Illinois’ business climate in decline since 2018, as most neighbors improve

By Dylan Sharkey

10/26/2022

During the past five years, Illinois’ business tax climate has gotten worse while all neighboring states improved or held steady. Six companies this year said they are relocating, and the exodus may not be over.

TAGS: State Business Tax Climate Index

Here’s a trick to save taxes on soaring Halloween candy prices

By Patrick Andriesen

10/26/2022

Halloween shoppers can expect to spend 13% more on treats this October than last season, marking the largest-ever single-year jump in candy prices. Illinois’ tax system this year lets treaters save some dough by picking candy with flour.

Madigan’s arraignment over AT&T bribery charges set for Nov. 1

By Patrick Andriesen

10/25/2022

Michael Madigan, former Illinois House speaker, and his longtime political ally and operative will enter pleas in federal court Nov. 1. They are charged with coercing bribes from AT&T in return for passing favorable legislation in Springfield.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Illinois unemployment rate is worst in U.S.

By Justin Carlson

10/25/2022

Illinois added 14,900 jobs in September, but its unemployment rate was the highest in the nation. Inflation and growing recession fears could hit the state harder than most.

Early voting starts in Cook County for Nov. 8 elections

By Patrick Andriesen

10/24/2022

Cook County voters can now visit any of the 53 polling locations countywide to cast their ballot for the Nov. 8 general elections. Illinoisians can still choose to permanently vote by mail until Nov. 3.

TAGS: Cook County, early voting

Bipartisan group of lawmakers objects to Pritzker’s endless COVID rules

By Dylan Sharkey

10/21/2022

Members of the Illinois General Assembly’s bipartisan Joint Committee on Administrative Rules are questioning the prolonged state of emergency regarding COVID-19. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has declared a state of emergency 35 times.

TAGS: executive order, JB Pritzker

Congressmen ask Pritzker to repay $1.3B federal unemployment debt

By Patrick Andriesen

10/19/2022

U.S. House Ways and Means Committee members wrote Gov. J.B. Pritzker asking for repayment of a $1.3 billion federal unemployment insurance fund loan before Nov. 10. Failing to do so means automatically raising taxes on businesses.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Pritzker flips on school choice scholarships he tried to cut

By Dylan Sharkey

10/19/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker now supports the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program, according to a candidate survey. Pritzker in the past called for eliminating the program.

TAGS: Invest in Kids, JB Pritzker

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

Amendment 1 could block efforts to shrink Illinois’ 6,000-plus layers of government

By Joe Tabor

10/18/2022

Amendment 1 would empower government unions to the point that their contracts could prevent consolidation of Illinois’ nation-leading number of local governments. Neither state law nor voters would be able to do much about it.

TAGS: local government consolidation

Illinois

Illinois’ business climate in decline since 2018, as most neighbors improve

Here’s a trick to save taxes on soaring Halloween candy prices

Madigan’s arraignment over AT&T bribery charges set for Nov. 1

Illinois unemployment rate is worst in U.S.

Early voting starts in Cook County for Nov. 8 elections

Bipartisan group of lawmakers objects to Pritzker’s endless COVID rules

Congressmen ask Pritzker to repay $1.3B federal unemployment debt

Pritzker flips on school choice scholarships he tried to cut

Pritzker changes mask rules in 35th COVID disaster proclamation

Amendment 1 could block efforts to shrink Illinois’ 6,000-plus layers of government

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