{"id":173503,"date":"2022-08-02T15:18:28","date_gmt":"2022-08-02T20:18:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/?page_id=173503"},"modified":"2024-08-15T17:09:43","modified_gmt":"2024-08-15T22:09:43","slug":"corruption","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/corruption\/","title":{"rendered":"Corruption"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"173503\" class=\"elementor elementor-173503\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5a2feb8 elementor-section-stretched elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5a2feb8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;stretch_section&quot;:&quot;section-stretched&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-aed62c8\" data-id=\"aed62c8\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1cf749 elementor-grid-3 elementor-grid-tablet-2 elementor-grid-mobile-1 elementor-posts--thumbnail-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-posts\" data-id=\"f1cf749\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;classic_masonry&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pagination_type&quot;:&quot;load_more_infinite_scroll&quot;,&quot;classic_columns&quot;:&quot;3&quot;,&quot;classic_columns_tablet&quot;:&quot;2&quot;,&quot;classic_columns_mobile&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;classic_row_gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:35,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;classic_row_gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;classic_row_gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;load_more_spinner&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;fas fa-spinner&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;fa-solid&quot;}}\" data-widget_type=\"posts.classic\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-posts-container elementor-posts elementor-posts--skin-classic elementor-grid\" role=\"list\">\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-257142 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-chicago-issues category-corruption category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/the-ballys-ripoff-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tThe Bally&#8217;s ripoff \u2013 Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tMay 13, 2025\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t8 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Roulette.png\" width=\"555\" height=\"368\" \/>While Bally\u2019s explicit racism was clearly unconstitutional, it wasn\u2019t what really bothered us about its securities offering. What really got us was that it was sold by Chicago officials as an opportunity for them to build \u201cgenerational wealth\u201d and was a \u201cbenefit to the black community.\u201d Hogwash. The offering is complex and risky as hell, from everything we can calculate.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/the-ballys-ripoff-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about The Bally&#8217;s ripoff \u2013 Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-238958 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-budget-tax category-corruption category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/illinois-lawmakers-pay-themselves-nearly-100k-for-a-bottom-of-the-barrel-performance-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tIllinois lawmakers pay themselves nearly $100K for a bottom-of-the-barrel performance \u2013 Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tJuly 10, 2024\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t29 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-214915 \" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Pritzker-Welch-Harmon.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"557\" height=\"364\" \/>Illinois lawmakers continue to reward themselves handsomely for failure. Illinois ranks among the worst nationally on a host of financial, economic and taxation metrics, and yet the same lawmakers that put Illinois in that position keep hiking their own pay, pushing their total compensation well above $100,000 for what is effectively part-time work.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/illinois-lawmakers-pay-themselves-nearly-100k-for-a-bottom-of-the-barrel-performance-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Illinois lawmakers pay themselves nearly $100K for a bottom-of-the-barrel performance \u2013 Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-237818 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-chicago-news category-corruption\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/chicago-aldermen-exploring-new-city-taxes-and-fees-to-boost-revenue-chicago-tribune-yahoo\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tChicago aldermen exploring new city taxes and fees to boost revenue &#8211; Chicago Tribune\/Yahoo\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tJune 21, 2024\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t22 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p>A Google survey circulated by Ald. Will Hall, head of the Subcommittee on Revenue, asked aldermen to respond \u201cYes\u201d or \u201cNo\u201d to the following ideas: \u201cSales Tax on Services; Property Tax (CPI Increase); Monthly\/Wireless Plan Tax; Increase in LGDF Share; Head Tax; Alcohol Tax; Checking Bag Tax; Video Gaming Tax; Grocery Tax; City Sticker Increase; Congestion Tax; Income Tax Surcharge; Package Tax; Vacant Lot Tax; Ticket Reseller Amusement Tax; Enterprise Zones.\u201d<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/chicago-aldermen-exploring-new-city-taxes-and-fees-to-boost-revenue-chicago-tribune-yahoo\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Chicago aldermen exploring new city taxes and fees to boost revenue &#8211; Chicago Tribune\/Yahoo\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-219806 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-chicago-issues category-corruption category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/to-speed-chicagos-lead-pipe-replacement-end-the-obscene-overcharge-its-paying-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tTo speed Chicago&#8217;s lead pipe replacement, end the obscene overcharge it&#8217;s paying &#8211; Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tDecember 8, 2023\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t24 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-219817 \" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/lead-bad-water-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"559\" height=\"315\" \/>Pay what&#8217;s reasonable to get more pipes replaced more quickly. Instead, Chicago is paying multiples of what it should cost. It&#8217;s inexcusable.