Illinois is only big state to charge a tax on groceries

By Dylan Sharkey

02/08/2022

Illinois is one of the few states that taxes groceries. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is suggesting a suspension of the 1% grocery tax to help struggling families. Some lawmakers said if Pritzker really wants to help, he needs to end grocery sales taxes.

TAGS: grocery tax, JB Pritzker

Delaware, New Jersey governors lift mask mandates

By Patrick Andriesen

02/07/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he is “hopeful” Illinois could soon drop statewide pandemic protocols after COVID-19 dropped by half. His peers in Delaware, New Jersey and earlier Iowa dropped their mask mandates.

TAGS: COVID-19, Delaware, mask mandate, New Jersey

Chicago property taxes nearly doubled in a decade

By Orphe Divounguy

02/03/2022

Chicago property taxpayers face a nearly 5% hike this year after a decade in which their bills nearly doubled. The city failed to capitalize on the COVID-19 stimulus windfall like others did.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes

Lightfoot vaccine deadline could trigger city worker firings

By Patrick Andriesen

02/03/2022

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot pledged unvaccinated city employees will soon be placed on “no-pay status” and face potential termination for failing to comply with her COVID-19 ultimatum. City lists 550 firefighters as unvaccinated.

TAGS: Lori Lightfoot, vaccine mandate

Chicagoans owe $43,100 each to settle city debt

By Patrick Andriesen

02/02/2022

A financial watchdog report estimated each taxpayer in Chicago would need to pay $43,100 to settle the city’s debt. It stands at No. 2 for big U.S. cities. Blame city leaders for repeatedly making pension debt worse.

TAGS: Chicago, debt

If Illinois uses COVID-19 funds for operations, expect financial pitfall

By Patrick Andriesen

01/31/2022

A think tank advised Illinois leaders not to use temporary federal COVID-19 relief aid for on-going programs. It would lead to future funding shortfalls.

TAGS: American Rescue Plan, COVID-19, Illinois

Quick-to-strike leaders need to be replaced, Chicago Teachers Union members say

By Patrick Andriesen

01/26/2022

The Members First Caucus said the current Chicago Teachers Union leaders see “work stoppages and strikes as the first step, and not the last one.” They want less political activism and more focus on delivering for members and students.

TAGS: COVID-19, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

ComEd bribery scandal restitution denied for second time

By Patrick Andriesen

01/25/2022

The lawsuit filed on behalf of millions of ratepayers sought to recover the costs incurred during Commonwealth Edison’s attempts to sway former House Speaker Mike Madigan. It was dismissed for a second time.

TAGS: bribery, ComEd, Mike Madigan

Crime surge, police exodus put Illinois criminal justice reforms in crosshairs

By Dylan Sharkey

01/24/2022

Eliminating cash bail and regulating police officers were parts of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act that some lawmakers blame for a rise in crime and loss of police officers. Republican state lawmakers want it repealed, while Democrats say it just needs tweaks.

TAGS: Chicago, crime, police, SAFE-T Act

Investigation finds Illinois politicians packed extra pork into $45 billion plan

By Patrick Andriesen

01/21/2022

An investigation found $4 billion in funds to be doled out by politicians at their discretion, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker controlling half of it. The extra pork was packed into Illinois’ $45 billion infrastructure plan, including $144 million for Madigan friends – some who never asked for it.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, pork barrel spending, Rebuild Illinois

Chicago

Illinois is only big state to charge a tax on groceries

Delaware, New Jersey governors lift mask mandates

Chicago property taxes nearly doubled in a decade

Lightfoot vaccine deadline could trigger city worker firings

Chicagoans owe $43,100 each to settle city debt

If Illinois uses COVID-19 funds for operations, expect financial pitfall

Quick-to-strike leaders need to be replaced, Chicago Teachers Union members say

ComEd bribery scandal restitution denied for second time

Crime surge, police exodus put Illinois criminal justice reforms in crosshairs

Investigation finds Illinois politicians packed extra pork into $45 billion plan

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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