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Pritzker expected to sign new legislation aimed at protecting reproductive health records in IL
Gov. JB Pritzker is expected to sign new legislation aimed at protecting reproductive health records in Illinois Wednesday.
PENN Entertainment Celebrates Grand Opening of Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora
WYOMISSING, Pa. & AURORA, Ill., June 24, 2026--PENN Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: PENN) ("PENN" or the "Company") today celebrates the grand opening of Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora, the all-new, $360 million state-of-the-art casino and hotel. PENN’s latest land-based property replaces the former riverboat property that operated on the Illinois shores of the Fox River since 1993.
The Cigna Group Foundation Invests $3 Million to Strengthen Youth Mental Health Through Nonprofits Across 10 States
22 nonprofits will expand access to youth mental health care and strengthen support for families and caregivers States: Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey,...
Mark Lewyn: Treasurer’s $8.65 check for the pope reveals the politics of unclaimed money
When Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, he brought an unusual gift: a check for $8.65. The money came from an old PayPal account that had been turned over to Illinois as unclaimed property before Robert Prevost, an Illinois native, became the pope. The amount
Weather Cancels Blue Jays vs. Cubs Game
Due to inclement weather, Sunday's rubber match between the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs has been canceled. The game has been postponed until August 6, according to a team announcement. The game was set to take place on Sunday at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, at 2:20 p.m. ET. But Mother ...
Illinois GOP chair says Obama Center is political operation on public land
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Bob Grogan says the Obama Presidential Center functions as a political operation and headquarters for the Obama Foundation rather than a traditional presidential library.
Pritzker budget includes new tax on online fantasy sports
The budget awaiting his signature also imposes licensing fees on operators.
Our biggest questions for Underwood and Illinois in 2027
No team is bulletproof, and the Illini have holes that need addressed.
Tornado destroys business filled with 'irreplaceable' Corvettes
NBC News' Maggie Vespa spoke with Michael Yager, the owner of a family car business in Illinois that was destroyed by a tornado, as he struggles to "make sense" of the wreckage.
The Courtroom Battle Over Baby Formula Isn’t About Science
A jury in a Cook County, Illinois, court awarded families $70 million in April after concluding that infant formula caused a devastating illness in premature babies. However, that conclusion hinged on a scientific theory that lacks validated evidence. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said its recent study of chemical contamination in infant formula produced by Abbott Laboratories … Continue reading "The Courtroom Battle Over Baby Formula Isn’t About Science"
Pritzker signs nearly $56B budget with new business taxes as he seeks 3rd term
Article Summary Gov. JB Pritzker signed the fiscal year 2027 budget, which totals $55.9 billion, making it the largest in
State tries to shut down Evanston psychiatric facility after string of crimes and violations
The state of Illinois is trying to close Albany Care in Evanston, a home for about 170 people with mental health and substance abuse issues. The facility is appealing the order.
Top salaries at HCSC 2025
Health Care Service Corp. is a Chicago-based, customer-owned company that runs Blue Cross & Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Quincy Museum holds Women in Politics Talk with Mayor Linda Moore
Women’s rights started long before the 19th Amendment was adopted into the Constitution in 1920. As women spoke out for their right to vote, the city of Quincy and the state of Illinois was prominent in the support of women’s suffrage.
Sharon O'Keefe
As president of the University of Chicago Medical Center and chief operating officer of the 1,286-bed University of Chicago Medicine health system, Sharon O’Keefe oversees a clinical enterprise with annual operating revenue of $2.21 billion. In the past 18 months, UChicago Medicine opened an expanded adult emergency department—a $39 million investment—and an adult trauma center. Since 2011, the system has generated annual growth of nearly 5 percent in revenue and 4 percent in patient admissions. O’Keefe previously was president of Loyola University Medical Center and executive vice president and chief operating officer at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She serves on the Illinois Hospital Association finance and audit committee and is on the American Heart Association’s Midwest affiliate board.
Listen: Mental Health Courts Offer People Facing Prison an Imperfect Alternative
A new podcast episode revisits a recent investigation of mental health courts by Illinois Answers and Mindsite News.
From Illinois politics to entrepreneur museum: A founder’s $400 million bet
John Tillman, who founded the libertarian think tank Illinois Policy Institute in 2002, is trying to raise $400 million to build a national museum for entrepreneurs called Hall of Giants
Science teachers learn about STEAM at Jump Simulation Trading & Education Center in Peoria
PEORIA, Ill.-Science educators from across Illinois got a firsthand look at innovative STEAM learning opportun...
