SAFE-T Act’s end to cash bail paused by Illinois Supreme Court

By Patrick Andriesen

01/02/2023

The Illinois Supreme Court stayed a provision of the SAFE-T Act set to take effect Jan. 1 that would have eliminated cash bail statewide after a county judge ruled it would violate the state constitution. The high court said it planned an “expedited” review.

TAGS: SAFE-T Act

DCFS held kids in hospitals for months beyond doctors’ orders

By Dylan Sharkey

12/01/2022

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services held kids in psychiatric hospitals for far longer than needed because the agency couldn’t find them housing.

TAGS: DCFS: Department of Children and Family Services

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

By Aimee Morrissey, Perry Zhao, Joe Tabor

11/03/2022

On Nov. 8, Illinoisans will vote for important judge positions, including three Illinois Supreme Court justices and 16 appellate court judges. Their decisions impact daily life, yet about 25% of voters leave their ballots blank when they get to the judges.

TAGS: election, judges

Crain’s becomes 5th major newspaper to say vote ‘no’ on Amendment 1

By Dylan Sharkey

11/02/2022

Crain’s Chicago Business’ editorial board is endorsing a ‘no’ vote on Amendment 1. Two Crain’s columnists did so, also, because of the unchecked power it would grant government unions.

TAGS: workers rights amendment

3 business groups say voters need to reject Amendment 1 to fix Illinois

By Patrick Andriesen

10/31/2022

The Illinois Manufacturers Association president warned Amendment 1 would tie lawmakers’ hands from pursuing fiscal reform. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce president said it would decrease business investment and the Technology and Manufacturing Association of Illinois is worried about property tax increases.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Cook County voters face 2 property tax hike proposals

10/04/2022

Both forest preserve leaders and government unions are asking Cook County voters for more property taxes on Nov. 8.

TAGS: Cook County, property taxes

Illinois Supreme Court rejects back pay for former state lawmakers

By Dylan Sharkey

09/23/2022

In a unanimous decision, the Illinois Supreme Court denied a lawsuit by two former state senators seeking back pay. The senators bragged about voting against the raises, then decided they deserved them after leaving office.

TAGS: Illinois Supreme Court

Illinois Supreme Court chief justice retiring ahead of husband’s corruption trial

By Dylan Sharkey

09/16/2022

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke will retire Nov. 30, allowing her replacement to be appointed rather than elected. Her husband, Chicago Ald. Ed Burke, faces reelection in February and a corruption trial in late 2023.

TAGS: Illinois Supreme Court

Illinois’ public pension mess shows threat of unchecked government union power

By Joe Tabor

09/14/2022

For 52 years the Illinois Constitution’s pension protection clause has locked the state into retirement promises it cannot afford. Amendment 1 could do the same for government union demands, handing taxpayers the bill.

TAGS: government unions, pensions

Fixing Illinois pension crisis by amending nation’s most-restrictive pension law is legal, effective

By Joe Tabor

08/17/2022

Published Aug. 17, 2022 Illinois is home to one of the worst pension crises in the country.1 At 39% funded, according to the nonpartisan Pew Charitable Trusts, Illinois has the worst pension funding ratio of any state.2 By contrast, neighboring Wisconsin’s pension system is 103% funded.3 In fiscal year 2022, Illinois’ total general funds pension...

Illinois Supreme Court

SAFE-T Act’s end to cash bail paused by Illinois Supreme Court

DCFS held kids in hospitals for months beyond doctors’ orders

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

Crain’s becomes 5th major newspaper to say vote ‘no’ on Amendment 1

3 business groups say voters need to reject Amendment 1 to fix Illinois

Cook County voters face 2 property tax hike proposals

Illinois Supreme Court rejects back pay for former state lawmakers

Illinois Supreme Court chief justice retiring ahead of husband’s corruption trial

Illinois’ public pension mess shows threat of unchecked government union power

Fixing Illinois pension crisis by amending nation’s most-restrictive pension law is legal, effective

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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