Pritzker seeks end to hiring oversight as watchdog details more patronage

By Dylan Sharkey

01/17/2022

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker argues his state agencies no longer need a federal minder to ensure hiring is not political. That federal watchdog has four recent examples of why state hiring still needs oversight.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, Shakman decrees

Illinois considers local gas taxes atop doubled state gas tax

By Dylan Sharkey

01/14/2022

Illinois has the second-highest gas taxes in the nation, but a new bill would let cities add a local gas tax on top of the state and federal taxes and fees. Illinois doubled its gasoline tax in 2019, part of $5.2 billion in new taxpayer costs since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office.

TAGS: gas tax, Illinois

Chicago Teachers Union’s illegal strike is over, but parents sue to stop next one

By Patrick Andriesen

01/14/2022

Parents of Chicago Public Schools students sued to end the “remote work action” by Chicago Teachers Union members that kept 340,000 students out of classrooms for five days. The walkout is over, but the lawsuit is continuing to prevent the next illegal strike.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, lawsuit, strike

Lightfoot admits speed cameras hurt low-income Chicagoans more

By Patrick Andriesen

01/12/2022

A university study of Chicago automated traffic cameras commissioned by the city found minority and low-income residents are hurt more. Researchers recommended the city reform the regressive system of fines.

TAGS: Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, speed cameras

Chicago-area firefighters battle to kick out union

By Mailee Smith

01/12/2022

Carpentersville firefighters collected enough signatures to trigger the removal of SEIU as their union, but SEIU is fighting back against their freedom to choose.

TAGS: Carpentersville, firefighters, government unions, SEIU: Service Employees International Union

Strike cost Chicago students 5 days; Amendment 1 could cost them many more

01/12/2022

Voters will decide Nov. 8 whether the Chicago Teachers Union will have a permanent right to walk out on students for whatever reason union bosses decide.

TAGS: Amendment 1, COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago, Cook County under emergency rule for 22 months. How can that be?

By Joe Tabor

01/11/2022

Chicago and Cook County leaders have exercised executive emergency powers for 22 months to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. Why can they do that and when does it end?

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, COVID-19

Chicago Public Schools rejects opt-out testing solution

By Dylan Sharkey

01/10/2022

CPS rejected a proposal from the Chicago Teachers Union that would have tested randomly selected students. Mayor Lighfoot says parents opting in is non-negotiable

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago’s $1 million-plus speed cameras hurting low-income areas

By Patrick Andriesen

01/10/2022

Nearly half of Chicago’s highest cash-generating speed cameras were on the South Side. Two, including the top $3.1-million camera, are hitting Ward 20 Ald. Jeanette Taylor’s low-income constituents with fines she said they can’t afford.

TAGS: Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, speed cameras

Nonprofit offers $5 million in grant money for Chicago families harmed by CTU walkout

By Dylan Sharkey

01/07/2022

A nonprofit is dedicating $5 million in rescue funds to create more opportunities for students shut out of classrooms while negotiations between Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools drag on.

TAGS: COVID-19, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago

Pritzker seeks end to hiring oversight as watchdog details more patronage

Illinois considers local gas taxes atop doubled state gas tax

Chicago Teachers Union’s illegal strike is over, but parents sue to stop next one

Lightfoot admits speed cameras hurt low-income Chicagoans more

Chicago-area firefighters battle to kick out union

Strike cost Chicago students 5 days; Amendment 1 could cost them many more

Chicago, Cook County under emergency rule for 22 months. How can that be?

Chicago Public Schools rejects opt-out testing solution

Chicago’s $1 million-plus speed cameras hurting low-income areas

Nonprofit offers $5 million in grant money for Chicago families harmed by CTU walkout

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