<\/span><\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/to-speed-chicagos-lead-pipe-replacement-end-the-obscene-overcharge-its-paying-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about To speed Chicago&#8217;s lead pipe replacement, end the obscene overcharge it&#8217;s paying &#8211; Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-212747 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-education category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/governor-pritzker-should-put-up-or-pipe-down-on-false-claims-about-carnival-barkers-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tGovernor Pritzker, put up or pipe down on false\u00a0claims about \u2018carnival barkers\u2019 &#8211; Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tAugust 22, 2023\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t66 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-202895 \" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Pritzker-2-16-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"386\" \/>Gov. JB Pritzker\u2019s fact-indifferent routine for dismissing criticism reached a new low last week. \u201cCarnival barkers,\u201d his standard response to any critics, apparently now includes the Wall Street Journal, or at least sources like Wirepoints that they cite.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/governor-pritzker-should-put-up-or-pipe-down-on-false-claims-about-carnival-barkers-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Governor Pritzker, put up or pipe down on false\u00a0claims about \u2018carnival barkers\u2019 &#8211; Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-211434 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/end-of-whistleblower-proceeding-on-jenny-thornley-matter-illustrates-limited-value-of-whistleblower-law-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tEnd of whistleblower proceeding on Jenny Thornley matter illustrates limited value of whistleblower law &#8211; Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tAugust 1, 2023\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t13 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-203887 \" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/thornley-pritzker-daily-wire-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"385\" \/>An Illinois appellate panel last week affirmed a trial court ruling dismissing Emily Fox&#8217;s whistleblower action in the Jenny Thornley saga that we&#8217;ve covered closely.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/end-of-whistleblower-proceeding-on-jenny-thornley-matter-illustrates-limited-value-of-whistleblower-law-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about End of whistleblower proceeding on Jenny Thornley matter illustrates limited value of whistleblower law &#8211; Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-184163 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-chicago-issues category-corruption category-education category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/forget-reading-and-math-chicagos-lightfoot-wants-cps-students-working-on-her-reelection-campaign\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tForget reading and math. Chicago\u2019s Lightfoot wants CPS students working on her reelection campaign. \u2013 Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tJanuary 14, 2023\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t56 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-150724 \" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Lightfoot.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"559\" height=\"406\" \/>A possible ethics slip-up involving attempted recruitment of Chicago Public Schools students into incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot\u2019s re-election effort may or may not result in formal findings against her campaign, but it sorely underscores her misplaced priorities in education and ethics as her tumultuous first term draws to a close.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/forget-reading-and-math-chicagos-lightfoot-wants-cps-students-working-on-her-reelection-campaign\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Forget reading and math. Chicago\u2019s Lightfoot wants CPS students working on her reelection campaign. \u2013 Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-179430 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/plaintiffs-step-up-fight-for-cases-to-be-heard-in-jenny-thornley-scandal-but-attorney-general-kwame-raoul-still-covering-it-up-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tPlaintiffs Step Up Fight For Cases To Be Heard in Jenny Thornley Scandal But Attorney General Kwame Raoul Still Covering It Up &#8211; Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tOctober 27, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t14 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-179438 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/roul-thornley-pritzker-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"559\" height=\"286\" \/>Why would Raoul be covering up a scandal that points directly to Pritzker&#8217;s office? Surely it has nothing to do with Pritzker\u2019s campaign <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagotribune.com\/politics\/elections\/ct-jb-pritzker-alexi-giannoulias-campaign-contributions-20220929-gv2jwsbyhndhjbiwppaz3xtbbe-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">giving<\/a> Raoul\u2019s reelection effort $1 million this year and $3 million to his initial election in 2018, right? Not in Illinois.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/plaintiffs-step-up-fight-for-cases-to-be-heard-in-jenny-thornley-scandal-but-attorney-general-kwame-raoul-still-covering-it-up-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Plaintiffs Step Up Fight For Cases To Be Heard in Jenny Thornley Scandal But Attorney General Kwame Raoul Still Covering It Up &#8211; Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-175259 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/pritzker-said-there-should-be-accountability-for-workers-comp-fraud-where-is-that-for-jenny-thornley-and-pritzkers-staff-wirepoints-quicktake\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tPritzker said there should be accountability for worker&#8217;s comp fraud. Where is that for Jenny Thornley and Pritzker&#8217;s staff? &#8211; Wirepoints QuickTake\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tAugust 30, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t6 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-173372\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Raoul-Pritzker-7-22.