Pension debt limits teacher pay, hurts recruitment in Illinois
Pension debt limits teacher pay, hurts recruitment in Illinois
Money that could help address the teacher shortage is often the first to get cut in pursuit of keeping up with government pension debt. Supporting Illinois teachers will require constitutional pension reform and protecting Tier 2 cost savings.
By LyLena Estabine
37 states wouldn’t let Pritzker run for 3rd term in 2026
37 states wouldn’t let Pritzker run for 3rd term in 2026
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is running for a third term in 2026. In two-thirds of the states, term-limit laws would prevent him from running.
By Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis
16 missed chances for state lawmakers to help out Illinoisans
16 missed chances for state lawmakers to help out Illinoisans
Out of almost 7,000 bills filed, the Illinois General Assembly passed a little over 400. Some were good. Some were bad. Here are 16 bills that would have improved life in the state had they passed.
By Joe Tabor
Vallas: It was a bad weekend, but Chicago’s violent crime rate falling
Vallas: It was a bad weekend, but Chicago’s violent crime rate falling
A violent Independence Day weekend has Chicagoans worried about violent crime, but it was a spike and not a trend. Crime is falling, thanks to new law enforcement efforts.
By Paul Vallas
Iowa barbers now earn as they learn; Illinois forces $38k in costs
Iowa barbers now earn as they learn; Illinois forces $38k in costs
Iowa just cut cosmetology and barber training red tape, allowing students to learn on the job, get paid and finish debt free. Illinois should do the same, offering apprenticeships in licensed occupations rather than forcing aspiring workers to take on big debt.
By Lauren Zuar
Illinois lawmakers worry about paper coupons, death carpets, stickers, beauty sleep
Illinois lawmakers worry about paper coupons, death carpets, stickers, beauty sleep
What pressing issues did the Illinois General Assembly consider among 6,745 bills this past session? They pondered a sticker commission, “end-of-life” carpets, paper grocery coupons, 15-year-old voters and their own beauty sleep.
By Lilly Rossi
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Happy Fourth of July? Nope. We should always call it Independence Day. It reminds us of what we celebrate and what it means.
By John Tillman
Rockford workforce program lays concrete foundation for young adults
Rockford workforce program lays concrete foundation for young adults
As Illinois faces high unemployment, a persistent skills gap and thousands of at-risk youth, Rockford delivers opportunity through a targeted workforce program. It offers a model for other Illinois cities.
By Lauren Zuar
Nearly 32,000 Illinois government pensioners paid $100k-plus
Nearly 32,000 Illinois government pensioners paid $100k-plus
State data shows 31,937 members of Illinois’ five pension systems collected $100,000 a year or more in retirement benefits during 2024. Some got over $500,000. See the full list below.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois nurse shortage fix is blocked by unions
Illinois nurse shortage fix is blocked by unions
Joining the multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact offers a solution to Illinois’ growing nurse shortage, but certain special interest groups stand in the way, limiting patients’ access to timely medical care.
By Jack Knorr
Mac Hoffmann: former Statehouse staffer turns Madigan downfall into folk music
Mac Hoffmann: former Statehouse staffer turns Madigan downfall into folk music
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan may be heading for a 7.5-year stint in the federal pen, but his corrupt legend lives on thanks to a folk song by a former staffer.
By Jess Plowman
Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles
Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles
Illinois’ latest budget diverts millions in infrastructure funds to cover structural budget deficits despite substandard road conditions.
By Ravi Mishra