Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan indicted for federal racketeering
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan indicted for federal racketeering
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been indicted for racketeering and bribery in a federal corruption probe spanning more than two years.
By Dylan Sharkey
Courts could block Chicago Public Schools mask mandate
Courts could block Chicago Public Schools mask mandate
Despite revised statewide orders, Chicago Public Schools are still requiring universal masking in all schools and offices after the Chicago Teachers Union forced the change through a walkout. A judge was asked to let student faces go free.
By Dylan Sharkey
After losing scholarship, Chicago family sold car to keep kids in private school
After losing scholarship, Chicago family sold car to keep kids in private school
Invest in Kids tax credit scholarships give opportunities to minority families and stability to students when hard times hit. Tough choices await when the scholarships dry up.
Illinois teachers unions call strikes 48 times in 10 years
Illinois teachers unions call strikes 48 times in 10 years
Illinois has seen 48 teacher strikes in 10 years. None of Illinois’ neighboring states let unions use students and their educations as bargaining chips.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pritzker mandates masks in health care clinics one day after mask mandate ends
Pritzker mandates masks in health care clinics one day after mask mandate ends
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has revised the indoor mask mandate issued in August, limiting indoor masking to health care and congregate facilities. Also, he said the Illinois Department of Public Health director is resigning.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago pension debt drove city property taxes up 164% before COVID-19
Chicago pension debt drove city property taxes up 164% before COVID-19
City property taxes rose 30% faster than in suburban Cook County from 2000 to 2019. Record inflation in 2022 will bring increases statewide in 2023.
Politicians convicted of corruption can run for re-election under Illinois law
Politicians convicted of corruption can run for re-election under Illinois law
After a corrupt politician gets caught in Illinois, they can again run for office. State Rep. Curtis Tarver II has introduced a bill to stop that.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois last in nation for growth in businesses that create jobs
Illinois last in nation for growth in businesses that create jobs
Lots of businesses tried to get started during 2021 in Illinois, but the ones that create jobs had a tough time launching. That’s why Illinois unemployment remains high and salaries depressed during a national labor shortage.
By Bryce Hill
Hot real estate market mostly missed Illinois, ranking 48th for new homes
Hot real estate market mostly missed Illinois, ranking 48th for new homes
Illinois saw new residential building permits in 2021 issued at one of the slowest rates in the nation. The rest of the U.S. saw real estate booming.
By Bryce Hill
Illinoisans pay highest sales taxes in Midwest, 8th highest in nation
Illinoisans pay highest sales taxes in Midwest, 8th highest in nation
Illinois’ combined state and average local retail sales tax rate topped 8.8% in 2022. That’s the 8th-highest in the nation and the highest in the Midwest.
By Bryce Hill
Illinois job opening rate 4th-lowest in nation
Illinois job opening rate 4th-lowest in nation
Workers looking for a job find fewer opportunities in Illinois than in virtually any other state.
By Bryce Hill