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"335\" \/>&#8220;If somebody committed workman\u2019s comp fraud, they should be held accountable,\u201d Gov. JB Pritzker said about allegations respecting Jenny Thornley and Pritzker&#8217;s staff. Where&#8217;s the accountability?<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/pritzker-said-there-should-be-accountability-for-workers-comp-fraud-where-is-that-for-jenny-thornley-and-pritzkers-staff-wirepoints-quicktake\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Pritzker said there should be accountability for worker&#8217;s comp fraud. Where is that for Jenny Thornley and Pritzker&#8217;s staff? &#8211; Wirepoints QuickTake\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-173472 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-mediahits category-pritzker category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/we-need-more-answers-and-less-deflection-about-the-jenny-thornley-affair-wirepoints-on-890-wls\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tWe need more answers and less deflection about the Jenny Thornley affair \u2013 Wirepoints on 890 WLS\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tAugust 3, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t3 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/P-2315.png\" width=\"556\" height=\"327\" \/>Wirepoints&#8217; Mark Glennon and the Steve Cochran Show discuss the Jenny Thornley affair and how Kwame Raoul and Gov. Pritzker laughed off the serious questions brought by NBC5&#8217;s Mary Ann Ahern.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/we-need-more-answers-and-less-deflection-about-the-jenny-thornley-affair-wirepoints-on-890-wls\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about We need more answers and less deflection about the Jenny Thornley affair \u2013 Wirepoints on 890 WLS\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-173359 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-pritzker category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/deeper-into-the-hole-he-dug-for-himself-goes-attorney-general-kwame-raoul-on-the-jenny-thornley-matter-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tDeeper into the hole he dug goes Attorney General Kwame Raoul on the Jenny Thornley matter &#8211; Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tAugust 1, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t37 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-173372\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Raoul-Pritzker-7-22.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"335\" \/><\/p> <p>Here&#8217;s the latest film-flam on the Jenny Thornley matter. Smirking questions off the they way you can see Raoul and Pritzker do in the video won&#8217;t fly.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/deeper-into-the-hole-he-dug-for-himself-goes-attorney-general-kwame-raoul-on-the-jenny-thornley-matter-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Deeper into the hole he dug goes Attorney General Kwame Raoul on the Jenny Thornley matter &#8211; Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-173016 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-criminal-justice category-pritzker category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/questions-mount-over-pritzker-administrations-involvement-in-thornleys-alleged-fraud-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tQuestions Mount Over Pritzker Administration&#8217;s Involvement In Thornley&#8217;s Alleged Fraud \u2013 UPDATED &#8211; Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tJuly 27, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t14 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-156927\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/thornley-pritzker-cropped.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"447\" \/>The Pritzker Administration has offered no answers and the questions have become still more serious thanks to additional allegations and evidence in a whistleblower lawsuit recently unsealed and made public.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/questions-mount-over-pritzker-administrations-involvement-in-thornleys-alleged-fraud-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Questions Mount Over Pritzker Administration&#8217;s Involvement In Thornley&#8217;s Alleged Fraud \u2013 UPDATED &#8211; Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-172083 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-chicago-issues category-corruption category-criminal-justice category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/the-sickening-laundry-list-of-corruption-cases-in-illinois-continues-to-grow-is-this-any-way-to-govern-a-state-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tThe sickening laundry list of corruption cases in Illinois continues to grow. Is this any way to govern a state? \u2013 Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tJuly 12, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t41 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-172090 \" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/corruption.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"550\" height=\"434\" \/>\u201cThe sheer number and political stature of the Illinois elected officials and business leaders who were implicated, indicted or convicted in 2020 is staggering.\u201d How much longer will Illinois &#8211; and especially Cook County taxpayers &#8211; accept public thievery as part of the due course of things?<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/the-sickening-laundry-list-of-corruption-cases-in-illinois-continues-to-grow-is-this-any-way-to-govern-a-state-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about The sickening laundry list of corruption cases in Illinois continues to grow. Is this any way to govern a state? \u2013 Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-171337 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-chicago-issues category-corruption category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/want-to-kick-out-kim-foxx-first-demand-a-statewide-rule-to-allow-the-recall-of-local-officials-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tWant to kick out Kim Foxx? First, demand a statewide rule to allow the recall of local officials \u2013 Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tJune 29, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t42 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/KFoxx-WE.jpg\" width=\"559\" height=\"293\" \/>The idea of a recall has been discussed, but in Illinois there\u2019s no statewide process for a recall vote of a public official like Foxx. Compare that to San Francisco, where they just booted their DA in a recall vote in June.