New PENN Entertainment (PENN) Casino Set to Launch, Shares Jump Higher
PENN Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ:PENN) is one of the 10 Stocks Surviving Market Slaughter. PENN Entertainment saw its share prices jump by 5.56 percent on Wednesday to close at $21.45 apiece, as investors positioned their portfolios ahead of the launch of a $360 million casino and hotel development in Illinois. In line with the closing of […]
Science educators explore STEAM lessons during immersive visit to OSF Jump Simulation & Education Center
Key Takeaways:Science educators from across Illinois explored hands-on STEAM activities at OSF Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center, gaining classroom-ready ideas and resources.OSF HealthCare highlighted free educational tools and activities that inspire student interest in health care and STEAM careers.Educators discovered new engagement ...
Biochemistry Student to Participate in National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Program
Elmhurst University biochemistry major Hannah Cardenas ’27, of Des Plaines, Illinois, received a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) award to participate in a 10-week summer research internship at the University of Texas at Dallas.
A Look At PENN Entertainment (PENN) Valuation As It Opens A New Land Based Hollywood Casino Aurora
PENN Entertainment (PENN) is reshaping its Illinois footprint as it prepares to close the longtime Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat and open a new US$360 million land-based complex later in June. See our latest analysis for PENN Entertainment. The latest Hollywood Casino Aurora announcement comes after a strong run in PENN Entertainment's stock, with a 36.8% year to date share price return and a 36.7% 90 day share price return. However, the 5 year total shareholder return is down 74.1%, so...
Pritzker opens door to new Bears talks, blames team for stadium stumbles
Gov. JB Pritzker says he’s open to trying to come up with a solution to keep the Bears from leaving Illinois, including a special session of the Legislature.
Justin Moore Is Hitting Pause on Touring to Focus on His Health: ‘This Is the Right Decision’
The artist is expected to return to the road for his July show in Illinois.
Rutgers Women’s Basketball Conference Home and Away Opponents Revealed
Earlier today, the Big Ten announced the confirmed conference matchups for the 2026-2027 Big Ten women’s basketball season. As a result, we now know which teams Rutgers will play at home and which teams they will play on the road. That list is as follows: Home: Illinois, Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Purdue, UCLA, […]
GENESIS, U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION, AND MLS PLAYERS ASSOCIATION SUPPORT YOUTH SPORTS WITH NEW MINI-PITCH IN ILLINOIS
/PRNewswire/ -- Genesis, U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) opened a new mini-pitch at Drexel Elementary School in...
What new DBE rules mean for Illinois’ smaller contractors
Federally financed construction projects that helped women and minority businesses grow may become less available to them now.
Of course Indiana is leverage for the Bears in Illinois
The question isn't whether Hammond is leverage, but whether it's a bluff.
Gil M Soffer
Scope of work: A former federal prosecutor, Soffer became chairman of Katten in 2024, leading 1,500 attorneys and professionals. Previously, he was Chicago managing partner and co-chaired the firm’s litigation practice.Significant case: He serves as a five-year independent monitor in a global opioid settlement and was previously a DOJ/SEC-appointed corporate compliance monitor in a major Foreign Corrupt Practices Act case.Other contributions: Soffer is on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois' Racial Justice Diversity Committee, is WLS-TV/Channel 7's chief legal analyst and headed the Chicago Bar Foundation Investing in Justice Campaign that raised $1.4 million for pro bono services.
Hilda S Renteria
Scope of work: Renteria oversees the firm's audits and attestation engagements, focusing on governmental and nonprofit sectors. She is responsible for completing financial and single audits, implementing new financial reporting standards and driving the firm's audit services growth.Biggest professional win: In 2023, she was featured in Illinois CPA Society's Insight Magazine for her role in expanding the firm's audit practice, surpassing growth targets and introducing new technologies.Other contributions: Renteria co-founded the Prado & Renteria Foundation in 2014 to support Indigenous communities and first-generation college students. She serves on the Illinois CPA Society Government Report Review Committee and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs.
Justice Department rushes to defense of Chicago US attorney after weeks of turmoil
After two weeks of turmoil at the US Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Illinois, the acting attorney general has jumped in to publicly defend his leader on the ground in Chicago, Andrew Boutros.
Illinois 250: The political land of Lincoln, but also Addams, Daley, Washington, Jackson, Obama and more
Illinois’ political arena has always been the place for civil debate — and violent confrontation — for rights.
