Pritzker backs off COVID-19 vax deadline amid union opposition
Pritzker backs off COVID-19 vax deadline amid union opposition
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker couldn’t reach an agreement with the public employee unions representing workers in group settings, so he delayed the COVID-19 vaccination deadline until Nov. 30. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s vaccination fight with the police union escalates.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pritzker wants to end health conscience law’s use to avoid COVID-19 vax
Pritzker wants to end health conscience law’s use to avoid COVID-19 vax
As Illinois politicians continue trying to force vaccinations on more residents, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is trying to end use of a state law designed to stop people from being forced into health care decisions.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois’ ‘extreme’ risk of gerrymandering becomes reality through congressional map
Illinois’ ‘extreme’ risk of gerrymandering becomes reality through congressional map
The Illinois congressional map proposal released by Democrats has districts that are far from compact, snaking to catch and avoid populations. Republicans label it the ‘Nancy Pelosi Protection Plan.’
By Robert Brutvan
Steven Blake
Steven Blake
"Rain or shine, hot or cold, I’m out here. My customers tell me they’re so glad I’m back. My presence brings a sense of normalcy back.”
Pritzker offers National Guard if Chicago cops’ COVID-19 vax statuses thin ranks
Pritzker offers National Guard if Chicago cops’ COVID-19 vax statuses thin ranks
With Chicago Police officers refusing to report their COVID-19 vaccination statuses, city streets soon could go unprotected. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is offering to call out the National Guard to keep order.
By Dylan Sharkey
What you need to know about giving unions special treatment in Illinois’ constitution
What you need to know about giving unions special treatment in Illinois’ constitution
If passed by voters in November 2022, an amendment to the Illinois Constitution would allow collective bargaining agreements to override state law forever. That gives more power to union bosses than to state lawmakers – and voters.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago leaves 3,300 students stranded without a school bus ride
Chicago leaves 3,300 students stranded without a school bus ride
Chicago Public Schools’ shortage of school bus drivers has gotten worse. Sending kids to school with a rideshare driver makes some parents nervous.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago police union fighting Lightfoot COVID-19 vaccine mandate
Chicago police union fighting Lightfoot COVID-19 vaccine mandate
Chicago’s police union is planning to challenge Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate and encouraging officers to ignore demands to report their vaccination status by Oct. 15. Only about 25% of police are vaccinated.
By Brad Weisenstein
Katie Vandenberg
Katie Vandenberg
"Peoria created an annual pension fee. Homeowners might pay $30-40 annually while commercial owners or landlords might pay $150-250."
Vicki Granacki
Vicki Granacki
“I have good relationships with my tenants, so I do everything I can to help them. My husband and I hoped to pass the building on to our son, yet these taxes put business and property owners in a tough spot.”
Illinois state lawmakers get a little more ethical, but a lot more is needed
Illinois state lawmakers get a little more ethical, but a lot more is needed
The new Illinois ethics law brings a little change to the nation’s second-most corrupt state, but what is needed are the stronger reforms lawmakers promised after ousting scandal-plagued former House Speaker Mike Madigan.
By Dylan Sharkey
Lightfoot lets Chicago workers out of vaccine mandate if they pay to get tested until 2022
Lightfoot lets Chicago workers out of vaccine mandate if they pay to get tested until 2022
Unvaccinated Chicago city employees must be tested twice a week, at their own expense, to avoid losing their paychecks.
By Robert Brutvan