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/want-to-kick-out-kim-foxx-first-demand-a-statewide-rule-to-allow-the-recall-of-local-officials-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Want to kick out Kim Foxx? First, demand a statewide rule to allow the recall of local officials \u2013 Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-171141 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-out-migration category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/illinois-has-been-bleeding-its-wealthiest-residents-for-years-now-its-ken-griffins-turn-to-leave-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tIllinois has been bleeding its wealthiest residents for years. Now it\u2019s Ken Griffin\u2019s turn to leave. \u2013 Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tJune 25, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t9 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-171150 \" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Citadel.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"556\" height=\"407\" \/>\u201cFirst and foremost, respect the taxpayer. Start losing taxpayers and it\u2019s a downward spiral from there.\u201d Illinois politicians aren\u2019t heeding that advice. Now their failures are pushing out the state\u2019s wealthiest resident. Ken Griffin is moving to Florida and he\u2019s taking his company, Citadel, with him.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/illinois-has-been-bleeding-its-wealthiest-residents-for-years-now-its-ken-griffins-turn-to-leave-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Illinois has been bleeding its wealthiest residents for years. Now it\u2019s Ken Griffin\u2019s turn to leave. \u2013 Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-171170 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-out-migration category-pritzker category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/the-illinois-political-establishments-shameful-response-to-the-departure-of-ken-griffin-and-citadel-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tThe Illinois Political Establishment\u2019s Shameful Response To The Departure Of Ken Griffin And Citadel &#8211; Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tJune 25, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t47 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-171175\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Evolving-Planet.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"559\" height=\"335\" \/>So here we are. Illinois is now more equal. And poorer. The political establishment has one less opponent to worry about. The planet indeed evolves, as Griffin\u2019s wing at the Field Museum shows. Just not always for the better.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/the-illinois-political-establishments-shameful-response-to-the-departure-of-ken-griffin-and-citadel-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about The Illinois Political Establishment\u2019s Shameful Response To The Departure Of Ken Griffin And Citadel &#8211; Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-170695 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-pritzker category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/1-9-billion-of-illinois-unemployment-insurance-fraud-reported-in-new-audit-but-full-scope-of-the-fiasco-is-likely-vastly-higher-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\t$1.9 billion of Illinois unemployment insurance fraud reported in new audit, but full scope of the fiasco is likely vastly higher &#8211; Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tJune 17, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t28 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-170718\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/ides3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" \/>A new, independent audit conducted for the Illinois Auditor General found that Illinois lost to fraud <em>over half<\/em> of $3.6 billion of federal money that went to the state for it to administer under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (PUA) &#8212; $1.9 billion lost to fraud. But there&#8217;s far more.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/1-9-billion-of-illinois-unemployment-insurance-fraud-reported-in-new-audit-but-full-scope-of-the-fiasco-is-likely-vastly-higher-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about $1.9 billion of Illinois unemployment insurance fraud reported in new audit, but full scope of the fiasco is likely vastly higher &#8211; Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-168908 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-mediahits category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/illinoisans-pay-the-nations-highest-property-taxes-but-dont-get-quality-services-instead-we-get-more-debt-crime-and-corruption-wirepoints-on-with-wvons-perri-small\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tIllinoisans pay the nation&#8217;s highest property taxes but don&#8217;t get quality services. Instead we get more debt, crime and corruption. \u2013 Wirepoints on with WVON\u2019s Perri Small\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tMay 20, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t17 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-85148 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Home-sale.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"558\" height=\"471\" \/>Ted Dabrowski appeared on The Perri Small Show to discuss Wirepoints&#8217; latest report: &#8220;Thirty years of pain: Illinoisans suffer as property tax bills grow far faster than household incomes, home values&#8221;. Ted pointed out that any way you cut them, the property taxes Illinoisans pay are punitive.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/illinoisans-pay-the-nations-highest-property-taxes-but-dont-get-quality-services-instead-we-get-more-debt-crime-and-corruption-wirepoints-on-with-wvons-perri-small\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Illinoisans pay the nation&#8217;s highest property taxes but don&#8217;t get quality services. Instead we get more debt, crime and corruption. \u2013 Wirepoints on with WVON\u2019s Perri Small\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-168797 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-corruption category-pritzker category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/epic-unemployment-insurance-fraud-during-pandemic-is-still-being-stonewalled-by-state-of-illinois-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tEpic unemployment insurance fraud during pandemic is still being stonewalled by State of Illinois &#8211; Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tMay 18, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t21 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-127784\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/ides-logo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"561\" height=\"437\" \/>How unemployment claims were mismanaged during the COVID pandemic is shaping up as a monumental fiasco. It&#8217;s therefore no surprise that the State of Illinois is stonewalling the facts about its share of the problem so aggressively.