Madigan pleads ‘not guilty’ to 22-count corruption indictment

By Dylan Sharkey

03/10/2022

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan entered a “not guilty” plea to federal racketeering and bribery charges March 9.

TAGS: corruption, federal investigation, Mike Madigan

Bill to boost Chicago police pensions would cost taxpayers $3 billion

By Adam Schuster

03/09/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill to boost Chicago firefighter cost-of-living increases last year, costing taxpayers $850 million. Despite Mayor Lori Lightfoot calling it “irresponsible,” a new bill would do the same for city police at more than triple the cost.

TAGS: Chicago, FOP: Fraternal Order of Police, pensions

Your Story: COVID 19’s 2nd anniversary proves Illinoisans remain resilient

03/08/2022

During the past two years, about 80 Illinoisans shared how the COVID-19 pandemic was changing their lives, children’s educations and businesses. Here is how some of them have come through the pandemic, both those who thrived and those who lost.

Chicago Public Schools to end mask mandate March 14

By Patrick Andriesen

03/08/2022

Chicago Public Schools will make masks optional for students and staff starting March 14, following CDC guidance. The Chicago Teacher’s Union said union leaders were working to block the decision and keep students masked.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, mask mandate

Chicago Public Schools tells parents mask-optional coming soon

By Dylan Sharkey

03/03/2022

Chicago Public Schools’ top administrator told parents a mask-optional model for students and staff is coming soon. A Chicago Teachers Union dictate has kept students in masks despite the statewide mandate being lifted.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, mask mandate

Courts could block Chicago Public Schools mask mandate

By Dylan Sharkey

03/02/2022

Despite revised statewide orders, Chicago Public Schools are still requiring universal masking in all schools and offices after the Chicago Teachers Union forced the change through a walkout. A judge was asked to let student faces go free.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, mask mandate

After losing scholarship, Chicago family sold car to keep kids in private school

03/01/2022

Invest in Kids tax credit scholarships give opportunities to minority families and stability to students when hard times hit. Tough choices await when the scholarships dry up.

TAGS: Illinois, Invest in Kids, school choice

Chicago pension debt drove city property taxes up 164% before COVID-19

By Adam Schuster

02/28/2022

City property taxes rose 30% faster than in suburban Cook County from 2000 to 2019. Record inflation in 2022 will bring increases statewide in 2023.

TAGS: Chicago, Illinois, pensions, property taxes

Politicians convicted of corruption can run for re-election under Illinois law

By Dylan Sharkey

02/28/2022

After a corrupt politician gets caught in Illinois, they can again run for office. State Rep. Curtis Tarver II has introduced a bill to stop that.

TAGS: corruption, election, Illinois

Illinoisans pay highest sales taxes in Midwest, 8th highest in nation

By Bryce Hill

02/28/2022

Illinois’ combined state and average local retail sales tax rate topped 8.8% in 2022. That’s the 8th-highest in the nation and the highest in the Midwest.

TAGS: Chicago, Illinois, sales tax

Chicago

Madigan pleads ‘not guilty’ to 22-count corruption indictment

Bill to boost Chicago police pensions would cost taxpayers $3 billion

Your Story: COVID 19’s 2nd anniversary proves Illinoisans remain resilient

Chicago Public Schools to end mask mandate March 14

Chicago Public Schools tells parents mask-optional coming soon

Courts could block Chicago Public Schools mask mandate

After losing scholarship, Chicago family sold car to keep kids in private school

Chicago pension debt drove city property taxes up 164% before COVID-19

Politicians convicted of corruption can run for re-election under Illinois law

Illinoisans pay highest sales taxes in Midwest, 8th highest in nation

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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