Nearly 40K Illinois jobs still missing 3 years after pandemic

By Bryce Hill

03/10/2023

Illinois is still missing 39,500 jobs that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic hit three years ago. Also, 2022 jobs growth was weaker than first thought.

What you need to know about voting in Illinois’ upcoming local elections

By Hannah Schmid

03/09/2023

Voting has started in many Illinois counties for the April 4 consolidated election for early, in-person voting and for those who’ve requested mail-in ballots. Here’s your guide to voting in the upcoming election.

TAGS: election

Chicago Teachers Union charges members $8 a month for Brandon Johnson campaign

By Patrick Andriesen

03/09/2023

Chicago Teachers Union delegates voted to apportion $8 per month per member’s dues to help fund Brandon Johnson’s mayoral campaign. The motion to potentially triple the union’s campaign investment has drawn criticism from members.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

3 years after COVID-19 hit, Pritzker declares 40th emergency order

By Dylan Sharkey

03/08/2023

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared COVID-19 a disaster in Illinois for the 40th time. Illinois is 1 of only 6 states still using COVID-19 to declare a public health emergency.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois Jeep plant shutters indefinitely, shedding 1,200 jobs

By Dylan Sharkey

03/08/2023

For the first time in 57 years, Belvidere doesn’t have workers finishing their shifts at the local auto plant. Jeep manufacturer Stellantis idled the plant indefinitely. It is one of the five biggest auto assembly plants in the world. In a city of 25,000, it’s a vital part of the local economy. The state has...

SAT scores in decline across Illinois, Chicago since 2017

By Hannah Schmid

03/08/2023

SAT scores are dropping for high school students in Illinois and Chicago. Here’s how Illinois’ 20 largest school districts compared to the state average in reading and math.

TAGS: ISBE: Illinois State Board of Education

Mayor race pits school choice against more power for Chicago Teachers Union

By Dylan Sharkey

03/02/2023

Former Chicago Public School CEO Paul Vallas and Chicago Teachers Union lobbyist Brandon Johnson will advance to the April 4 runoff election. Both have very different views on public safety and education.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Invest in Kids, Paul Vallas

3 bills would punish corrupt politicians in Illinois

By Dylan Sharkey

03/02/2023

A package of anti-corruption bills were introduced in the Illinois Senate: one prohibits lawmakers from using campaign money to pay for legal defense, another fines felonious politicians $100,000 and one takes away their specialty license plates.

TAGS: corruption

Illinois cannabis sales dip from monthly record

By Dylan Sharkey

02/27/2023

December 2022 broke the record for monthly cannabis sales in Illinois, but January 2023 couldn’t keep up.

TAGS: marijuana

How Chicago Teachers Union members can stop forced political donations

By Mailee Smith

02/24/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union has drawn criticism from members for its handling of member money and use of dues for political purposes. Teachers who don’t like the way CTU uses their money can opt out and join alternative organizations.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Illinois

Nearly 40K Illinois jobs still missing 3 years after pandemic

What you need to know about voting in Illinois’ upcoming local elections

Chicago Teachers Union charges members $8 a month for Brandon Johnson campaign

3 years after COVID-19 hit, Pritzker declares 40th emergency order

Illinois Jeep plant shutters indefinitely, shedding 1,200 jobs

SAT scores in decline across Illinois, Chicago since 2017

Mayor race pits school choice against more power for Chicago Teachers Union

3 bills would punish corrupt politicians in Illinois

Illinois cannabis sales dip from monthly record

How Chicago Teachers Union members can stop forced political donations

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