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/epic-unemployment-insurance-fraud-during-pandemic-is-still-being-stonewalled-by-state-of-illinois-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Epic unemployment insurance fraud during pandemic is still being stonewalled by State of Illinois &#8211; Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-168356 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-chicago-issues category-corruption category-criminal-justice category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/a-weary-chicagoan-retreats-and-hopes-for-better-times-ahead-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tA weary Chicagoan retreats, and hopes for better times ahead \u2013 Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tMay 11, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t98 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-168357 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Chicago-shore.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"559\" height=\"348\" \/>Several Chicagoans we\u2019ve spoken to recently have said they feel their city is being stolen from them, and they want it back. But real political leadership has gone missing and their patience is wearing thin.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/a-weary-chicagoan-retreats-and-hopes-for-better-times-ahead-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about A weary Chicagoan retreats, and hopes for better times ahead \u2013 Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-167993 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-budget-tax category-corruption category-out-migration category-pritzker category-wp-original-stories\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/covid-bailouts-have-papered-over-illinois-fiscal-mess-but-they-cant-hide-illinois-gdp-employment-and-population-failures-wirepoints\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tThe Covid bailouts can paper over Illinois\u2019 fiscal mess, but they can\u2019t hide Illinois\u2019 GDP, employment and population failures \u2013 Wirepoints\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__meta-data\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-date\">\n\t\t\tMay 5, 2022\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-avatar\">\n\t\t\t5 Comments\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__excerpt\">\n\t\t\t<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/eadn-wc01-3158345.nxedge.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pritzker-2022-1.jpeg\" width=\"557\" height=\"464\" \/>While \u201cfree\u201d federal money might make Illinois\u2019 finances look better temporarily, the state continues to struggle where it really matters \u2013 economic growth and job creation. Since the beginning of 2019 when Gov. Pritzker took office, Illinois has continued to lag most of the nation in GDP growth and its unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the country.<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/covid-bailouts-have-papered-over-illinois-fiscal-mess-but-they-cant-hide-illinois-gdp-employment-and-population-failures-wirepoints\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about The Covid bailouts can paper over Illinois\u2019 fiscal mess, but they can\u2019t hide Illinois\u2019 GDP, employment and population failures \u2013 Wirepoints\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-load-more-spinner\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-spinner\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M304 48c0 26.51-21.49 48-48 48s-48-21.49-48-48 21.49-48 48-48 48 21.49 48 48zm-48 368c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48-21.49-48-48-48zm208-208c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48-21.49-48-48-48zM96 256c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48S0 229.49 0 256s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48zm12.922 99.078c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48c0-26.509-21.491-48-48-48zm294.156 0c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48c0-26.509-21.49-48-48-48zM108.922 60.922c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48 48-21.49 48-48-21.491-48-48-48z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-load-more-anchor\" data-page=\"1\" data-max-page=\"3\" data-next-page=\"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/173503\/page\/2\/\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-load-more-message\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By: Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner It\u2019s amazing what nearly $200 billion in federal COVID aid can do to paper over a state\u2019s crumbling finances. Illinois\u2019 state tax revenues are temporarily at record levels, the unpaid bills backlog has been cut and Illinois even saw its credit rating saved from the precipice of junk. Comptroller Susana Mendoza recently called the state\u2019s changed circumstances an \u201cabsolutely remarkable turnaround.\u201d\u00a0 But while \u201cfree\u201d federal money might make Illinois\u2019 finances look better temporarily, the state continues to struggle where it really matters \u2013\u00a0economic growth and job creation.\u00a0 Since the beginning of 2019 when Gov.","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-173503","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-09-19 09:45:31","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"frm_application","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/173503","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=173503"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/173503\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":226076,"href":"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/173503\/revisions\/226076"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wirepoints.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=173503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}