Matt Paprocki: The Declaration of Independence, and a question for all of us
Matt Paprocki: The Declaration of Independence, and a question for all of us
The document reflects a sacrifice that its 56 signers chose to make.
Chicago homicides lowest in more than 10 years
Chicago homicides lowest in more than 10 years
The number in the year ended in May was the fewest since 2014.
Dozens of amendments hit lawmakers in last days of session
Dozens of amendments hit lawmakers in last days of session
Illinois lawmakers got many amendments at the end of the legislative session.
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America 250: Illinoisans show the promise of liberty
America 250: Illinoisans show the promise of liberty
State leaders can take the lead of businesses and residents and work to lessen the burden of corruption and high taxes.
Chicago one of only two big cities without mayoral, city council term limits
Chicago one of only two big cities without mayoral, city council term limits
A city charter could impose them. All other big cities have one
Lawmakers pass bill creating apprenticeships for beauty professions
Lawmakers pass bill creating apprenticeships for beauty professions
Under the measure, aspiring barbers, cosmetologists and others would have a path to a license that doesn’t require expensive schooling.
Chicago minimum wage increases could reduce opportunities
Chicago minimum wage increases could reduce opportunities
Hourly pay in the city rises every year per ordinance. On July 1 it goes to $17.05.
How a school district cut chronic absenteeism by 65%
How a school district cut chronic absenteeism by 65%
Nearly 1-in-4 students were chronically absent in 2023 at New Trier High School. That dropped by 65% after reforms were implemented.
Pritzker’s bright idea
Pritzker’s bright idea
Illinois’ financial transparency ranks among worst in the nation
Illinois’ financial transparency ranks among worst in the nation
The state ranked 46th in a recent report, getting only 51 out of 100 points.
Pritzker budget includes new tax on online fantasy sports
Pritzker budget includes new tax on online fantasy sports
The budget awaiting his signature also imposes licensing fees on operators.
July 4: Illinois 1 of only 3 states that bans fireworks
July 4: Illinois 1 of only 3 states that bans fireworks
An outdated state law is meant to prevent injuries, which have significantly decreased, and prevents Illinois from benefiting from an industry worth billions of dollars.