Everything Illinoisans need to know about the SAFE-T Act

By Joe Tabor, Perry Zhao

11/18/2022

The omnibus criminal justice reform bill became highly politicized in the November elections, mixing fact and fiction. There are problems with the bill, but state lawmakers can fix them before the SAFE-T Act takes effect in January.

TAGS: SAFE-T Act

Pritzker gives himself COVID-19 emergency powers for 36th time

By Patrick Andriesen

11/16/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared Illinois a disaster area for the 36th time, extending his emergency powers over the state for another 30 days. None of Illinois’ neighboring states remain under emergency powers.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Amendment 1 isn’t about taxes? The public pension crisis begs to differ.

By Brad Weisenstein

11/03/2022

Nothing about property taxes in Amendment 1? There’s nothing about the cost in most of what Illinois politicians pass, but there’s usually a surprise for taxpayers hidden somewhere.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Union boss receives 19-month prison sentence for extorting $325K from film studio

By Patrick Andriesen

10/28/2022

A former Teamsters secretary-treasurer was sentenced to 19 months in prison for extorting $325,000 from a Chicago film studio. The judge refused to give probation, saying “there is a price we all pay for public corruption.”

Pritzker changes mask rules in 35th COVID disaster proclamation

By Dylan Sharkey

10/18/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued his 35th COVID-19 disaster proclamation, extending his powers for 70% of his term.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, masks

Illinois court blocks petition to remove Amendment 1 from Nov. 8 ballot

By Dylan Sharkey

08/31/2022

An Illinois appellate court cleared the way for Amendment 1 to stay on the Nov. 8 ballot. Regardless of whether the change to the state constitution might violate the U.S. Constitution, the process for putting it on the ballot was valid, justices ruled.

TAGS: Amendment 1, workers rights

Get the facts: Amendment 1 study guide

By Mailee Smith, Bryce Hill

08/26/2022

The so-called “Workers’ Rights Amendment” would lead to substantial tax increases for working Illinoisans and small business owners.

TAGS: Amendment 1, workers rights amendment

Pritzker administration failed to report unemployment fraud data

By Dylan Sharkey

08/16/2022

A U.S. Department of Labor report stated Illinois failed to report theft of pandemic relief money as required. Illinois lost over half of pandemic unemployment funds to fraud.

TAGS: fraud, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, JB Pritzker

Illinois retiree: Amendment 1 could cost me my home

08/12/2022

Voters decide Nov. 8 whether to pass Amendment 1 – a hidden tax hike that could cost Illinois taxpayers, including fixed-income retirees, their homes and put homeownership farther out of reach for young families.

TAGS: Amendment 1

NEA dues rise, spending on teachers drops for 6 straight years

By Mailee Smith

08/10/2022

Federal documents filed by the National Education Association show just 5% of its total spending was on representing members in 2021. NEA and its state affiliate – the Illinois Education Association – prioritized leadership salaries and politics over teachers.

Illinois General Assembly

Everything Illinoisans need to know about the SAFE-T Act

Pritzker gives himself COVID-19 emergency powers for 36th time

Amendment 1 isn’t about taxes? The public pension crisis begs to differ.

Union boss receives 19-month prison sentence for extorting $325K from film studio

Pritzker changes mask rules in 35th COVID disaster proclamation

Illinois court blocks petition to remove Amendment 1 from Nov. 8 ballot

Get the facts: Amendment 1 study guide

Pritzker administration failed to report unemployment fraud data

Illinois retiree: Amendment 1 could cost me my home

NEA dues rise, spending on teachers drops for 6 straight years

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and how can it benefit 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