Print Teacher Awards Nomination Form - Northern Illinois District: Fill & Download for Free

Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, talks with Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, on May 23, 2020, in Springfield, Ill.Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-RegisterFacebookTwitterEmailPrintSave(The Center Square) – Illinois has just ranked as the second most corrupt state in a University of Illinois at Chicago report.A good government reform group says lawmakers must pass reforms that make themselves uncomfortable to regain the public’s trust.Using statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice, researchers at UIC found in the decades since 1976, Illinois had more corruption convictions per-capita than every other state except Louisiana.“The statistics do not completely reflect it, but 2019 was a highly explosive year, during which some of the most important political corruption in the history of Chicago and Illinois was exposed,” researchers said. “Bombshell corruption news reports that year dethroned the city's most powerful alderman, upset Chicago's mayoral election campaign, torpedoed the most powerful and well-known candidate, and threatened the political existence of Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and Chairman of the State Democratic Party, Michael Madigan.”In his State of the State and Budget speech last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker made ethics reforms a priority.“Nobody should hold the title of both legislator and lobbyist at the same time,” Pritzker said. “We need meaningful disclosure of conflicts of interest. We must end the General Assembly’s revolving door allowing legislators to get paid as lobbyists the day after they leave office.”“Restoring the public’s trust is of paramount importance,” he said.His request last year was derailed as members of a task force on ethics and lobbying reforms blamed COVID-19 for not advancing substantive changes.Reform For Illinois Executive Director Alisa Kaplan said the revolving door ban can’t be just six months as has been proposed before. It’s got to be one-to-two years. She said there are other areas where surface changes on economics disclosures won’t be enough. She said lawmakers must dig deep.“Real meaningful reform that makes hard choices and may even hurt a little bit, it may hurt legislators a little bit, it may hurt their pocketbooks, it may mean more oversight for them, it may challenge them in ways they haven’t been challenged before,” Kaplan said.One reform the governor didn’t mention that must pass is giving the Legislative Inspector General more independence to investigate claims against lawmakers.“It’s completely toothless right now because [the Legislative Inspector General] has to ask legislators for permission to do everything, to conduct investigations, to publish reports, to subpoena witnesses, to do everything,” Kaplan said.Any reforms must make lawmakers uncomfortable, or they won’t be meaningful, she said.“If we’re going to move forward and we’re going to rebuild trust with the Illinois public, they're going to have to make those hard choices,” she said.Neither the Illinois House nor Senate have any committee hearings scheduled. They’ve canceled in-person session days this month.FacebookTwitterEmailPrintSaveTagsEthicsLawmakerPoliticsLawLegislationInstitutesMinistriesStateReformJ.b. PritzkerParliamentGreg BishopStaff ReporterGreg Bishop reports on Illinois government and other issues for The Center Square. Bishop has years of award-winning broadcast experience and hosts the WMAY Morning Newsfeed out of Springfield.Author emailFollow Greg BishopILLINOISPritzker says fighting crime requires more programs, expects changes to police reform bill he signedBy Greg Bishop | The Center Square3 hrs ago(The Center Square) – There’s a lot more that needs to be done to fight crime and to reform the state’s criminal justice system, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the day after signing a bill bringing sweeping changes to the state’s system of justice.ILLINOISFEATUREDIllinois’ population decline becomes issue in governor’s race more than 20 months outBy Greg Bishop | The Center Square14 hrs ago(The Center Square) – Illinois’ continued population decline is already a campaign issue in the next election for governor that’s more than 20 months away.ILLINOISTOP STORYTrump-appointed U.S. attorney investigating bribery scheme implicating former Illinois House Speaker to be retained by BidenBy Greg Bishop | The Center Square16 hrs ago(The Center Square) – The Donald Trump-appointed U.S. attorney investigating public corruption in Illinois will be retained by President Joe Biden afterall.ILLINOISFederal funds expected to feed one million Illinois childrenBy Kevin Bessler | The Center Square18 hrs ago(The Center Square) – Beginning next month, one million Illinois children will receive federally funded food benefits, valued at $110 million per month.ILLINOISLegislation aims to shed light on Illinois transportation projectsBy Kevin Bessler | The Center Square18 hrs ago(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are introducing legislation that they say would hold the Department of Transportation accountable for the transportation projects they undertake.ILLINOISFEATUREDBill on Gov. Pritzker’s desks pits trial lawyers and health care industry against each otherBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center