Fans Outraged by Bears’ Controversial Stadium Decision
Chicago Bears brass had been waffling between Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana, for their new stadium.
PENN Entertainment Bets On New Aurora Casino And Valuation Gap
PENN Entertainment (NasdaqGS:PENN) is opening the new US$360 million Hollywood Casino Aurora as its latest land-based flagship in Illinois. The long-running Hollywood Casino riverboat in Aurora is set to close after more than 30 years of operation as activity shifts to the new property. The new complex combines gaming, hotel rooms, dining, and entertainment offerings in a single, purpose-built facility. The move reflects PENN Entertainment's push to grow its brick and mortar footprint...
Large police response seen near facility in Lansing, Illinois: LIVE
A large police response was seen Thursday afternoon near a facility in Lansing, Illinois.
Illinois state Rep. Kam Buckner meets Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican
The week after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and a delegation of 45 other Chicago notables met with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, another Chicago politician got to meet the pope too.
Biggest diesel shock since 2022 deals another blow to farmers
In Illinois, the top US soybean-producing state, farm diesel averaged a record $5.41 a gallon at the start of May, nearly double the price a year earlier.
Susana Mendoza launches bid for Chicago mayor
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza officially entered the 2027 Chicago mayoral race today, becoming the highest-profile candidate to declare a challenge to Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Illinois hospitals urge Pritzker to quickly sign bill before Eli Lilly cuts off drug discounts
Illinois’ hospital association contends the move by Eli, which has also been threatened by the other large, global GLP-1 manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, is simply an unnecessary roadblock.
Hammond mayor expects Bears' decision by end of June
The Bears are where we thought they were — still deciding between Indiana and Illinois as the location of a new stadium.
Durbin, Duckworth join calls for top prosecutor to resign after ‘Broadview Six’ fumble
The Illinois Democrats say the Northern District's top federal prosecutor has overseen an office marked by "chaos, deep internal dysfunction, and alleged misconduct."
Nebraska schedules visit with Illinois edge rusher later this month
Nebraska football is set to host class of 2027 three-star edge defender Chris Kasky later this month.
Political leaders feel differing emotions after Bears' stadium plan fails
After the Illinois General Assembly failed to pass legislation aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in the state, reaction is bitterly divided.
50 million pounds of invasive fish removed from Illinois River
Carp can grow over four feet-long and gobble up resources.
IL Senate sends school cell phone ban proposal to Pritzker
The Illinois Senate passed the bipartisan plan to institute a statewide school cell phone ban Sunday.
Bears $5B Domed Stadium Plan Hits Make-or-Break Day in Illinois
Political negotiations are going down to the final hours in Illinois.
Data center critic's arrest draws attention to 387-acre site
An Illinois man was arrested after police said he threatened a local official. The resident said he was protesting against data center development.
Illinois child social media safety plan heads to Senate floor
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new version of Gov. JB Pritzker's children social media safety plan was discussed late Saturday night.
Illinois K-2 expulsion ban heads to Pritzker's desk
The Illinois House passed a bill Saturday night to ban schools from expelling students in Kindergarten through second grade.
Villanueva measure to protect patients’ reproductive health records passes Senate
SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the importance of reproductive health data privacy for Illinois residents, State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure to directly combat continued attacks on bodily autonomy and keep...
Illinois cannabis businesses push for regulatory changes as legislative session winds down
Illinois cannabis dispensary owners are urging lawmakers to ease security and surveillance requirements, arguing the costly regulations are outdated and should be modernized as the state's legal cannabis industry matures.
Bailey wants to keep the Bears. How? Well, that’s not clear.
As Illinois lawmakers struggle to craft a plan that would help keep the Chicago Bears from moving to Indiana, Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey says the state should find a way to keep the team — but insists individual taxpayers should also get a break.
Statewide: The unfulfilled promise of mental health courts
Mental health courts have expanded in Illinois. There are 31 of them in 25 counties. But a new report finds about two million Illinoisans are left out.
Illinois State Wins 2025-26 Missouri Valley Conference All-Sports Championship
For the sixth time in the last seven seasons and for the second-straight year, Illinois State has won the Missouri Valley Conference All-Sports Championship as announced by the Conference office Thursday. Notably, Illinois State has won 18 all-sports crowns and has finished first, second, or third in 32 of the past 35 years.
Saints waive UDFA CB Jeremiah McClendon
The Southern Illinois products stint in New Orleans was short lived.
