Illinois residents saw their household median income grow over the last five years, but still at a lower rate than in other states around the country.

Why it matters: In trying to keep up with inflation and cost of living increases, Illinoisans have seen their average median household income grow 5% to $68,428 in 2020.

Based on the allegations of the complaint, “[i]f this case were a Monell crime scene, [Melrose Park Village Mayor Ronald Serpico] left his fingerprints, footprints, and DNA all over the place.

The economic fallout that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic put millions of Americans out of work. Without a steady source of income, many were unable to pay for basic necessities, like shelter. To address the issue, the U.S. Department of the Treasury enacted the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which allocated up to $46.5 billion to help Americans struggling to afford housing and utilities.

Due in part to bureaucratic delays at state and local levels, however, less than 40% of that money had been spent as of the end of January 2022 – and in much of the country, a large share of the population is behind on rent and facing possible eviction.

The Illinois Tollway board of directors this week approved 12 construction and professional engineering services contracts, including several to suburban businesses, totaling nearly $56 million.

Advocates for low income worker tax relief rallied at Daley Plaza Monday for the passage of a bill that has bipartisan support in Springfield.

The bill would account for 1 percent of the total state budget but would impact 40 percent of those living in Illinois.

Illinois Prisoner Review Board members with high rates of granting convicts leniency don’t have the recommendation of a state Senate committee.

Senate Republicans have been critical of what they say is gamesmanship in the appointment, withdrawal and reappointment of such members.