Black Illinoisans still hurt most by COVID-19 job losses despite strong 2021
Black Illinoisans still hurt most by COVID-19 job losses despite strong 2021
Nearly 17% of the jobs held by Black Illinoisans prior to the COVID-19 pandemic are still missing, nearly triple the loss of white Illinoisans.
By Bryce Hill
Pritzker pitches $1B in temporary tax cuts after $5.4B in permanent tax hikes
Pritzker pitches $1B in temporary tax cuts after $5.4B in permanent tax hikes
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to unveil $1 billion in temporary tax cuts on groceries, property taxes and gas bills in his new budget. It all goes away just months after he seeks reelection Nov. 8, changing little.
By Patrick Andriesen
If Illinois uses COVID-19 funds for operations, expect financial pitfall
If Illinois uses COVID-19 funds for operations, expect financial pitfall
A think tank advised Illinois leaders not to use temporary federal COVID-19 relief aid for on-going programs. It would lead to future funding shortfalls.
By Patrick Andriesen
Nick Salzmann
Nick Salzmann
“We’ve been going back and forth with the union to have that vote to no avail, so we brought in help from National Right To Work to file everything to decertify.”
Quick-to-strike leaders need to be replaced, Chicago Teachers Union members say
Quick-to-strike leaders need to be replaced, Chicago Teachers Union members say
The Members First Caucus said the current Chicago Teachers Union leaders see “work stoppages and strikes as the first step, and not the last one.” They want less political activism and more focus on delivering for members and students.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker vetoes COVID-19 sick leave for school workers, says only vaccinated deserve it
Pritzker vetoes COVID-19 sick leave for school workers, says only vaccinated deserve it
Gov. J.B Pritzker vetoed a bill guaranteeing sick leave for school and college employees related to COVID-19. He said he would rather sign a bill reserving compensation for employees fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began
Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began
Despite adding 262,600 jobs in 2021, Illinois is still a long way off from a full recovery from the COVID-19 economic downturn.
By Bryce Hill
ComEd bribery scandal restitution denied for second time
ComEd bribery scandal restitution denied for second time
The lawsuit filed on behalf of millions of ratepayers sought to recover the costs incurred during Commonwealth Edison’s attempts to sway former House Speaker Mike Madigan. It was dismissed for a second time.
By Patrick Andriesen
Secretary of State Offices reopen as Omicron peak subsides, statewide mitigations mount
Secretary of State Offices reopen as Omicron peak subsides, statewide mitigations mount
Secretary of State Jesse White said the offices will reopen over the next two days as drivers’ facilities resume in-person services after the Omicron peak. Governor offers no such assurances about lifting mitigations in the state.
By Patrick Andriesen