Free beer with your COVID-19 shot is aim of Illinois lawmakers
Free beer with your COVID-19 shot is aim of Illinois lawmakers
There is no such thing as free beer in Illinois, which is why state lawmakers are considering allowing one mug or another alcoholic beverage as a reward for getting a COVID-19 shot. State lawmakers have no plans to pick up the tab.
By Brad Weisenstein
What you need to know about Pritzker’s next set of COVID-19 rules
What you need to know about Pritzker’s next set of COVID-19 rules
Illinois is about to reach the extra COVID-19 reopening phase Gov. J.B. Pritzker added in March. Here are the rules of the ‘Bridge’ phase expected to begin May 14 and last until June 11.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker boosts public school funding by $350 million but wants to cut low-income scholarship program
Pritzker boosts public school funding by $350 million but wants to cut low-income scholarship program
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wanted to renege on the promised $350 million increase in education spending until state lawmakers pushed back. He still wants to cut the scholarship program low-income and minority students use when public education doesn’t fit them.
By Patrick Andriesen
Thousands of Illinoisans await calls from state unemployment agency
Thousands of Illinoisans await calls from state unemployment agency
The Illinois Department of Employment Security had a backlog of 156K calls in February. Now, over a year into the pandemic, its offices remain closed to the public and 43K Illinoisans are still awaiting a call from IDES.
By Brad Weisenstein, Patrick Andriesen
Justin Neal
Justin Neal
“Since April 1, I’ve called them 20-30 times. I’ve tried to reach out to IDES a number of times using the 1-800 number. Most times when you call, they just put you in a queue.”
‘Transparency’ on Illinois legislative maps begins behind closed doors
‘Transparency’ on Illinois legislative maps begins behind closed doors
Democratic state lawmakers were given a private look at new Illinois House district maps. Partisan legislative maps and gerrymandering seem to be surviving ‘transparency.’
Illinois ‘reopens’ June 11, but keep those masks on, Pritzker says
Illinois ‘reopens’ June 11, but keep those masks on, Pritzker says
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to keep those masks on Illinoisans, he said in announcing a June 11 target to reopen the state. The reopening ‘bridge’ phase he added in March may begin May 14.
By Brad Weisenstein
School closures keep over 28,000 Illinois moms out of work
School closures keep over 28,000 Illinois moms out of work
States that have re-opened schools have also increased labor force participation of mothers, evidence suggests.
By Orphe Divounguy
Census estimates again confirm Illinois population loss driven by people leaving
Census estimates again confirm Illinois population loss driven by people leaving
New data showed domestic migration continued to be the only reason for Illinois’ population decline.
By Bryce Hill
Bose Clodfelter
Bose Clodfelter
“We are investing in our children’s education, and that money should be allocated where we choose for them to get the education that we would like for them to receive.”
Syreeta Plummer
Syreeta Plummer
“As a parent you sacrifice to do what’s best for your child. I wanted to give my children a jump start in life. Sending them to private school was my way of setting them up for success.”
July may be when Pritzker cautiously lifts Illinois COVID-19 restrictions
July may be when Pritzker cautiously lifts Illinois COVID-19 restrictions
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Illinois could fully reopen in July, but fully reopen with some permanent restrictions. The state has yet to enter the ‘bridge phase’ to reopening that he added in March.
By Patrick Andriesen
Alexandria “Allie” Quigley
Alexandria “Allie” Quigley
"The Empower Illinois tax credit program is something that really hits home for me, personally, and for my family and my brothers and sister."