Illinois' New Deal With AFSCME Union To Cost Taxpayers An Additional $620 Million

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday announced the agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Freedom Caucus Calls For Illinois Public Libraries To Withdraw From American Library Association

Some Illinois Republicans want public libraries in the state to withdraw from the American Library Association.

Board Closes Complaints Over Perceived Conflicts Of Illinois Supreme Court Justices

Complaints to the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board over conflicts of interest by two Illinois Supreme Court justices are being closed.

VP Kamala Harris To Make Chicago Stop On Monday

The Vice President is making her second of three appearances in a month to get in front of Black and Hispanic voters and built support.

U Of I Professor Says Rural Communities Should Develop Strategies For Tourism In A Post-Pandemic Illinois

Around 111 million people visited Illinois in 2022 and spent more than $44 billion, an increase of 37% from 2021.

How Cannabis Consumption In Illinois Compares To The Rest Of The US

For the states that have legalized cannabis use, marijuana has been a boon for government coffers.

After Persistent Problems, Lawmakers Urge Action At Illinois Facilities

In an online news conference, Republican lawmakers urged the state to address the issues and to do it in a timely manner.

This Is The County With The Highest Poverty Rate In Illinois

The typical household in the county earns $39,871 a year, about $32,700 less than the typical Illinois household.

Illinois Child Care Costs Are Among The Highest In The U.S.

Illinois parents pay among the highest child care costs in the nation, a new study from the Annie E. Casey Foundation has found.

'Adverse' Audit Of Illinois Department Of Natural Resources Shows Repeated Findings

The audit shows over 37 findings, including a lack of care for artifacts and problems with its service providers.

Pritzker Pushes For Nationwide Gun Ban While Illinois' Law Challenged In Courts

On the one-year anniversary of the Independence Day parade shooting in Highland Park, Pritzger said there needs to be more gun control.

Despite A Statewide Ban, Illinoisans Continue To Go Over The Border To Buy Fireworks

Illinois is one of only three states with a fireworks ban, along with Massachusetts and Vermont.

How Gov. JB Pritzker's Approval Compares To The Nation's Most Popular Governors

The Democrat took office in 2019 and is currently serving his second term as governor.

Illinois Quick Hits: Reaction To Affirmative Action Reversal; Company Sued For COVID Fraud

News in brief for Friday, June 30, 2023.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker Signs Several Health Insurance Protection Bills

The move aims to "protect Illinoisans from any future changes in federal policy that seek to undermine access to affordable health care."

Illinois Quick Hits: Gun-Ban Challenge In Federal Court; ACLU Sues Chicago Police; Poor Air Quality Lingers

News in brief for Thursday, June 29, 2023.

Illinois Taxes Increase On Basic Necessities Saturday

Gov. J.B. Pritzker froze a grocery tax increase last year due to record inflation.

Chicago Mayor Meets With City's Youth To Discuss Crime Prevention

"If having police in neighborhoods automatically equates to safety, we would be the safest city in the world," Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Quick Hits: Bears Continue Talks; Women Sues Over Dropped Charges

Illinois news in brief for Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

This Is The Least Expensive Housing Market In Illinois

The number of existing home sales in the U.S. declined by 23% from April 2022 to 2023, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Chicago Considering Renewal Of School Resource Officers

The program was introduced in 2019 as a collaborative effort between the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Public Schools.

Roberts Temple Church, Site Of Emmett Till's Open-Casket Funeral, Proposed As National Monument

The Bronzeville church is already an official Chicago landmark, along with Till's childhood home.

Illinois Quick Hits: Report Shows Illinois Losing Businesses; More Calls For Policing After Large Gatherings

News in brief for Thursday, June 22, 2023.

New Bill Would Allow Migrants To Serve As Law Enforcement Pending Pritzker's Approval

Current federal law allows only U.S. citizens to serve as officers and deputies.

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago Pays Crime Victims; Injured U Of I Grad Returning From Abroad; Principal Resigns After Charges

News in brief for Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Law Enforcement Agencies In Illinois Have Acquired Millions Of Dollars In Military Equipment

The Department of Defense has transferred $7.6 billion in military equipment to law enforcement agencies across the country since 1990.

Illinois Quick Hits: Naperville Native To Be Remembered; Wildfires Make Poor Air Quality; Police Apprehend Burglary Suspect

News in brief for Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Major water project set to begin in Dixmoor

Current 8-inch water main will be replaced with 3,700 feet of new 12-inch main

Illinois Quick Hits: Former Judge Accused Of Stealing; Businessman Holds $100K Giveaway

News in brief for Friday, June 9, 2023.

Lawmakers To Receive 5 Percent Pay Raise After Gov. Pritzker Signs Largest State Budget Ever

Pritzker on Wednesday signed the state's $50.6 billion budget.

Illinois Quick Hits: Naperville Mayor Defends Bears Meeting; Pritzker Lowers Lawmaker Pay Raise 0.5%

News in brief for June 7, 2023.

This Is The City In Illinois With The Most People On Food Stamps

According to the latest available data from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 15.8 million households received SNAP benefits in 2021.

Mayor Wants Chicago To Have A 'Real Seat At The Table' With Bears

Brandon Johnson spoke with Bears President Kevin Warren in an effort to get the city into conversations about keeping the team in Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Reaffirms Commitment To Stopping Violence After Another Violent Weekend

Chicago has seen 244 shootings in 28 days, including 73 over the last week.

Chicago Tourists Total 49 Million In 2022, 80 Percent Of Pre-Pandemic High

Hotels averaged 60 percent occupancy in 2022, a 43 percent jump from the year before.

Illinois Quick Hits: Crypto Lawsuit Filed; Agency Sending Air Purifiers; Wildfire Haze Continues

News in brief for Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Pritzker: Invest In Kids Program May Be Renewed This Year, But With Changes

The program grants tax credits to people who use private dollars to fund scholarships that allow students to attend private schools.

Civic Committee Announces Ambitious Plan To Cut Down On Murders In Chicago

Members say they hope to bring the yearly number of murders down to less than 400, the lowest homicide rate since 1965.

Illinois Approves Increased Rates For Medicaid In Coming Fiscal Year

Rate increases will cost the state an extra $317 million.

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago Eyes $51 Million For Migrants; Concert Attendees Late After Traffic; Yorkville Water Park Opens

News in brief for Wednesday, May 31.