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

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

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

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

What you need to know about Pritzker’s next set of COVID-19 rules

By Patrick Andriesen

05/10/2021

Illinois is about to reach the extra COVID-19 reopening phase Gov. J.B. Pritzker added in March. Here are the rules of the ‘Bridge’ phase expected to begin May 14 and last until June 11.

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

Illinois ‘reopens’ June 11, but keep those masks on, Pritzker says

By Brad Weisenstein

05/07/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to keep those masks on Illinoisans, he said in announcing a June 11 target to reopen the state. The reopening ‘bridge’ phase he added in March may begin May 14.

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

July may be when Pritzker cautiously lifts Illinois COVID-19 restrictions

By Patrick Andriesen

05/05/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Illinois could fully reopen in July, but fully reopen with some permanent restrictions. The state has yet to enter the ‘bridge phase’ to reopening that he added in March.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, reopen

COVID-19 ‘Vax Pass’ idea getting nixed in Illinois, Pritzker says

By Brad Weisenstein

05/03/2021

After state and Chicago public health administrators floated the idea of vaccination passports, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said it will not happen in the state. Chicago will offer the ‘Vax Pass’ for summer events to encourage COVID-19 immunizations.

TAGS: COVID-19, reopen, vaccine

Illinois’ economy stuck trying to get through Pritzker’s COVID-19 ‘bridge phase’

By Hilary Gowins

04/29/2021

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Illinois is close to starting the extra ‘bridge phase’ of mandates he added in March, but over a year into his COVID-19 restrictions it is another barricade to the state’s economy. States with fewer limits are seeing bigger declines in infections.

TAGS: COVID-19, economy, JB Pritzker, reopen, restrictions

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

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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