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

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

Pritzker pushes ‘Time to Drive’ tourism campaign despite high gas prices

By Patrick Andriesen

05/26/2021

When Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state lawmakers doubled the gas tax in 2019, they built in automatic annual increases. The next boost hits July 1. Perfect timing, as Pritzker spends $6 million to ask Illinoisans to take a drive.

TAGS: COVID-19, gas tax, JB Pritzker, reopen

Democrats’ legislative maps slam GOP after Pritzker breaks veto promise

By Brad Weisenstein

05/24/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave fellow Democrats a very clear signal to gerrymander state legislative maps when he backed off his veto threat and said he trusted them to be fair. Mike Madigan-style maps place 23 Republicans into races against other incumbents.

TAGS: Democratic Party, gerrymandering, JB Pritzker, legislative map

Illinois students will return to in-person schooling in fall

By Brad Weisenstein

05/19/2021

In-person learning will resume in the fall, the Illinois State Board of Education has decided. Whether kids will still be required to wear masks and sit behind plastic shields in the fall remains to be decided.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, JB Pritzker, public schools, teachers union

Pritzker follows CDC rules on masks, relaxes COVID-19 mandates

By Brad Weisenstein

05/18/2021

Illinois is following new CDC guidelines on masks and social distancing for fully vaccinated people; Pritzker pushes vaccinations, says masks stay on for unvaccinated; Chicago mandates remain

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

Illinois gas averages $3.25 a gallon even after pipeline resumes operation

By Patrick Andriesen

05/17/2021

The Colonial Pipeline shutdown set off a gasoline price increase, but summer travel demand and pricier summer blends are likely to keep them there. Illinois averages $3.25 per gallon, AAA reports.

TAGS: gas tax, Illinois, JB Pritzker

Free Six Flags tickets offered for COVID-19 shots in Illinois

05/14/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a donation of $4 million in Six Flags tickets will be used as an incentive to get more Illinoisans their COVID-19 vaccinations. The 50,000 tickets will be targeted to minority communities.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, Six Flags, vaccine

Pritzker agrees with CDC on dropping masks for vaccinated Illinoisans

By Brad Weisenstein

05/14/2021

The CDC just revised the mask mandates for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot quickly followed the advice.

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

Illinois lawmakers introduce bill to save scholarships for low-income Illinois families

05/13/2021

House Bill 4076 would make the Invest In Kids Act permanent. The Invest in Kids Act provides a tax credit of 75 cents for every $1 donated to qualified scholarship granting institutions, up to a maximum of $1 million dollars. It’s currently set to expire in 2022.

TAGS: Invest in Kids, JB Pritzker, school choice

JB Pritzker

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

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

Pritzker pushes ‘Time to Drive’ tourism campaign despite high gas prices

Democrats’ legislative maps slam GOP after Pritzker breaks veto promise

Illinois students will return to in-person schooling in fall

Pritzker follows CDC rules on masks, relaxes COVID-19 mandates

Illinois gas averages $3.25 a gallon even after pipeline resumes operation

Free Six Flags tickets offered for COVID-19 shots in Illinois

Pritzker agrees with CDC on dropping masks for vaccinated Illinoisans

Illinois lawmakers introduce bill to save scholarships for low-income Illinois families

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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