Opinion: Follow California’s lead in protecting workers from AI displacement
By an Executive Order, Gov. Gavin Newsom seeks to fill a gaping public policy void on a bread-and-butter issue for workers. Illinois and Gov. JB Pritzker would do well to follow suit.
Going swimming? This 1 small water mistake can lead to diarrhea or worse, health officials warn
It's not just at beaches -- Illinois health officials warned that the illnesses can be contracted by people swimming in pools, hot tubs, spas, water parks, rivers and more.
Many Latino voters have turned away from Trump, but Democrats aren't necessarily winning them over, new poll finds
Hispanic voters are heading into the midterms feeling economically squeezed and increasingly skeptical of the direction of the country — but Democrats are not necessarily running away with their support, a new poll by UnidosUS finds.
Should Titans fans remember Hank Beatty's name this offseason?
Team gave Illinois WR nearly $250,000 in guaranteed money, a sum unsurpassed by any other undrafted free agent
In HelloNation, Business Strategy Expert Martin Rowan of Naperville, IL, Details How SAP Misuse Impacts EBITDA and Enterprise Value
What happens when companies treat SAP as a reporting tool rather than a system of execution? That's the question answered in a HelloNation article featuring Business Strategy Expert Martin Rowan of Reveal USA, Inc. in Naperville, Illinois. The article explains how underusing SAP contributes to a slow but steady erosion of EBITDA, cash flow, and enterprise value—often without triggering any immediate alarms.
Commentary: Illinois mixed strategy and intention to mount a resurgence
Global companies are choosing Illinois because the state is aligning itself with where the economy is going, not where it has been.
Illinois lawmakers consider grants or loans for Chicago businesses devastated by Operation Midway Blitz
Six months after Operation Midway Blitz, lawmakers are considering if and how to support businesses who struggled financially due to the federal government’s incursion into Chicago.
Illinois lawmakers consider grants or loans for Chicago businesses devastated by Operation Midway Blitz
SPRINGFIELD — When federal immigration officers flooded Chicago neighborhoods last fall, walk-ins at Erick Camargo’s hair salon in Chicago plunged from about 40 customers per day to as few as five. At...
Could Quentin Coleman be the next great Illinois guard?
Coleman looks to follow in the footsteps of Ayo Dosunmu and other Illini legends.
Illinois healthcare bills at stake as spring session enters final week
The biggest battles in healthcare legislation may involve Big Pharma, but several other health bills are at the make-or-break stage this coming week in Springfield.
Entertainment with the Illinois Times
Theatre at Lincoln's New Salem, police versus fire in softball, and an ice cream social.
Pritzker hopeful on Bears deal as Legislature heads for finish line
Gov. JB Pritzker says he’s confident the Illinois Senate will advance a revised Bears stadium incentive bill as lawmakers race to keep the team from moving to Indiana.
Editorial: Delay Illinois’ swipe-fee law before chaos hits
With litigation unresolved and federal regulators intervening, Springfield should pause Illinois’ swipe-fee law before the July 1 deadline.
Illinois and Duke Matchups Preview with Duke Basketball Report!
Can Illinois get revenge after Duke beat them by 43?
Chicago politicians are doing Windy City politician things to try to keep the Bears in town
Chicago Bears tell the NFL that Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana are the only two viable new stadium locations even as local politicians are trying other options.
Illinois politics surrounding data centers | The Chicago report
Brad Tietz, with the Data Center Coalition, Brad Klein, with the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and Jen Walling, the CEO of the Environmental Council, joins Fox Chicago's Bret Buganski to discuss Illinois politics surrounding data centers in the Chicago area.
Illinois is Closed for Business: Alan Jernigan and Joshua Meyer in Center Square - American Legislative Exchange Council
ALEC’s Alan Jernigan and Joshua Meyer examine how Illinois’ anti-growth policies are driving out businesses, residents, and investment.
Michael Lee Tinaglia
Aronberg Goldgehn, a premier full-service business law and litigation firm with offices in Chicago and Wheaton, Illinois, is pleased to announce Michael Lee Tinaglia has joined the firm as a Member.
Illinois joins suit arguing Trump grad loan caps threaten healthcare workforce
Illinois joined 25 Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration over new graduate student loan caps they say could worsen healthcare worker shortages.
Illinois resident suspected of hantavirus infection tested negative for illness
The risk for hantavirus to spread in Illinois remains very low, state health officials emphasized.
