As Madden NFL 27 launches, featuring the Bears’ Caleb Williams, what’s next for Soldier Field?
As Madden NFL 27 launches, featuring the Bears’ Caleb Williams, what’s next for Soldier Field?
The video game series has the Bears QB on the cover, a first for the team.
By Grace Hansen, Nathan Miller
High taxes vs. low taxes: Which states are winning the population war?
High taxes vs. low taxes: Which states are winning the population war?
Illinois families say curbing high taxes is a top issue, and the state is losing loads of residents.
By Shaw Carlson
83% of online commenters oppose proposed toll hikes
83% of online commenters oppose proposed toll hikes
The Illinois Tollway board could vote as soon as next week on a proposal that would include the largest passenger toll increase in state history.
By Ethan Soifer
Northwestern’s new Ryan Field enjoys the school’s 1855 exemption from property taxes
Northwestern’s new Ryan Field enjoys the school’s 1855 exemption from property taxes
Several aldermen recently made an initial attempt at getting around the school’s big exemption, but it didn’t advance.
By Riya Kapoor
Illinois’ back-to-school sales tax break provides relief for 10 days
Illinois’ back-to-school sales tax break provides relief for 10 days
The state will slash its sales tax for 10 days this month.
By Shaw Carlson
Chicago charges a 10.25% tax to stream a Cubs game
Chicago charges a 10.25% tax to stream a Cubs game
The city raised the streaming tax last year and maintains a 9% amusement tax on tickets.
By Grace Hansen
Johnson’s relocation fee threatens affordable rentals
Johnson’s relocation fee threatens affordable rentals
A proposed ordinance would force landlords to pay tenants thousands to end a lease. The mandate risks higher rents and fewer affordable units.
By LyLena Estabine
Almost 40% of lawmakers who passed Pritzker’s automatic gas tax hikes no longer in office
Almost 40% of lawmakers who passed Pritzker’s automatic gas tax hikes no longer in office
Of the 131 who voted for the increases in 2019, 51 aren’t in the General Assembly today.
By Rich Witzel
Naperville could scrap grocery tax in favor of higher sales tax
Naperville could scrap grocery tax in favor of higher sales tax
Revenue is falling short of expectations from the grocery tax, which was enacted after Gov. J.B. Pritzker repealed the state grocery tax.
By Jessica Rehberg
Updated: Chicago Public Schools has a new $10 billion budget. How have its finances become such a mess?
Updated: Chicago Public Schools has a new $10 billion budget. How have its finances become such a mess?
The CPS budget proposal relies on hundreds of millions in fund sweeps to “balance.” Despite layoffs, CPS payrolls grew compared with last year and remain 8,250 higher than 2020 levels despite fewer students.
By Bryce Hill
Is Lollapalooza music to the tax man’s ears?
Is Lollapalooza music to the tax man’s ears?
Chicago’s biggest music event brings in millions in revenue for the city, but tickets to the lakefront festival carry the amusement taxes and overnight visitors pay the nation’s highest hotel tax.
By Grace Hansen
Sales tax increase to pay for CTA, Metra, Pace problems
Sales tax increase to pay for CTA, Metra, Pace problems
A sales tax increase for the Regional Transportation Authority, soon to replaced by the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, takes effect Aug. 1.
By Lilly Rossi