Masks back on for all schools, most Illinoisans, public health leaders recommend

By Noah Shaar

08/02/2021

Illinois public health administrators joined the CDC’s calls for masks in all elementary and high schools, although school districts have the final say. They recommend most Illinoisans, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, should be masking in indoor public spaces.

TAGS: IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, masks, public schools

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

Bill giving state new powers to shut down private and public schools advances in General Assembly

By Amy Korte

05/27/2021

HB 2789 could threaten in-person instruction at public and private schools while the COVID-19 emergency order – or any other emergency order – persists.

TAGS: emergency, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois, private schools, teachers union

Illinois public health officials considering ‘vaccine passport’

By Patrick Andriesen

04/30/2021

Earlier this week, Dr. Allison Arwady, Chicago’s public health commissioner, said the “Vax Pass” will be required to attend concerts and other summer events starting in May.

TAGS: COVID-19, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, vaccine

Illinois teachers unions push bill for new health rules on all in-person schooling

By Amy Korte

04/29/2021

Legislation backed by teachers unions would require the Illinois Department of Public Health to create regulations before in-person instruction would be allowed at all public, private and parochial schools. State control would replace local control.

TAGS: COVID-19, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, ISBE: Illinois State Board of Education, reopen, teachers union

Lightfoot pushes Pritzker to ease restrictions as dining resumes in southern, central Illinois

By Brad Weisenstein

01/19/2021

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she wants Gov. J.B. Pritzker to give city residents more freedom to drink and dine out. Two other Illinois regions were just granted more liberty to do so.

TAGS: COVID-19, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, JB Pritzker, Lori Lightfoot, restrictions

Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Illinois

By Brad Weisenstein

01/08/2021

This page will be updated daily to reflect developments related to the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois, JB Pritzker, Lori Lightfoot

Illinois failed to investigate nursing home complaints for 3 1/2 months of pandemic

08/25/2020

Despite the concentration of COVID-19 deaths in Illinois nursing homes, more than 272 neglect and abuse complaints were ignored by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, JB Pritzker, nursing home

Pritzker lifts 10-person limit on religious gatherings after facing legal pressure

05/29/2020

After being asked by the U.S. Supreme Court to reply to religious groups’ objections, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced he was ending the 10-person limit on religious gatherings.

TAGS: IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, JB Pritzker, stay at home order, U.S. Supreme Court

Fixing Illinois pension crisis by amending nation’s most-restrictive pension law is legal, effective

Illinois is home to one of the worst pension crises in the country.1 At 39% funded, according to the nonpartisan Pew Charitable Trusts, Illinois has the worst pension funding ratio of any state.2 By contrast, neighboring Wisconsin’s pension system is 103% funded.3 In fiscal year 2022, Illinois’ total general funds pension costs, including pension bond...

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Fixing Illinois pension crisis by amending nation’s most-restrictive pension law is legal, effective

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Cathy Stuehmeier

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students