Pritzker issues 39th emergency order as 43 states end covid policies

By Dylan Sharkey

02/08/2023

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker intends to extend his COVID-19 emergency powers until May 11. Illinois is 1 of only 7 states still claiming disaster status as a result of COVID-19.

TAGS: emergency powers, JB Pritzker

Biden promises nearly $36 billion for national pension bailouts

By Patrick Andriesen

12/12/2022

The Biden administration promised nearly $36 billion to stabilize pension plans for Teamsters nationwide after forecasts predicted the system’s default by 2026. Union members would have seen their retirement benefits slashed by 60% if the system defaulted.

TAGS: Joe Biden, pensions

Pritzker spends $323M on 2 campaigns for governor

By Dylan Sharkey

11/14/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker spent $152 million in defeating state Sen. Darren Bailey for re-election, down from the $171 million for his first Illinois gubernatorial campaign.

TAGS: Darren Bailey, JB Pritzker

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

Report card: How’s Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker done in 4 years?

By Patrick Andriesen, Dylan Sharkey

10/17/2022

A review of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s term in Illinois’ highest office examines his track record beyond the campaign rhetoric. The second and final gubernatorial debate with opponent Darren Bailey is Oct. 18.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Pritzker signs 34th consecutive emergency order as Biden declares COVID ‘over’

By Dylan Sharkey

09/19/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued his 34th disaster proclamation regarding COVID-19, extending his emergency powers to nearly 70% of his term. President Joe Biden said the pandemic is done.

TAGS: emergency powers

Pritzker’s Texas disaster declaration comes as pandemic disaster expires

By Dylan Sharkey

09/15/2022

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster declaration because over 500 immigrants were bused to Chicago by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. This disaster is atop the pandemic disaster he is expected to renew for the 34th time.

TAGS: emergency powers, JB Pritzker

Biden may suspend federal gas tax as Pritzker sets up double hike for 2023

By Dylan Sharkey

06/23/2022

President Biden will call on Congress to suspend the federal gasoline and diesel tax for three months. Instead of suspending it, Gov J.B. Pritzker delayed the next motor fuel tax hike until after the election, hitting Illinois drivers with two hikes in 2023.

TAGS: Amendment 1, gas prices, gas tax, JB Pritzker, Joe Biden, taxes

Biden extends transit mask mandate by 1 month

By Dylan Sharkey

03/11/2022

Travelers on planes, buses and other public transportation will have to stay masked until April 18. The federal mandate was to expire March 18.

TAGS: Amtrak, CTA: Chicago Transit Authority, Joe Biden, mask mandate, Metra

Illinois teachers push back on COVID-19 vax mandate

By Dylan Sharkey

01/21/2022

Illinois teachers currently face mandated COVID-19 testing if unvaccinated. The Illinois State Board of Education might remove that option depending on whether it follows Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mandate or a high court decision.

TAGS: ISBE: Illinois State Board of Education, public schools, vaccine mandate

Joe Biden

Pritzker issues 39th emergency order as 43 states end covid policies

Biden promises nearly $36 billion for national pension bailouts

Pritzker spends $323M on 2 campaigns for governor

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

Report card: How’s Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker done in 4 years?

Pritzker signs 34th consecutive emergency order as Biden declares COVID ‘over’

Pritzker’s Texas disaster declaration comes as pandemic disaster expires

Biden may suspend federal gas tax as Pritzker sets up double hike for 2023

Biden extends transit mask mandate by 1 month

Illinois teachers push back on COVID-19 vax mandate

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