Courts, Illinois
‘Potential chaos’ after judge strikes down cashless bail in parts of Illinois(The Center Square) – After months of debate over the pros and cons of the criminal justice package known as the SAFE-T Act, a judge has ruled the ending… Read More
Census, Illinois
Illinois’ annual population loss is accelerating(The Center Square) – For the ninth consecutive year, Illinois lost population and the losses are accelerating. Overall, the United States grew by 0.4% over the past year that ended… Read More
Public Education
Candidates for Illinois school boards begin filing nominating petitions(The Center Square) – Those who aspire to help govern their local school district in Illinois may now file nominating petitions. Nearly 6,000 men and women serve on school… Read More
Economy
Illinois named worst state for the middle class(The Center Square) – A new report lists the Land of Lincoln as the least tax-friendly state in the nation for middle-class families. The report… Read More
State Government
Gun store owner: Proposed gun and magazine ban would make criminals of ordinary Illinoisans(The Center Square) – Democrats and gun control groups are aiming to ban certain types of weapons in Illinois. A gun store owner says if that happens, they’ll file a… Read More
Public Education
Study shows a year-round school calendar has no academic benefit(The Center Square) – Dozens of Illinois schools have gone to a year-round calendar, but a study suggests there are drawbacks. Year-round school is not a new idea. The idea… Read More
Economy
Survey shows rent delinquency rates for small businesses escalating in Illinois(The Center Square) – Small businesses in Illinois and around the country continue to face difficulties paying their rent. A survey by the small businesses network Alignable shows 40%… Read More
Economy
Illinois continues with nation’s worst unemployment rate(The Center Square) – A new study shows that Illinois' economy continues to trail the rest of the nation as the Land of Lincoln finished dead last in unemployment rates… Read More
Public Education
Some question Ayala’s legacy as Illinois’ education superintendent sets retirement date(The Center Square) – The outgoing Illinois state superintendent of education’s legacy is being remembered in different ways. Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced Illinois State Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala’s… Read More
State Government
Movement to create a new state in southern Illinois gaining momentum(The Center Square) – A growing list of Illinois counties disenfranchised with the goings-on in Cook County have voted in nonbinding resolutions to leave Illinois and form a new state. Read More
Culture, Public Education
Bailey demands apology from Pritzker over COVID school closures(The Center Square) – In the final days of the campaign for Illinois governor, the major party candidates are taking jabs at each other for closing schools during the pandemic. Read More
Public Education
Educators and bus drivers among 132,000 Illinois public employees with six-figure salaries(The Center Square) – An audit of Illinois public employee salaries and pensions found a staggering number of employees were in the six-figure club. The nonprofit government watchdog organization … Read More
Education
Back in the classroom after the pandemic, children with special needs are struggling(The Center Square) – Illinois schools continue to cope with the effects of the school shutdowns during the pandemic. Recent studies have shown that remote learning and school closures… Read More
Public Education
Back in the classroom after suffering from pandemic policies, children with special needs still struggling(The Center Square) – Illinois schools continue to cope with the effects of the school shutdowns during the pandemic. Recent studies have shown that remote learning and school closures… Read More
Economy
Illinois has the worst unemployment rate of all states(The Center Square) – Illinois continues to struggle with unemployment as new numbers show the state is dead last out of the 50 states. The Bureau of Labor… Read More
Government
School choice supporters look to connect more donors to Illinois families for scholarship program(The Center Square) – Supporters of the Illinois Invest In Kids scholarship program may be looking to make the program more accessible to families and donors alike. The program allows… Read More
Culture
‘Gender affirming care’ on minors finds support, opposition among Illinois’ elected officials(The Center Square) – Illinois' elected officials are offering different views on the future of gender-affirming health care in Illinois. Gender-affirming care, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses… Read More
Public Education
Parents’ rights group alarmed school librarian promoted book containing sexually graphic content(The Center Square) – A parents’ rights group is raising the alarm after a Springfield school librarian’s promotion of a controversial book was highlighted by a Twitter feed with 1.4… Read More
Culture
Despite Biden saying ‘pandemic is over,’ Pritzker reissues executive orders, though rules relaxed for K-12 staff(The Center Square) – While the President of the United States says the pandemic is over, Gov. J.B. Pritzker continues his COVID-19 executive orders, though they continue to unwind. President… Read More
Public Education
Illinois’ Amendment 1 would be costly and give too much power to unions, including the Chicago Teachers Union, critics argue(The Center Square) – Amendment 1 on the November ballot is being promoted by unions in Illinois. Supporters say the measure will protect workers' rights. Opponents say it will further… Read More