Former AFSCME boss admits to embezzling $200,000 in union dues

By Patrick Andriesen

04/14/2023

A former Alton labor union president pleaded guilty to transporting thousands of dollars in stolen member dues across state lines to gamble and pay for personal expenses.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Nearly 1 in 5 leave Illinois government union since getting a choice

By Mailee Smith

04/13/2023

AFSCME Council 31’s own federal reports show 18.5% of workers have chosen to break away since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME. It could be because less than 21% of the union’s spending is on representing its members.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Brandon Johnson pickets with Chicago State University strikers

By Dylan Sharkey

04/12/2023

Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson stood with striking Chicago State University faculty. Eastern Illinois University and Governors State University are also undergoing faculty strikes.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Illinois casino revenue down $200M since 2012, as Chicago bets on casino

By Dylan Sharkey

04/11/2023

Chicago is in line for casino gaming soon, but its success is dwindling as video gaming machines and sports betting rise.

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

04/06/2023

No other state’s constitution or labor laws are like Illinois’ – broadly allowing government unions to override statutes simply by negotiating contrary provisions into collective bargaining agreements. Illinois may not be alone for long.

ComEd 4 trial shows why fixing Illinois House Rules vital to stop next Madigan

By Joe Tabor

03/31/2023

The ComEd 4 corruption trial proves concentrated power breeds corruption. The fix? Reform the rules former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan crafted to concentrate all that power.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Brandon Johnson’s tax hikes would hurt Chicago’s recovery, cost even more jobs

By Justin Carlson

03/31/2023

Chicago is still missing 26,500 jobs from pre-pandemic levels. Voters agree: more taxes on businesses is the wrong answer.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

91 of 102 Illinois counties lose population in 2022

By Bryce Hill

03/30/2023

Illinois’ record population decline affected nearly all counties in 2022

TAGS: population, U.S. Census Bureau

Cook County population decline, outmigration 2nd-worst in U.S.

By Bryce Hill

03/30/2023

94,344 residents moved out of Cook County, the sole reason for 2022 population decline.

TAGS: Cook County, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Illinois’ out-of-state cannabis sales drop to 2-year low

By Dylan Sharkey

03/28/2023

Out-of-state cannabis sales fell to $31 million in February, the lowest since February 2021. Missouri starting recreational pot sales at a lower cost is a major factor.

Illinois

Former AFSCME boss admits to embezzling $200,000 in union dues

Nearly 1 in 5 leave Illinois government union since getting a choice

Brandon Johnson pickets with Chicago State University strikers

Illinois casino revenue down $200M since 2012, as Chicago bets on casino

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

ComEd 4 trial shows why fixing Illinois House Rules vital to stop next Madigan

Brandon Johnson’s tax hikes would hurt Chicago’s recovery, cost even more jobs

91 of 102 Illinois counties lose population in 2022

Cook County population decline, outmigration 2nd-worst in U.S.

Illinois’ out-of-state cannabis sales drop to 2-year low

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