Square21 hrs ago(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is facing a decision on legislation that will either anger a group of those he’s politically allied with or others who represent the front line in the pandemic response.ILLINOISQuick hits: Illinois news in brief for Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021By Greg Bishop | The Center Square21 hrs agoIllinois has second-highest property taxesILLINOISTOP STORYDownstate lawmaker announces run for Illinois governorBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 23, 2021(The Center Square) – Saying it is time to revitalize Illinois, state Sen. Darren Bailey has officially announced he is running for governor.ILLINOISFEATUREDAmid federal corruption probe, Michael Madigan steps down as head of Illinois Democratic Party days after resigning legislative seatBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 22, 2021(The Center Square) – In a matter of weeks, Michael Madigan has given up the titles that have bestowed him historic political and legislative power over Illinois for decades.ILLINOISIllinois education officials look to waive standardized tests this springBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 22, 2021(The Center Square) – The Illinois State Board of Education is awaiting word on a request to waive Spring 2021 assessments across schools.ILLINOISGroups already calling for changes to sweeping police bill Pritzker signedBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 22, 2021(The Center Square) – With the signing of House Bill 3653, Illinois is on the way to ending cash bail. But there are already calls for changing the controversial law Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted Monday that brings sweeping changes to the state’s system of justice.ILLINOISPritzker says he closed Illinois’ budget gap. Does that change the state’s need for billions of federal dollars?By Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 22, 2021(The Center Square) – Thanks to better-than-expected revenue and some budgetary maneuvers, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the state will finish the current fiscal year with more money than projected.ILLINOISQuick hits: Illinois news in brief for Monday, Feb. 22, 2021The Center SquareFeb 22, 2021Pritzker to sign police reform bill todayILLINOISMadigan nominee Kodatt selected as replacement amid split voteBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 21, 2021(The Center Square) – Former state Rep. Michael Madigan didn’t have any public questions for the 26-year-old he nominated to be his replacement in the statehouse.ILLINOISNew tick found in Illinois could make people sickElyse Kelly | The Center Square contributorFeb 20, 2021(The Center Square) – The Gulf Coast tick, an arachnid known to carry an unpleasant pathogen, may be taking up residence in Illinois.ILLINOISNew scam: Texts offering Illinoisans Real ID upgradesZeta Cross | The Center Square contributorFeb 20, 2021(The Center Square) – Illinois scammers are texting people, offering to update their driver's licenses to Real IDs. “Don’t fall for it,” Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White warns.ILLINOISWith resignation, Madigan's grip on Illinois politics loosensBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 19, 2021(The Center Square) – While his grip on power has slipped, former Illinois House Speaker and state Rep. Michael Madigan will still have some influence.ILLINOISRestaurants ask states for tax and fee breaks, permanent to-go booze, to aid recoveryBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 19, 2021(The Center Square) – With restaurants in Illinois and the rest of the country trying to survive during the pandemic, the National Restaurant Association has some suggestions for lawmakers on recovery efforts.ILLINOISPritzker labels private school scholarship program 'corporate loophole'By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 19, 2021(The Center Square) – Groups impacted by what the governor calls “corporate loopholes” are speaking out against the proposals to end the programs.ILLINOISAg, trucking industries say Pritzker's proposed tax on biofuel will hurt farmers, consumersBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 19, 2021(The Center Square) – Some are taking issue with Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal which would bring an end to the sales tax exemption for biodiesel fuel in Illinois.ILLINOISDCFS-supervised child deaths fall in 2020Elyse Kelly | The Center Square contributorFeb 19, 2021(The Center Square) – A new report shows the number of children under the supervision of the state is falling.ILLINOISQuick hits: Illinois news in brief for Friday, Feb. 19, 2021By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 19, 2021Madigan will likely choose his replacementILLINOISNew legislation would loosen restrictions on craft breweries in IllinoisBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 19, 2021(The Center Square) – New legislation is being filed in the Illinois legislature Friday that sponsors say will help craft breweries stay afloat amid devastating economic losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.ILLINOISPritzker expected to sign police reform bill as he includes elements in his proposed budgetBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 18, 2021(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget proposal is the latest indication he plans