

06/01/2021

Illinois could fully reopen by June 11, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker decided the state was still a disaster zone and he needed emergency powers until the end of June.

TAGS: COVID-19, emergency, executive order, JB Pritzker

Illinois McDonald’s offers iPhones if job recruits stay 6 months

05/27/2021

The hospitality industry’s heavy losses during COVID-19 are still being felt, with one McDonald’s offering iPhones to lure recruits. Half the states trimmed unemployment to get workers back, but Pritzker’s message to struggling businesses is they should pay $1.5 billion in new taxes.

TAGS: COVID-19, iPhone, jobs, McDonald's

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

By Adam Schuster

05/27/2021

Pritzker borrowed during the pandemic rather than making responsible budget decisions. So Illinois’ federal relief must repay debt rather than helping businesses recover like other states.

TAGS: COVID-19, debt, JB Pritzker

Lightfoot pushes permanent 10 p.m. curfew on liquor store sales in Chicago

By Patrick Andriesen

05/26/2021

Grocery and liquor stores would be barred from selling beer, wine and liquor after 10 p.m. if Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot gets her way. She said the move would curb crime by stopping gatherings outside liquor stores and help recovering bars and restaurants.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, curfew, liquor laws, Lori Lightfoot