Shop Small gets smaller in Illinois, with 11,200 fewer shop owners

By Bryce Hill

11/24/2020

Ownership of bars and restaurants also has declined over 70%, thanks to COVID-19 and associated restrictions

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, lockdown, small business

Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Illinois

By Brad Weisenstein, Ben Szalinski

11/20/2020

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

Madigan opposition hits critical mass as his confidant, 3 others charged in ComEd bribery scandal

By Ben Szalinski

11/19/2020

The indictments are the closest yet to Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s inner circle. Now enough Democrats are pledging they won’t support him to cost him the speaker’s gavel.

TAGS: ComEd, corruption, house, House Speaker, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, Jay Doherty, madigan, Mike Madigan, Mike McClain, reform

Madigan’s legacy of corruption will survive his downfall, unless …

By Joe Tabor

11/19/2020

After decades under Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s rule, Illinois is corroding from his concentration of power. Robust ethics laws, rules and norms could stop a new Madigan from rising.

TAGS: ComEd, corruption, house, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, madigan, Mike Madigan, Mike McClain, reform, speaker

How has COVID-19 affected Election Day?

By Rachel Wittel

10/30/2020

Increased early voting, younger poll workers and masks are the trend amid the COVID-19 crisis

TAGS: ballot, election, Illinois, voting

Frequently asked questions about voting in Illinois

By Mindy Ruckman

10/29/2020

This is an unprecedented year for voting in Illinois, thanks to COVID-19 and new voting laws. Here are some of the most common questions.

TAGS: ballot, election, Illinois, voting

Not registered and it’s Election Day? You can still vote

By Mindy Ruckman

10/02/2020

Illinois allows you to register and vote on Election Day, which this year gives you a voice on your income taxes.

TAGS: Election Day, Illinois, voting

Progressive income tax study guide

By Orphe Divounguy, Adam Schuster, Bryce Hill

08/27/2020

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker calls it the “fair tax.” Opponents say it’s a “blank check” for irresponsible spending. Here’s what you need to know.

TAGS: ballot referendums, California, Connecticut, corporate income tax, fair tax, general election, graduated income tax, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, income tax, JB Pritzker, middle class, outmigration, Springfield

75 mph speed limit up for consideration on Illinois interstates

By Ben Szalinski

02/26/2020

The speed limit was last raised to 70 mph in 2014.

TAGS: AAA: American Automobile Association, Illinois, interstate highway, Jim Oberweis, speed limit, traffic laws, traffic safety

Illinois lawmakers operate under honor system on conflicts of interest

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2020

Prairie State politicians are allowed to determine when they have a conflict of interest, and whether they should recuse themselves from voting or disclose a conflict. HB 4041 would change that.

TAGS: bribery, Carol Ammons, Chicago, Chicago City Council, conflict of interest, corruption, crime, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, Luis Arroyo, Mike Madigan, Springfield