to sign a controversial bill to make sweeping changes to the state’s criminal justice system.ILLINOISPritzker expected to sign police reform bill as he includes elements in his proposed budgetBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 18, 2021(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget proposal is the latest indication he plans to sign a controversial bill to make sweeping changes to the state’s criminal justice system.ILLINOISHospitality leaders tell Senate that industry is being destroyed by COVID-19 restrictionsBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 18, 2021(The Center Square) – Testimony from industry leaders at an Illinois Senate Tourism and Hospitality hearing on Thursday featured a similar theme: State-imposed restrictions are destroying the industry.ILLINOISSome see Madigan's legacy of helping people, others see machine politicsBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 18, 2021(The Center Square) – Some will remember Michael Madigan for helping people while others will remember him for machine politics.ILLINOISTOP STORYMadigan abruptly resigns from office amid federal corruption probeBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareUpdated Feb 18, 2021(The Center Square) – Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan announced Thursday that he would resign from his seat at the end of the month but then told state officials that he was resigning immediately.ILLINOISEmbattled Madigan calls end to 50-year legislative careerThe Center SquareFeb 18, 2021(The Center Square) – Former House Speaker Michael Madigan, the longest serving statehouse speaker in the country, and the longest serving state legislator in Illinois, resigned Thursday.ILLINOISQuick hits: Illinois news in brief for Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021The Center SquareFeb 18, 2021Madigan to resignILLINOISFaculty at Illinois colleges lobby for COVID-19 vaccinations before fallBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 17, 2021(The Center Square) – As Illinois K-12 teachers and staff line up for COVID-19 vaccinations as part of Phase 1B, higher education faculty continue to wait for their shot.ILLINOISSenate hearing focuses on continuing problems at IDESBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 17, 2021(The Center Square) – The Senate Labor Committee heard testimony Wednesday regarding the ongoing problems at the Department of Employment Security, including fraudulent claims, delays in sending out benefits and a shrinking fund that pays out those benefits.ILLINOISPritzker’s budget plans increases taxes by nearly $1 billion, based on hopes, GOP saysBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 17, 2021(The Center Square) – The governor has proposed a spending plan for the next fiscal year that’s level with spending of the current out-of-balance plan, it’s now up to the legislators to take the ball across the finish line.ILLINOISMonths after progressive tax loss, Pritzker proposes budget with nearly $1 billion in business taxesBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 17, 2021(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is proposing tax increases on businesses just months after they led the charge against his progressive income tax initiative.ILLINOISFULL TEXT: Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers budget addressThe Center SquareFeb 17, 2021(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivered his virtual State of the State and budget address on Wednesday.ILLINOISIllinois GOP launches FirePritzker.org while Democrats say Republicans don’t have pandemic recovery planBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 17, 2021(The Center Square) – The Illinois Republican Party has launched a new campaign targeting Gov. J.B. Pritzker with the website FirePritzker.org | Defeat JB. Save Illinois..ILLINOISQuick hits: Illinois news in brief for Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021The Center SquareFeb 17, 2021Pritzker declares disaster after snowstormsILLINOISNonprofit takes issue with state, local government budget reportingBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 17, 2021(The Center Square) – A nonpartisan think tank is taking issue with the way state and local governments present their budgets.ILLINOISPolicy expert says carjackings in Illinois a symptom of pandemicBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 16, 2021(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday on the effect justice reforms have on public safety, including one expert who said a rise in carjackings was a result of the pandemic.ILLINOISAmid persistent backlogs, some want to tighten up Illinois’ FOID card while others want it repealedBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 16, 2021(The Center Square) – With a proposal in the U.S. Congress to require people to get a license from the government to buy a firearm, some are pointing to Illinois’ Firearm Owner Identification Card law as obsolete.ILLINOISPritzker declares statewide disaster for Illinois as sub-zero temperatures crunch energy supplyBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 16, 2021(The Center Square) – The extreme winter weather and sub-zero temperatures are causing power outages in some areas and natural gas price spikes in others.ILLINOISNew Census delays could put Illinois’ primary date in questionBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 16, 2021(The