Illinois Supreme Court rejects back pay for former state lawmakers
Illinois Supreme Court rejects back pay for former state lawmakers
In a unanimous decision, the Illinois Supreme Court denied a lawsuit by two former state senators seeking back pay. The senators bragged about voting against the raises, then decided they deserved them after leaving office.
By Dylan Sharkey
Cook County ends $80 ‘wheel tax’ for 50,000 drivers
Cook County ends $80 ‘wheel tax’ for 50,000 drivers
The Cook County Board voted unanimously to repeal the sticker mandate on drivers living in unincorporated Cook County starting in 2023. Drivers will save at least $80 a year.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker tells 2 state senators to resign after corruption allegations
Pritzker tells 2 state senators to resign after corruption allegations
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is demanding resignations from two longtime Democratic state senators. One faces federal bribery charges in connection with red-light cameras. The other allegations of domestic abuse and harassment of a top staffer.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago school enrollment declines for 11th year
Chicago school enrollment declines for 11th year
A total of 82,000 fewer students attend Chicago Public Schools than a decade ago. Chicago Teachers Union President Stacey Davis Gates blames the city for more than a decade of declining enrollment.
By Dylan Sharkey
What does Amendment 1 look like on Nov. 8 ballot?
What does Amendment 1 look like on Nov. 8 ballot?
The constitutional amendment question at the top of the ballot may not include the words “Workers’ Rights Amendment” or even “Amendment 1.” So what will it say?
By Joe Tabor
State senator faces federal bribery charges in red-light camera scheme
State senator faces federal bribery charges in red-light camera scheme
Illinois state Sen. Emil Jones III is the latest politician charged with bribery as well as lying to the FBI in a corruption probe involving red-light cameras.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pritzker signs 34th consecutive emergency order as Biden declares COVID ‘over’
Pritzker signs 34th consecutive emergency order as Biden declares COVID ‘over’
Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued his 34th disaster proclamation regarding COVID-19, extending his emergency powers to nearly 70% of his term. President Joe Biden said the pandemic is done.
By Dylan Sharkey
Fact check: Unemployment under Pritzker worse than Midwest, U.S.
Fact check: Unemployment under Pritzker worse than Midwest, U.S.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is claiming his administration has fought for Illinois families. Since Pritzker took office, Illinois’ unemployment rate is worse compared to other states.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois Supreme Court chief justice retiring ahead of husband’s corruption trial
Illinois Supreme Court chief justice retiring ahead of husband’s corruption trial
Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke will retire Nov. 30, allowing her replacement to be appointed rather than elected. Her husband, Chicago Ald. Ed Burke, faces reelection in February and a corruption trial in late 2023.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois adds 4,100 jobs in August, slowing significantly
Illinois adds 4,100 jobs in August, slowing significantly
Illinois saw a significant slowdown in employment growth during August. The state is still missing 80,700 jobs from the pandemic.
By Justin Carlson
Pritzker’s Texas disaster declaration comes as pandemic disaster expires
Pritzker’s Texas disaster declaration comes as pandemic disaster expires
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster declaration because over 500 immigrants were bused to Chicago by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. This disaster is atop the pandemic disaster he is expected to renew for the 34th time.
By Dylan Sharkey