Suspected hantavirus case in Illinois tests negative, health officials say
Illinois health officials say a suspected hantavirus case in northern Illinois that was believed to be unrelated to the cruise ship outbreak has tested negative.
DraftKings ending in-person sports betting at Wrigleyville sportsbook
DraftKings is ending in-person sports betting at its sportsbook near Wrigley Field, citing Illinois’ tax structure.
Greed meets greed: DraftKings to close its Wrigley Field sportsbook at the end of May over Illinois tax
DraftKings announced it is closing its Wrigley Field sportsbook May 31, citing Illinois's new per-bet tax on internet wagers as the core reason.
Illinois Wesleyan to Launch Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Quantum Science and Engineering Program
Illinois Wesleyan University announced the creation of the Fisher Center for Interdisciplinary Quantum Science & Engineering.
How Carle Illinois College of Medicine is changing the health care innovation ecosystem
Carle Illinois College of Medicine blends medicine, engineering and AI to speed health care innovation from concept to patient care.
How Carle Illinois College of Medicine is changing the health care innovation ecosystem
Carle Illinois College of Medicine blends medicine, engineering and AI to speed health care innovation from concept to patient care.
Chicago power families: Who holds influence now
These 14 families wield influence across Chicago and Illinois through business, politics, philanthropy, sports and civic institutions.
Illinois infrastructure investment strengthens economy and workforce
U of I professor Rober Bruno on how public infrastructure spending fuels job creation and long-term growth in Illinois.
2026 Best 40-Under-40 Business Professors: Julia Fonseca, Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Over the last decade, Poets&Quants has honored more than 540 up-and-coming star MBA and graduate business professors from around the world.
Illinois Wesleyan University to launch first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary undergraduate Quantum Science, engineering program
BLOOMINGTON – Illinois Wesleyan University today announced the creation of the Fisher Center for Interdisciplinary Quantum Science & Engineering, a first-of-its-kind undergraduate program that brings together multiple areas of study to better prepare students for careers in this emerging field. The Fisher Quantum Center will make Illinois Wesleyan the first undergraduate liberal arts university in…
Large police presence in 800 block of S. Illinois Ave. in Carbondale
A large police presence was reported in the 800 block of S. Illinois Avenue in Carbondale.
Illinois mental health summit convenes youth, community organizations
Marques Watts is not new to the limelight.
Tri-state political maps unlikely to change despite national redistricting debate
While a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling has lawmakers in some states talking about redrawing their congressional maps, it’s unlikely Iowa, Illinois or Wisconsin will see any changes ahead of
West Ridge business accused of bilking millions from unsuspecting customers in nationwide scam
The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Illinois filed a lawsuit against Premium Home Service and founder Yosef Banath for violating consumer protection laws.
First-of-its-kind quantum science center coming to Illinois Wesleyan
Illinois Wesleyan University on Thursday announced a new interdisciplinary program focused on quantum science that it says will be the first of its kind in the U.S.
Illinois Wesleyan to Launch First-of-its-Kind Interdisciplinary Underg
Illinois Wesleyan University announced the creation of the Fisher Center for Interdisciplinary Quantum Science & Engineering, a first-of-its-kind undergraduate program that brings together multiple ar
US health officials investigating possible hantavirus case not linked to cruise ship outbreak
The Illinois Department of Public Health said the person did not travel internationally.
SIU holds inaugural Science Reception to recognize outstanding students and faculty
The College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale held its inaugural Science Reception at the Gower Translational Research Center on April 30. Around 200 attendees enjoyed the evening, which included a reception, happy hour and awards ceremony.
OSF–ISU Data Science Competition Highlights Student Innovation and Healthcare Analytics Excellence
Illinois State University students showcased innovative machine learning models and predictive analytics solutions during the OSF–ISU Data Science Competition, addressing real-world healthcare challenges through collaboration with OSF HealthCare.
Godfrey plant lover grows native nursery business from home
‘Plant nerd’ dad turns Godfrey home into hub for native Illinois species
Illinois road investment impact business competitiveness
Illinois road conditions drive higher costs, delays and safety risks for businesses statewide. Learn why sustained investment is critical.
Why investing in Illinois roads is critical for business competitiveness
A look at how deteriorating Illinois roads impact supply chains, business costs and economic growth across Chicago and downstate regions.
LC’s Fire Science Program Hosts “Burn ‘n’ Learn” STEM Experience for Educators
LC Community College’s Fire Science program and ROE 40 host "Burn 'n' Learn," engaging educators with hands-on firefighting and STEM activities in Bethalto, Illinois.