Center Square) – With the U.S. Census now pushing back the expected date of their decennial release of information into the window of the 2022 primary election process, Illinois’ political remapping process is facing new uncertainties.ILLINOISQuick hits: Illinois news in brief for Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021The Center SquareFeb 16, 2021Illinois digs out after snow stormILLINOISIllinois GOP calls for hearings before cuts to state agenciesBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 15, 2021(The Center Square) – With Gov. J.B. Pritzker preparing to deliver his budget address Wednesday, lawmakers are sounding off on what may be in store.ILLINOISIllinois committee could take up ‘Culturally Responsive’ teaching standards WednesdayBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 15, 2021(The Center Square) – Controversial teaching standards that the Illinois State Board of Education has filed could come up Wednesday in a legislative committee.ILLINOISTOP STORYAs most Illinois schools are 100% remote or in a hybrid model, some teachers reluctant to get COVID-19 vaccinationBy Kevin Bessler | The Center SquareFeb 15, 2021(The Center Square) – As Illinois goes through Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination plan, some educators are refusing to roll up their sleeves to receive their first dose.ILLINOISSchimpf announces bid for Republican nomination for governor in 2022 electionBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 15, 2021(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker hasn’t announced if he’ll run for a second term, but that hasn’t stopped Republicans from testing the waters for the November 2022 election.ILLINOISStudy ranks northern Illinois city as best in state for new homebuyersBy Scot Bertram | The Center SquareFeb 15, 2021(The Center Square) – Rockford has been ranked as the top city in Illinois for new homebuyers.ILLINOISQuick hits: Illinois news in brief for Monday, Feb. 15, 2021The Center SquareFeb 15, 2021Schimpf plans to run for governorILLINOISDespite less traffic, thousands cited for breaking Move Over lawBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 15, 2021(The Center Square) – Illinois’ first annual Move Over Report says state policies should be strengthened to better protect first responders and travelers who have parked off the side of the roadway.ILLINOISIllinois taxpayers paying former lawmakers $2.1 million a month from underfunded pension systemBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 14, 2021(The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers pay more than $2.1 million a month to retired part-time state legislators or their surviving spouses from a fund that’s only 16% funded. The individual monthly payouts are as high as $18,000 per month. Some pensioners aren’t actually retired but still…ILLINOISEligibility changes raise questions about ‘vaccine tourism’ in IllinoisBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 12, 2021(The Center Square) — When Illinois’ COVID-19 vaccination program expands eligibility to allow for anyone with an underlying health condition to get in line for a shot, the state’s most populous county said it won’t follow suit, something that could send hundreds of thousands into lines in s…ILLINOISPritzker faces questions from Democrats, Republicans ahead of budget addressBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 12, 2021(The Center Square) – With Gov. J.B. Pritzker preparing to deliver his budget address Wednesday, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are sounding off on the few details that have been released.ILLINOISGeologist: Earthquake threat in Illinois is realBy Elyse Kelly | The Center SquareFeb 12, 2021(The Center Square) – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is promoting earthquake preparedness for the month of February.ILLINOISQuick hits: Illinois news in brief for Friday, Feb. 12, 2021The Center SquareFeb 12, 2021Senate schedules more hearings for next weekINDIANATOP STORYIndiana lawmakers propose up to $8,500 payments for remote workers to move to stateBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 12, 2021(The Center Square) – Indiana lawmakers want to offer thousands of dollars to encourage remote workers from states such as Illinois to become Hoosiers.ILLINOISCitizens, businesses await action on challenges to Pritzker's COVID restrictions as judge accuses governor of venue shoppingBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 11, 2021(The Center Square) – With 12 full months of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s COVID-19 executive orders, citizens, businesses and their attorneys are waiting to see what the Illinois Supreme Court will do about their lawsuits challenging the governor's restrictions.ILLINOISTOP STORYPritzker’s plan to move IDOC jobs from Springfield violates state law, representatives sayBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 11, 2021(The Center Square) – The Pritzker administration is keeping details of a new privately funded corrections training facility in Macon County close to the vest.ILLINOISIllinois didn’t claw back any BIG grants for noncompliance with Pritzker's closure ordersBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 11, 2021(The Center Square) – State agency officials responsible for giving out business aid grants said they had yet to punish any business for noncompliance with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s COVID-19 mitigation orders.ILLINOISPolice group says body cameras useful for evidence gathering, but could prove costlyBy Zeta Cross | The Center SquareFeb 11, 2021(The Center Square) – The goal is to have every Illinois police officer and state trooper wearing a body camera by 2025, if a proposal passed by lawmakers in January is signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker this spring.ILLINOIS11 ICU admissions for flu in Illinois since SeptemberBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 11, 2021(The Center Square) – The common flu isn’t so common this season as the COVID-19 pandemic continues on.ILLINOISQuick hits: Illinois news in brief for Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021The Center SquareFeb 11, 202138,000 people in Illinois file for unemployment benefitsILLINOISWIREWinnetka ranks the best suburb in Illinois, study findsThe Center SquareFeb 11, 2021(The Center Square) — Based on a ranking consisting of 11 measurements, including income levels, crime rates and commute times, Winnetka is the most desirable Illinois suburb in which to live, according to a 24/7 Wall St. analysis published in January.ILLINOISIllinois treatment centers call for Biden to allow for more availability of popular opioid treatmentBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 10, 2021(The Center Square) – The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the opioid pandemic and calls are growing to remove red tape and make a popular treatment more widely available.ILLINOISDry cleaners in Illinois adjust to work-from-home lifeBy Kyle Kimball | The Center SquareFeb 10, 2021(The Center Square) – Forget Christmas.ILLINOISIllinois unemployment offices remain closed due, in part, to ‘threats of violence’By Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 10, 2021(The Center Square) – In addition to concerns about COVID-19 transmission, Illinois’ top unemployment officer says the agency's offices remain closed due to threats of violence.ILLINOISDespite continued criticism, Pritzker touts vaccine rollout, plans to expand Phase 1B later this monthBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 10, 2021(The Center Square) – In nearly two months' time, Illinois public health officials report more than 2.5 percent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but some continue to say more needs to be done.ILLINOISTOP STORYIllinois could get $13.2 billion from federal government, $7.5 billion for state, $5.7 billion for localsBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 10, 2021(The Center Square) –Illinois’ forthcoming budget from Gov. J.B. Pritzker won’t include tax increases, but continues historic levels of spending while relying on federal funding, sweeping funds from cigarette taxes and other budget maneuvers.ILLINOISQuick hits: Illinois news in brief for Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021The Center SquareFeb 10, 2021Illinois lawmakers re-file green energy package but Exelon no longer supports itILLINOISTOP STORYIllinois lawmaker proposes tax break for employee raisesBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 10, 2021(The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker is making another attempt to grant tax breaks for small businesses that give raises to their employees.ILLINOISTOP STORYIllinois lawmakers re-file green energy package but Exelon no longer supports itBy Cole Lauterbach | The Center SquareFeb 9, 2021(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers unveiled their “new and improved” version of an expansive green energy overhaul but Illinois’ largest electrical utility is no longer on board.ILLINOISTOP STORYIllinois House set to approve rules Republicans say still gives speaker too much powerBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 9, 2021(The Center Square) – The Illinois House returns to the State Capitol in Springfield for the first time in nearly a year Wednesday, and they’ll take up rules that govern House proceedings.ILLINOISTOP STORYAs Illinois Senate committee prepares hearing on unemployment, employers and employees want answersBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 9, 2021(The Center Square) – A virtual hearing Wednesday of the Illinois Senate Labor Committee will focus on the issue of unemployment insurance. A group representing small and independent employers has some major concerns they hope are addressed.ILLINOISTOP STORYDurbin disappointed Biden asks U.S. attorney investigating ComEd bribery scheme to resignBy Greg Bishop | The Center SquareFeb 9, 2021(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is disappointed President Joe Biden asked the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois to resign. That same attorney is investigating and prosecuting the ComEd bribery scheme implicating former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.TRENDINGReport finds Illinois ranks as second most corrupt statePritzker says he closed Illinois’ budget gap. Does that change the state’s need for billions of federal dollars?Trump-appointed U.S. attorney investigating bribery scheme implicating former Illinois House Speaker to be retained by BidenIllinois’ population decline becomes issue in governor’s race more than 20 months outGroups already calling for changes to sweeping police bill Pritzker signedGet Illinois stories delivered straight to your inbox.First NameLast NameEmail AddressZip Code