Chicago Teachers Union wants $8.5 million dues hike to fund politics
“Has your brand become toxic?” This was a pointed question from WGN Political Editor Tahman Bradley, posed to Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates in a recent interview. Her immediate response: “I don’t understand the question.” When pressed, Gates added, “The Chicago Teachers Union is not a political party, it is a labor union.” But internal union documents show CTU leadership is trying to skim $8.5 million more from teacher paychecks explicitly for politics, while trying to silence union members critical of Gates’ leadership. Under the proposed dues hike, Chicago teachers would see up to $800 more per year flow from their paychecks to union coffers. The union already takes in more than $40 million a year, mostly from dues. And it spends less than 18 cents of every dollar on teacher representation. The No. 1 reason for the proposed dues hike? Politics. “We must win a majority of the first 21 person fully elected school board in November,” reads the first point in CTU’s member FAQ document.1 This directly contradicts CTU’s promise to members about how leadership uses dues money. The official CTU handbook tells members that the union does not use dues money for politics, so if they are interested in funding political activity, they should consider voluntary donations to CTU’s political action committee. “Our dues are not used for political purposes,” according to the handbook. “So our PAC relies on extra contributions from our members to support progressive candidates and to impact elected officials at the city, county and state levels.” This kind of double-speak is one reason members are concerned about another constitutional change slipped into the dues hike vote, which will take place on May 20-21: an attempt to stop members from holding the union accountable. A proposed amendment to the union constitution tries to place limits on when members may bring a lawsuit against the union for violating members’ rights.2 This provision is clearly a response to members’ lawsuit against union leadership regarding Gates’ years-long refusal to publish audited financial statements. The judge in that case has repeatedly denied the union’s attempts to dismiss it. Teachers opposed to these changes have been circulating this flier, urging members to vote no. What will CTU members get in return for millions of dollars in additional dues? If the 2024 school board elections are any indication—not much. CTU leadership’s record on school board races may not inspire confidence among members. A Chicago Policy Center analysis of a dozen affiliated PACs found CTU spent nearly $2.9 million on school board races in 2024. Of that spending, more than $2.1 million (75%) went to losing candidates. And while CTU-backed candidates lost six of the nine competitive seats overall, they fared worse in their biggest-spending races, losing five of six contests in which the union and its affiliates put up more than $250,000 for their candidate. The Chicago school board elections take place Nov. 3.3 Is another $8.5 million enough to clean up a toxic reputation? Not likely. Update on federal tax credit scholarship: Last week, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she plans to opt into the federal tax credit scholarship program. If Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker follows suit, Illinois could unlock $1 billion in donor money statewide for both public- and private-school students. If Illinois does not opt in, that money will flow to other states. The Last Ward reported in February on how Illinois Democrats could unlock at least $100 million in new resources for Chicago public-school students by opting in. Update on the investigation into how Chicagoans learned about a meeting to hike their property taxes: The Last Ward reported in January on an absurd, taxpayer-funded investigation into how local media learned of a planned Chicago school board meeting to hike the district’s property tax levy. That investigation is now complete. Lawyers interviewed two dozen witnesses, and found nothing. Update on Illinois’ muni debt crisis: My colleague Joe Tabor last week published a must-read piece in Crain’s Chicago Business about how Illinois recently rejected south suburban Harvey’s request to be designated a “distressed city.” The saga shows why the state must implement a better structure to assist insolvent local governments, including allowing for the option to pursue debt relief via Chapter 9 bankruptcy. The Last Ward reported in October on how Harvey is tipping the first domino in Illinois’ municipal debt crisis. Mincing Rascals: I joined the Mincing Rascals podcast to discuss the SAFE-T Act, the millionaires tax, and more. My “green light” recommendation: Force Majeure (2014). 1 Notably, the No. 2 reason cited is “resources to fund a state-wide millionaires tax campaign in order to fully fund the state’s school funding formula.” The constitutional amendment necessary to implement a progressive income tax in Illinois recently died in the Illinois House, meaning this question would not appear on the ballot until 2028 at the earliest. 2 There is seemingly no single-subject rule for CTU constitutional amendments. So members only get one vote on the full package. One cannot vote “yes” on the dues hike and “no” on the restriction of members’ rights, for example. 3 Illinois law grants far too much power over local government to unelected officials like Gates. State lawmakers should fix that.